Bristol awarded $861,097 to launch offshore wind training program – Taunton Daily Gazette

FALL RIVER -- Bristol Community College is launching a new program geared toward careers in the United States offshore wind industry, the college announced in a press release Wednesday.

The Baker-Polito Administration on Tuesday announced $14.6 million in funding of Massachusetts Skills Capital Grants to 54 academic institutions, to acquire the newest technologies and most up-to-date equipment to best educate students and expand career education opportunities.

As part of that funding, Bristol was awarded $861,097 for an offshore wind energy training program.

"Bristols recent Skills Capital Grant supports the colleges commitment to being a leader of innovative offshore wind energy training, with cutting-edge technology and expert faculty, Bristol Community College President Laura L. Douglas said in the release. Bristol is proud to provide the in-demand technical skills and safety training required for high-paying careers in this emerging industry.

Bristol Community College's National Offshore Wind Institute will offer basic safety training and basic technical training programs certified by the Global Wind Organization, the release states.

"The Skills Capital Grant will supply the program with the training equipment necessary to offer these specialized certifications and achieve Global Wind Organization accreditation; essential to NOWI becoming a leader in offshore wind training," the release states.

NOWIs basic safety training modules will include first aid, manual handling, fire awareness, working at heights and sea survival. The basic technical training courses will focus on hydraulics, mechanical and electrical concepts, in regard to offshore wind.

Massachusetts Skills Capital Grants are awarded by Gov. Charlie Bakers Workforce Skills Cabinet, which was created in 2015 to strategize how to meet employers demand for skilled workers in every region of the state.

The competitive grants are awarded to educational institutions that demonstrate partnerships with local businesses and align curriculum and credentials with industry demand in order to maximize hiring opportunities in each region of the state. The 2018 Economic Development Bill, filed by Baker and passed by the Legislature, established an additional $75 million in Skills Capital Grant funding.

The US Department of Energy estimates 43,000 new jobs will be created in the offshore wind market by 2030. The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center recently published an assessment of the jobs and economic impacts associated with development of 1,600 megawatts in Massachusetts. That study estimated that over the next decade, offshore wind farms will create nearly 3,000 jobs and generate economic impacts between $1.2 billion and $2.1 billion in the region.

Alan Lowdon has been named director of strategic development for the Bristol program. Lowdon comes to Bristol with more than 20 years of experience in the offshore wind industry. He will formulate and implement the strategic plans for the creation of a Global Wind Organization-accredited offshore wind training center as the centerpiece of the National Offshore Wind Institut, according to Bristol's website.

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Bristol awarded $861,097 to launch offshore wind training program - Taunton Daily Gazette