TOP STORY OF THE DAY Brought to you FREE by WICU: Energy and Indiana State University create Certificate in Emerging Energy Technology Program

Hoosier Energy and Indiana State University have partnered to create a Certificate in Emerging Energy Technology program, aimed specifically at retraining Hoosier Energy employees interested in obtaining the fundamental skills necessary to pursue jobs in the electric transmission and distribution field.

The program, housed in Indiana State’s College of Technology within its Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology Department and designed to be completed in one year, will prove especially beneficial to Hoosier Energy employees impacted by the generation and transmission cooperative’s recent announcement concerning the planned retirement of its coal-fired Merom Generating Station in 2023.

Consisting of six online courses and a hands-on lab, the newly-developed program is designed to teach fundamental skills in electric transmission metering, protection systems, and field communications; areas in which skilled workers are reportedly in high demand throughout the utility industry.

“We anticipate several retirements in these departments in the coming years and this program will provide a transitional opportunity for a number of employees impacted by the Merom retirement decision,” said Chris Blunk, Vice President of Corporate Services for Hoosier Energy.

The undergraduate work-based certificate program will prepare Hoosier Energy employees in the areas of renewable energy and for more opportunities in the future. It is also suitable for other energy companies. “This is a fully online program to meet the working professionals’ schedules,” said Neslihan “Nesli” Alp, Ph.D., dean of the College of Technology.

“We are excited about our partnership with Hoosier Energy to support the workforce development efforts in the state of Indiana.”