$2 million CAC grant for solar installation, biofuels technicians

Central Arizona College has secured a three-year, $2,182,003 federal grant to provide training in certificate and degree programs in biofuels production and solar installation.
 
With today’s emphasis on green collar jobs, these two rapidly growing industries are providing many new employment opportunities in Pinal County and the greater Central Arizona region.
 
Since late 2006 the college has successfully applied for and received roughly $6 million in community-based Job Training Grant funding from the U.S. Department of Labor.
 
Central Arizona College was one of only 41 organizations nationwide to receive the grant. More than 300 applications were submitted for the nearly $125 million in available funding.
 
CAC applied for the grant to help Pinal County and the region address the burgeoning need for photovoltaic solar installation technicians and biofuels production technicians.
 
The renewable energy technician associate degree to be funded by the grant will feature one program focusing on biofuels and another providing instruction on photovoltaic solar energy.
 
All students will complete a skills assessment course and a work readiness course during the program. The funding for the program also may be used for GED preparedness and workforce readiness.
 
With 10 campuses and centers, Central Arizona College will ensure that training for these programs is available at multiple locations throughout Pinal County.

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