HCC students find employment in alternative energy

shutterstock_30255100 Electrician.jpg [1]

shutterstock_30255100 Electrician.jpg [2]

Ten students from Hagerstown Community College recently found employment in the alternative energy field.

All 10 students are graduates or are currently enrolled in HCC’s alternative energy technology (AET) program and received training in solar, wind, or geothermal systems. Recently employed students include Jeff Grimes, of Smithsburg, and Stuart Smith, of Boonsboro, who were hired by Sustainable Energy Systems; Chris Dellinger and Ryan Ballard, both of Hagerstown, who were hired by Mountain View Solar; David Sanders, of Waynesboro, Pa., who was hired by Millennium 3 Energy; Larry Cool, of Hagerstown, who was hired by Manitowoc; Terry Mose, of Hagerstown, and Dale Findley, of Clear Spring, who were hired by Cinetic Landis; Carol Seipler, of Hagerstown, who was hired by Nexus Energy Homes; and David Smith, of Hagerstown, who was hired by Manpower to work on the Washington County solar farm project.

“I couldn’t be more proud of these students,” said Bonnie Saunders, internship and job services coordinator at HCC. “Several were either laid off or let go when the economy crashed. They learned about HCC’s program and saw a future in energy. Each one made personal sacrifices to be here and to obtain their degree or certificate. Now that they’ve been hired into this emerging field, they are thrilled, and we couldn’t be happier.”

“It’s good to see students entering careers in alternative energy and energy efficiency,” said Anthony Valente, coordinator and lead and instructor for HCC’s alternative energy program. “And it’s great to see other companies hiring HCC students for the technical and critical thinking skills acquired as part of the program.”

First launched in 2010, HCC’s AET program is designed to prepare students for entry into the rapidly growing field of renewable solar, wind, and geothermal energy technologies. HCC now offers various certificates in solar, wind, and geothermal energy technology, as well as an A.A.S. degree in alternative energy.