Partnership with Danville Community College pivotal in training wind technicians
A student in his final year in the Wind Turbine Technician Program at Danville Community College was preparing to quit. His father lost his job; there was no way to pay for school.
Chris Hanson’s response? “That’s the sort of student we’d like to help.’”
IEA’s newly founded scholarship with Danville Community College’s Wind Turbine Technician Program allows this student (and more) to complete the program this year. When the student heard about IEA’s contribution to his academic success, he was moved to tears.
Located in Danville, Illinois, this community college empowers its students to enter the workforce affordably and efficiently. Graduates of Danville’s Wind Turbine Technician program will receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree and are ready to work in the field. This two-year program equips students to learn the industry, safety and technical practices involved in the wind industry.
The partnership between IEA and Danville Community College began long before the $20,000 scholarship check presentation, spearheaded by Chris Hanson, Executive Vice President of Operations.
In 2008, Hanson ran into Dr. Alice Marie Jacobs, the Danville Community College President. They talked about the programs offered by the school - it’s no surprise Hanson thought they should have a renewable energy curriculum. Of course, he offered to help.
Currently working as an Executive at White Construction before it was acquired by IEA, Hanson leveraged his industry connections to persuade a community college in the southeastern U.S. to share its renewable energy curriculum, free of charge.
But he didn’t stop there. Danville was able to hire Greg Hansbraugh, a top White Construction employee, to teach Wind Technology at the College. Since starting the program, IEA and White Construction have donated turbine blades and tower sections to help students gain hands-on experience.
Hanson says, “We love the quality of the students who graduate from Greg’s program and are looking to hire many more skilled technicians. Our ‘Talent Acquisition' department will also offer apprenticeships for students while they’re still in college.”
IEA is proud to sponsor a program with goals so similar to our own - and one that’s close by! We have no doubt this partnership will be fruitful. We can’t wait to see emerging leaders join us from Danville Community College!
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