The Process Technology Program is designed to provide the skills needed for the traditional oil and gas, electrical and processing industries, as well as other forms of energy. NOC has expanded its offerings to target the skills needed by the expanding industry base, according to school officials.
The wind and renewables classes begin Monday. This program developed in conjunction with the local wind energy partners such as Enel Green Power, and has resulted in job opportunities for students participating in the program.
Frankie Wood-Black, division chair overseeing the program, said wind energy partners, as well as other renewable energy opportunities, are growing in Northern Oklahoma. She said with recent announcements related to a solar project in Pryor, a battery recycling project in Pryor, and the expansion in solar farms, the opportunities for students are growing.
She said people who want to participate in all aspects of these programs, which require similar skills as the traditional process technology program, should consider taking the Introduction to Wind class this fall, as it will introduce students to the variety of opportunities that are available.
"This is an exciting time to be entering the industry," she said. "The opportunities are growing, and with the new projects announced, if you have the critical skills needed, you can be on the ground floor as this industry grows in our area."
Additionally, NOC has been developing courses in data analytics, and will be offering Data Analytics 1 during the Late 8 session starting Monday.
Data analytics help companies determine when it is time to change out equipment, Wood-Black said. Data analysts are needed by a variety of industries, and opportunities abound, she said.
NOC also has been working to provide hands-on opportunities for students looking to expand their career opportunities. This past summer NOC opened the new Renewables Classroom on the Tonkawa campus. There are opportunities for students to participate in high power rocketry, NASA research, renewable energy research, scientific competition teams in conjunction with Oklahoma State University and work on real-world problems associated with energy management.
For information about Northern Oklahoma College and its course offerings, call (580) 628-6208 or go online to the NOC website at www.noc.edu.
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