Category Archives: Conferences

HydroVision International keynote: Hydropower boosts grid support to wind and solar

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At the annual HydroVision International conference, held July 23-25 in Portland OR, keynote speaker Janet Harron, COO of Bonneville Power, stressed the importance of telling the hydropower story. Harron said that hydropower is able to provide grid support to wind and solar, which are growing energy sources.

“We are looking at a world where hydropower has the winning combination, because it is 100 percent carbon free and dispatchable,” she said.

Harron also stressed the importance of workforce development and how the new generation of grid and hydro operators will bring new ideas to the technology.

Read more at Renewable Energy World.

Shoreline’s Solar Institute offers educators hands-on teaching experience

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Middle and high school STEM teachers can apply now for the Washington STEM Educator Solar Institute held Aug. 13-15 at Shoreline Community College.

The three-day training covers solar energy concepts that can be used in the classroom to engage student interest in green energy, and includes lesson plans, videos, and teaching resources to take home.

The priority deadline to apply is April 1.

For more information, see Washington STEM Educator Solar Institute.

HydroVision International, June 26-28

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HydroVision International logo

The world’s largest Hydropower event will take place June 26-28, 2018, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

HydroVision International will provide recent graduates and job seekers with career information in renewable energy and green technology industries. Over 300 companies from around the world will be on hand recruiting new hires. Attendees will have access to more than 3,000 careers in computer technology, mechanical engineering, infrastructure redevelopment, biology, electrical engineering, and water resources management.

The Hydro Research Foundation and Hiring for Hydro program will provide information, and scholarships will be available for eligible registrants. For more information and to apply, see Hydro Young Professionals and HydroVision Hiring for Hydro announcement.

Hiring for Hydro

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Hiring for Hydro logoHiring for Hydro is a recruiting and educational event for new workforce entrants in the hydropower industry in the Pacific Northwest. Students, educators, hydro companies and their recruiters meet to network and recruit a future workforce. This year’s event takes place on Feb. 21 at the Marriott Downtown Waterfront Hotel, 1401 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97201. For more information, go to the Hydro Research Foundation website.

Event Agenda

  • Learn about exciting advances in hydropower.
  • Network with others interested in renewable energy.
  • Awards luncheon – potential to receive industry scholarship awards for students.
  • Hear from experts about the abundant career opportunities in the industry.
  • Meet with industry recruiters.
  • Participate in an education session where you will be provided with interviewing guidance and best practice, hydropower resources from industry professionals, and guidance with your elevator speech.

The Original Renewable Energy: Hydropower Industry is Creating Jobs

Hydro Research Foundation logoThe hydropower industry employs over 300,000 workers. With an expanding fleet of hydropower resources and a retiring workforce, now is the time to join the industry. Hydropower continues to grow, and estimates show that 1.4 million jobs could be created by 2025. This industry is stable, pays well, and provides benefits that are hard to beat. For more information on jobs in hydropower, go to the National Hydropower Association website.

Jobs in the Hydropower Industry

  • Installation Technicians
  • Plant Operators
  • Plant Efficiency Operators
  • Electricians
  • Electrical Engineers
  • Journeymen
  • Mechanical Engineers
  • Maintenance Technicians

Annual Best Practices Summit agenda now available!

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On behalf of the Washington Clean Energy and Construction Centers of Excellence, we are pleased to share the full Program Agenda for the 12th Annual Best Practices Summit on June 1 and 2 in the new Centralia College TransAlta Commons building.

We have an exciting venue lined up ranging from Mark Taylor, an expert on multi-generations in the workforce and classroom, to best practice apprenticeship models in energy, construction, manufacturing, and cybersecurity.

New this year is an evening Northwest salmon and steak dinner with keynote on June 1. Chris Reykdal, WA Office of Public Instruction, will be talking about bridging K-12 and CTC workforce education. In addition, Governor Jay Inslee will be joining us for the social hour.

We hope that you are able to join us! Please register below.

Information and to Register:
12th Annual Energy & Construction Best Practices Summit

Program Agenda:
2017 Summit Program Agenda

We hope to see you there,

Barbara and Shana

Hydropower and STEM Career Academy, June 19-23

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Attention High School Students! Meet and engage in hands-on activities with mechanical and electrical engineers, plant mechanics and operators, divers, and linemen!

Now is the time to apply for the week-long Foundation for Water & Energy Education (FWEE) Hydropower and STEM Career Academy at Chelan PUD’s Rocky Reach Dam in Wenatchee, WA, June 19-23.

STEM challenges will include exploring the physics of producing hydropower, racing solar cars, and flying drones.

The Academy is open to students throughout the Northwest with a GPA of 2.5 or better. Over the course of the week, educational pathways will unfold as students connect career options to four-year college, community college and/or apprenticeship options that best suit their interests.

“Here in central Washington, we are in the heart of the Northwest hydropower industry. There are thousands of exciting and dynamic jobs that can lead to high-paying and rewarding careers for area students to consider. The FWEE STEM Academy provides a wonderful opportunity for students to see what hydro has to offer,” said Chuck Allen, Grant County PUD.

To learn more about hydropower in the Northwest and to apply for the Hydropower STEM Academy, visit the FWEE Academy website and view the FWEE Hydro STEM Academy Video.

2017 Best Practices Summit

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Please hold the dates for the 2017 Energy & Construction Best Practices Summit, June 1 & 2, at Centralia College in our new TransAlta Commons. This year’s theme is “Solutions for a Multi-Generational Workforce,” with keynote speaker Mark Taylor, an award-winning speaker recognized internationally as an educator, expert, and consultant on the forefront of transformations in educational practice and workplace management.

Now in its 12th year, the Energy & Construction Best Practices Summit is for energy/construction educators, industry, organized labor, and economic and workforce development representatives.

Read more >

Register Now: Energy Job Seeker Workshop, April 7-8

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The Pacific Northwest Center of Excellence for Clean Energy (PNCECE) is hosting a Job Seekers Workshop for Energy Technology, Electronics, Robotics, and Automation Students and Graduates featuring an interview panel of local utilities representatives.

Register at the link below by April 1 to attend the April 7-8 Job Seekers Workshop.

NOTE: You must also submit a resume by April 1 to cindyretcs [at] gmail [dot] com.

Sign Up Now!

The two-day workshop takes place at Centralia College’s Kemp Hall.

Read More: Washington Centers of Excellence Newsletter

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Welcome to the Washington Centers of Excellence newsletter. Our mission is to serve as the statewide liaisons to business, industry, labor and the state’s educational systems for the purpose of creating a highly skilled and readily available workforce critical to the success of the industries driving the state’s economy and supporting Washington families.

Here’s a PDF copy of our January newsletter, where you’ll find updates from each Center on initiatives and programs:

January 2016 COE Newsletter for WEC Packet