EPCE Newsletter, August 2011
You're hearing "it's back to school" everywhere; this time, let that be for you! Check out the online energy courses brought to you from the Energy Providers Coalition for Education (EPCE)—advance your career today.
- the convenience to study online anywhere, anytime - 24 / 7
- credit bearing courses at high-quality accredited colleges and universities
- the endorsement and involvement of the industry - the curriculum is built by the industry for the industry
- discount tuition for employees of
EPCE members
EPCE's Online Energy Education programs - register today!
- Electric Power Technology from Bismarck State College
- Nuclear Power Technology from Bismarck State College
- BS in Nuclear Engineering Technology from Excelsior College
- BS in Electrical Engineering from Clemson University
- Smart Grid Courses from Bismarck State College
- New! Graduate-level Degrees in Power Systems Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute
EPCE's programs offer:
Contents
Registration
EPCE News
Connect with EPCE
Member News
Advice from a Graduate
Industry News
EPCE Member Testimonial
Education News
Student Story
EPCE News – New Online Smart Grid Courses Prepare You for What’s Coming
EPCE is proud to announce the latest two courses in a series of online courses funded by a U.S. Dept. of Energy grant and provided by Bismarck State College's National Energy Center of Excellence:
- Smart Grid, Smart Customer is a non-technical overview of the smart grid that will enable customer service representatives to answer questions they might receive from customers on these new technologies (approximately 90 minutes to complete).
- Operation Considerations for the Smart Grid targets employees such as systems operators, transmission operators, field technicians, linemen, as well as other technicians who are working with customers, plus those involved in maintenance, engineering, and distribution (approximately 10 to 12 hours to complete). This course offers students 1 CEU upon completion.
And don't forget, Renewable Energy and the Smart Grid is also still available, which is an in-depth overview of alternative energy sources and the smart grid and takes approximately 10 to 12 hours to complete. This course is 1 CEU, as well. Register for these courses today!
Keep up with EPCE on a more regular basis—follow us on Facebook or Twitter for industry, education, and EPCE news, updates, tips, and information. Start a conversation... tell us your story... share a picture... ask us questions. We'd like to hear from you!
Member News - A Guide to Developing a Cyber Security and Risk Mitigation Plan
EPCE member NRECA and the Cooperative Research Network have developed a set of tools that together comprise the Guide to Developing a Cyber Security and Risk Mitigation Plan. Using these tools, utilities can start immediately to strengthen their security plans. All co-ops participating in NRECA’s Regional Smart Grid Demonstration are using these tools to develop a smart grid cyber security plan.
"It is not as easy as it sounds. You have to be disciplined, motivated, and you must make sure it is what you want to do.”
- Cheryl Love, AAS in Electric Power Technology, Bismarck State College
Industry News – Smart Grid Demands a Trained Workforce; No Small Feat
KEMA recently released a report for The GridWise Alliance detailing what’s upcoming for the energy industry with the creation and integration of new smart grid technologies. The report, The U.S. Smart Grid Revolution: Smart Grid Workforce Trends 2011[PDF 637 KB], argues that smart grid "presents an opportunity for the United States to develop a strong native industry around development, deployment, maintenance and servicing smart grid infrastructure and technology."
"We joined EPCE for their online technical certificates and associates degrees because we wanted to be part of a national industry effort, and because of the connection with BSC. It's a great, universal way to access this kind of training. We believe in our workforce. If you want to control your destiny in terms of curriculum as opposed to having it done for you, you'll want to partner with others in the industry so you can provide the best training across the country for your employees." ~ Tom Burns, director of training at Northeast Utilities
Started in January, Learning Counts is a project of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (the company that facilitates EPCE), the American Council on Education, and the College Board, in which older students take an online course that teaches them to prepare a portfolio that shows what they have learned from work and life experience. The portfolios—one for each subject area in which they are seeking credit—are then submitted to an outside evaluator, who decides whether they should get academic credit.
New York Times—Read the full story [PDF 146 KB]
"My degree allowed me to start a very rewarding career with new challenges."
Larry King
Nuclear Plant Operator
Entergy - Palisades Nuclear Plant
AAS in Nuclear Power Technology, Bismarck State College
Larry spent 15 years as the director of the Chamber of Commerce before he decided it was time for something different. Having previously earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Larry knew he could easily go back to school and decided to look into nuclear power. He discovered that one of Entergy's nuclear plants was nearby, and then he did an internet search and found EPCE.
While enrolled in the program, Larry interviewed at Entergy. The hiring managers were impressed with him, but they wanted to wait until their next round of interviews to see how his degree was coming along. Following the next interview, Larry was hired. "This degree helped me get my job and it helps me understand the big picture of what's going on."
While taking his courses, Larry found that his fellow students were very focused and interested in the subject matter. "What surprised me the most was the amount of interaction that took place. Everybody is required to and wanted to post on the discussion boards."
His number one tip for other students is to stay organized. He suggests folders for different courses and printing all lectures to follow along while watching them. "You need to stay in front of it!"
Larry is enjoying his new career so much that he's started pursuing Bachelor's degree in Nuclear through Excelsior College. "My Associate's degree helped me get my current job, and a Bachelor's degree will help me advance."