Petroleum Technology program to include Renewable Energy

West Virginia Northern Community College broadening its Petroleum Technology program to include Renewable Energy

Expanded program will include segments on solar, wind, geothermal and other renewable energy sources, in addition to its petroleum technology focus.

West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC) is renaming its current Petroleum Technology program to Energy Technology, in time for the Fall 2022 Semester. This expanded program will still prepare students for careers in petroleum operations but will add segments on the rapidly evolving renewable energy sector such as solar, hydropower, wind, geothermal and more. Students can earn an Associate degree in Energy Technology in just two years at Northern.

“After meeting with our industry advisory committee, made up of local and regional leaders of energy firms, it became evident that the industry is evolving, and our students would benefit from a broader understanding of renewable energy in addition to our petroleum training,” commented Curt Hippensteel, Chair of Northern’s Applied Technology Division. “There is a need for energy industry workers to have technical training in petroleum operations, which remain very important in our world today, plus an understanding of renewable technologies that are rapidly evolving as energy costs continue to rise. This change is in response to evolving needs of local employers and the workforce. It will provide Northern graduates with a broader perspective to obtain jobs in various sectors of the energy industry.”

WVNCC will add new segments within the program that concentrate on traditional and renewable electricity generation and transmission. The College also plans to offer a one-year certificate program in Energy Technology.

Those interested in pursuing an Associate degree in Energy Technology at Northern can call or stop by the college anytime or attend WVNCC’s registration events. The “Days of Thunder” outdoor registration events will take place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. July 12 in New Martinsville, July 13 in Wheeling and July 14 in Weirton.

Learn more about the Energy Technology A.A.S. and C.A.S. programs now:

Energy Technology, A.A.S.

Energy Technology, C.A.S.