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Renewable energy jobs are plentiful, and community colleges are helping

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Renewable energy jobs are plentiful, and community colleges are helping

Supporting the expansion of renewable energy simultaneously supports the innovative work at academic institutions and showcases our commitment to supporting our state’s future workforce.

Rob Denson
 |  Guest columnist

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  • Rob Denson is president of Des Moines Area Community College.

Iowa’s community colleges have an important role when it comes to powering the economy: educating and producing a pipeline of skilled workers to fill in-demand jobs, like those in clean energy technology.

During American Clean Power Week, Des Moines Area Community College is proud to celebrate our Wind Turbine Technician, Solar Energy Technician, and Renewable Energy Technology programs, and the graduates who are building a better future. 

High school and non-traditional students often consider alternatives to a traditional four-year degree or want to gain a credential and a great job on the way to a four-year degree. By choosing a fast-track, affordable program, students can launch their careers sooner. As the demand for more electricity and clean energy sources increases, so does the need for skilled workers to fill wind tech positions, which are among the fastest-growing careers in the nation. 

Many communities face talent shortages when it comes to filling open positions. Iowa’s community colleges are uniquely positioned to help solve this problem by getting students into the field faster. Due to the strong demand for renewable energy, wind tech jobs are eagerly filled with local talent. The renewable energy industry creates stable, well-paying jobs for students immediately upon graduation, joining Iowa’s clean energy workforce of 5,500, according to American Clean Power.  

The U.S. Department of Energy recently released a study that found widespread employment benefits because of wind projects. Employment increases roughly 0.4% within 20 miles of an operating wind farm, which equates to 230 jobs over a project’s lifetime. Workers within the same radius of a project experience increased income of 4%, equating to $1,270 annually.  

Continued clean energy development across Iowa allows for this successful dynamic to continue, preventing brain drain and empowering Iowans to stay in Iowa. Supporting the expansion of renewable energy simultaneously supports the innovative work at academic institutions and showcases our commitment to supporting our state’s future workforce.  

This American Clean Power Week, I applaud the nation-leading work our state has accomplished and all we will achieve as we work toward a better future. To celebrate, I invite you to join DMACC at the Iowa State Fair for Power Up Iowa Day on Aug. 13. 

Rob Denson is president of Des Moines Area Community College.

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