Iowa Public Television

Where there's wind, there's energy. And, in many parts of the world, where there's wind energy there are wind turbines capturing the wind and making it available to homeowners and businesses. While it's nature that provides the wind, it's humans that install and maintain the turbines.

The growing demand for wind energy has created the need for highly skilled workers who can build and service the giant machines. Join this session for the opportunity to talk with an instructor from Iowa Lakes Community College. This community college has the only program in the state for wind turbine technicians. He will also talk with your students about the career field in general and what they might be doing now (in high school) if they are interested in this very interesting career.

Applicable standards from McREL:

Life Work

Standard 4. Studies or pursues specific job interests

Level IV [Grade: 9-12]

7. Analyzes a current job or job interest, its future possibilities, and requirements with respect to one’s set of work skills, knowledge, and attitudes

Standard 5. Makes general preparation for entering the work force

Level IV [Grade: 9-12]

1. Understands how demographic, geographic, and technological trends affect education, training programs, and work opportunities

2. Determines the types of preparation and training needed for entry-level jobs

3. Understands occupational apprenticeships and other training opportunities (e.g., job shadowing, mentorships, community service, youth entrepreneurship)

4. Understands available educational opportunities (e.g., college, junior college, job training program)

Only ten 'interactive' sites will be scheduled for each session. Additional sites will be added to the session as 'view only' sites. Taping the sessions is NOT available. If your site is chosen as an 'interactive' site, students need to be prepared to ask questions and dialogue with the career professionals.

Sessions are provided to Iowa schools at no cost.