The addition will be a tremendous asset for students currently in the Wind Tech program. Instructor Dave Vrtol has been instrumental in securing multiple donations from Airstreams Renewables, Inc., of Tehachapi, CA. In December 2009, Highland also received a donation of components from two mothballed Vestas V15 wind turbine nacelles.

“Our department and students are very excited to receive another donation through Airstreams Renewables,” said Vrtol. “This complete nacelle will only further the hands-on learning opportunities available in our Wind Turbine Technician Training Center.”

This has been a busy academic year for the Wind Turbine Technician training program. In addition to installing a 3.2 kilowatt residential turbine on campus last September, the program recently received the distinction of American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) Seal of Approval. HCC was one of only nine schools in the nation to receive this distinction, due in part to the strong academic curriculum and hands-on experience gained from having highly qualified faculty and a dedicated training center.

For more information regarding Highland’s Wind Turbine Technician program, visit www.highland.edu, or call 815.599.3612