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NSCC Launches Innovative Program for "Green Collar Workers"
May 16, 2008 – Media Release
Halifax, NS - In keeping with its commitment to address environmental sustainability, Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) today announced a new program: Energy Sustainability Engineering Technology (ESET). The two-year diploma with its focus on creating sustainable buildings is among the first of its kind in Canada.
NSCC president, Dr. Joan McArthur-Blair revealed program details as part of the keynote address at the Building Green Conference and Trade Show this morning at the Waterfront Campus in Dartmouth.
The ESET program is part of "The Greening of NSCC" - a multi-layered vision that involves the construction of internationally recognized, environmentally-friendly buildings, the creation of ecologically-themed curricula, and the development of leading-edge environmental knowledge and sustainable practices.
"Business and government must work together to find solutions to rising energy consumption, aging infrastructure and their impact on climate change," said McArthur-Blair. "ESET graduates will be prepared to take a leadership role in helping future employers develop more environmentally sustainable practices."
Drawing on their skilled trade backgrounds, students in the ESET program will work with faculty who are leading energy experts to master the art of creating customized energy systems that include solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, tidal and other alternative and renewable sources. Graduates will be qualified to audit energy systems and recommend the best alternative energy for new and existing commercial or residential properties.
"These are the kind of skilled workers we needed five years ago," said Terry Watters, the President of Sustainable Housing and Education Consultants, a company serving all of Atlantic Canada. "Graduates will be able to provide the technical services required to meet the sustainable energy challenges we face today and into the future. We're a growing company and graduates of this program would be an ideal match."
According to Principal Jim Stanley, the Annapolis Valley Campus (AVC) in Middleton is the perfect location for ESET. AVC is situated in a region of the province that is already active in numerous alternative energy generation initiatives such as geothermal, wind, hydro, tidal and biomass.
"There is an excellent fit with the local communities that will complement the extensive development work the Campus is currently doing with its Middleton site - including the Centre of Geographic Sciences (COGS) and the Applied Geomatics Research Group (AGRG). In fact, AGRG alone has 50 projects underway at any given time - 95 per cent with an environmental focus," said Stanley.
The Energy Sustainability Engineering Technology program begins in September 2008. Visit www.nscc.ca for more detailed information on the ESET program. Detailed information on "The Greening of NSCC" and other College initiatives can be found by visiting www.nscc.ca/sites/CBE/.
About NSCC
NSCC is a vibrant post-secondary institution committed to building Nova Scotia's economy and quality of life through education and innovation. NSCC offers over 100 programs in five academic schools that reflect the labour market needs and opportunities of the provincial economy, and serves the province through a network of 13 campuses. According to NSCC's most recent survey of graduates (2007), 90 per cent of NSCC graduates are employed; 86 per cent in their field of study. For more information about NSCC, go to www.nscc.ca
For More Information:
Gina Brown
Marketing & Communications
p: (902) 491-7350 or (902) 499-3833
Stacey Baillie
Manager - Media & External Relations, NSCC
p: (902) 491-6781
Natalie Kenrick
Communications Specialist - Media & External Relations, NSCC
p: (902) 491-2213
Michelle Hynes-Dawson
Communications Specialist - Media & External Relations, NSCC
p: (902) 491-4899
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