Centura College Partners with Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy to Train Wind Turbine Technicians for the Largest Ocean-Based Wind Farm in the US.

Written by Nicole Gleaton

Dr. Mike Lanouette of Centura College and Captain Ed Nanartowich of Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy (MAMA) signed a partnership agreement to address the upcoming need for Wind turbine technicians in Southeastern Virginia. The Virginia coast is slated for development of the largest ocean-based wind farm in the United States. This 2,135-acre site, leased by the Virginia Department of Mines Minerals and Energy, lies 27 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach. Foundations for the first two 6-megawatt wind turbines were installed in May and operation is scheduled to begin by late 2020. The maintenance and operation of the turbine equipment will require trained technicians.

Centura College and Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy were the first education systems in Virginia to answer the call to develop and implement an accredited Wind Turbine Technician program. The program was designed with the guidelines of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) and the Department of Labor. Dr. Lanouette has this to say about the partnership, “Centura College is very excited to partner with Maritime Academy. This collaboration shows the advantage and incredible value of both of our skill-based training intuitions. We have been receiving communications weekly from state and national representatives who are impressed that we have produced a one-of-a-kind industry standard program and partnership to meet the needs of the renewable energy field so quickly.”

Centura College will offer three wind turbine specific certifications within the program and MAMA will offer six US Coast Guard approved or Global Wind Association approved courses, aggregating in a seamless skill-based training program for students. Says Ed Nanartowich, “The collective expertise and cooperation between Centura College and Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy will significantly promote the acceleration of Global Wind Organization certified training. This places Hampton Roads right in the middle of a significant growth industry and can only bode well for the economic growth of Virginia.”

The two wind turbines in progress now are just the beginning. The full scope of the project will be determined by site conditions, but it is estimated that there will be 180 wind turbines in a larger scale commercial wind farm in the 112,800-acre lease area off the coast. “Within the next four years, the Wind Energy industry will be booming in Hampton Roads. With almost 200 wind turbines scheduled to be installed offshore, we will have a need for many turbine installers, inspectors, and maintenance technicians. Centura College is making sure that we have trained and certified technicians to serve the industry’s need as wind energy comes to town,” says Dr. Joel English, Executive Vice President of Centura College.

Classes start in September 2020. Individuals interested in the Wind Turbine Technician program should contact Centura College directly at 757-853-2121 or visit the Norfolk campus at 7020 N. Military Highway, Norfolk, Virginia 23518.

About Centura College

Centura College has been part of an organization dedicated to helping men and women develop careers since 1969. By training working adults in healthcare, technology, business, and trades, they connect communities with some of the fastest growing career fields in today’s marketplace. The school offers professional facilities, knowledgeable instructors, day or evening classes, job placement assistance and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). To learn more, visit www.CenturaCollege.edu or like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/centura.edu.

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https://www.dominionenergy.com/projects-and-facilities/wind-power-facilities-and-projects/coastal-virginia-offshore-wind

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