February 19, 2007
FPL Energy and Texas College to Train Wind Engineers
Juno Beach, Florida [RenewableEnergyAccess.com]
FPL Energy, LLC, has formed a partnership with Texas State Technical College (TSTC) West Texas to educate and train students in wind turbine technology in an effort to meet the increased demand for highly skilled employees in the wind energy business in Texas -- and throughout the region.
"As the largest owner and operator of wind turbines in Texas and throughout the world, having a well trained workforce is critically important to our future growth and ultimate success."-- Manny Sanchez, FPL Energy, VP Wind Operations
As part of the partnership, FPL Energy will assist TSTC West Texas with its curriculum by offering subject matter experts and faculty adjuncts; allow opportunities for participants to interact with FPL Energy wind experts on and off campus; provide paid internships within FPL Energy wind operations; and work with the college to secure the equipment and other resources necessary for laboratory facilities.
"We are thrilled to be partnering with the Texas State Technical College West Texas on this important educational program," said Manny Sanchez, vice president, Wind Operations for FPL Energy. "As the largest owner and operator of wind turbines in Texas and throughout the world, having a well trained workforce is critically important to our future growth and ultimate success."TSTC West Texas currently offers a two-year degree developed by TSTC faculty in collaboration with program advisory group members of the wind industry including FPL Energy.
TSTC West Texas will identify and recruit candidates for the program, handle all marketing efforts related to the program, provide service learning opportunities in the community and develop curriculum that meets the needs of FPL Energy.FPL Energy, through its subsidiaries, invested nearly $1 billion in Texas wind projects in 2006 and currently has 11 wind farms in operation in the state. With a net capacity of more than 1,600 megawatts. FPL Energy owned wind projects in Texas generated more than 3.6 million megawatt hours of electricity in 2006.
