Sustainability
Alliyah Mirza, Sustainability Director | 503-977-8581
PCC Energy Tech Programs
Solar Voltaic Programs (Pending Approval)
Microelectronics has two new programs geared toward preparing PCC students for technical careers in the solar industry. The more rigorous option is an AAS Degree program in Microelectronics Technology. Students may also pursue a Certificate of Completion (COC) in Solar Voltaic Manufacturing Technology. The COC is a short program consisting of approximately 13 credits, the majority of these credits are transferable to the Solar Voltaic AAS degree (which consists of 95 credits). The COC will satisfy the hiring needs of the new solar cell industry established in the Portland Metro area for entry level operator positions, and ideally lead to the transition into the AAS Degree in Solar Voltaic Manufacturing Technology (designed for technician positions in the solar industry). This curriculum was developed in conjunction with Solar World, so that students will be properly prepared for the needs of this newly booming industry, and more specifically, for direct employment at the new Solar World manufacturing plant.
Click here to read Oregonian Article
Renewable Energy Systems (Pending Approval)
Renewable Energy Systems (RES) is an Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) option intended to address the needs of both two-year graduate technicians and transfer students. Currently, the core EET program and all of its options transfer completely to OIT EET baccalaureate program. Moreover, many of the PCC EET RES credits transfer to OIT’s recently established RES baccalaureate program.
This option has been developed to assist the needs of the emerging market for renewable energy technicians. Employer feedback has indicated strong interest in this new option and has projected a significant number of new jobs reminiscent of the boom felt when Intel began to expand into our region. Furthermore, expanding into the renewable energy industry section is a top priority on the State of Oregon’s economic development agenda.
Upon completion of the RES option graduates will have a solid understanding of the basic principles of design/manufacturing/operation of renewable energy technology and will be able to apply those principles to a wide variety of systems and applications such as but not limited to: Hydro-electric power generation, wind energy, solar powered/thermal/PV, Biomass/Bio-fuel, fuel cell, and hybrid renewable systems.
The RES option aligns with PCC vision of supporting emerging “Green-Collar” jobs in support of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency industry clusters.