LOCAL WORKERS

"We have over 200 turbines (in the area), and we will probably have twice that many at some point, and it looks like the prediction is two technicians for every turbine is going to be required to keep things running smoothly," Padula said.

"We will need some technically trained people for this county who can keep those turbines running. Asking these people to come from somewhere else is just not realistic when many people in the community can be trained to do those repairs."

The 66-credit program, specifically geared toward turbine maintenance, has been submitted to the State University of New York and the State Education Department for approval.

"We can't advertise it until it is approved," Padula said. "So once that document is approved, we will be recruiting students."

The program will enable graduates to remain in technical careers in the field or go on to four-year degrees.

The companies building the wind parks have toured CCC's facilities and think the school could become "the center of excellence for this kind of training in the state of New York," Padula said.

"It is a pride I think we should have in Clinton County, and it is a pride Clinton Community College has in developing this program."

sbartlett@pressrepublican.com