Alstom Donates Generator to Ecotech Institute for Student Training

This donation gives Ecotech Institute students practical job training before their careers begin

Denver, CO, July 19, 2014 – Ecotech Institute, the only college entirely focused on renewable energy and sustainability training, now has a generator capable of powering 15,000 average America homes. The generator, which is one of the most expensive components in a wind turbine, is a donation from Alstom, the world’s leading energy solutions and transport company. Matt Pevarnik, an account executive for Alstom who serves on Ecotech Institute’s advisory board, spearheaded the donation.

“What’s incredible about this donation is now our students will have hands-on training with the same equipment they’ll encounter in their careers when they graduate from Ecotech Institute,” said Shawn Lamb, Ecotech Institute’s Wind Energy Technology Program Director. “This equipment combined with our 20-ton gearbox, which Winergy donated last year, gives our students training very few people will have before entering their profession.”

Students in Ecotech’s Wind Energy and Power Utility degree programs will use the generator, along with the gearbox, for mechanical training and to practice inspections and tests that are part of a wind turbine’s preventative maintenance program. Students will also have the chance to work on more complicated repairs in the course of their on-the-job training.

“Alstom is proud to see that our 1.7MW generator will help benefit the Ecotech Institute’s wind energy technology program,” said Albert Fisas-Camanes, R&D Director for Alstom Wind North America. “We appreciate the value of hands-on education and believe this generator will serve as a valuable learning tool to students studying for a career in the wind energy field.”

A ribbon cutting ceremony for the generator will take place at Ecotech Institute on Thursday, July 24 at 1 p.m. Ecotech Institute is located at 1400 S Abilene St, Aurora, Colo.

Ecotech Institute currently offers eight associate’s degree programs:

* Facility Management Technology
* Residential Energy Management
* Solar Energy Technology
* Wind Energy Technology
* Renewable Energy Technology
* Electrical Engineering Technology
* Power Utility Technician
* Business Administration – Sustainability.

For more information on Ecotech Institute, visit www.ecotechinstitute.com or like Ecotech Institute on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/EcotechInstitute.

About Ecotech Institute
Ecotech Institute is the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Launched in April 2010 in Denver, Colorado, it offers eight highly practical renewable energy degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers. Classes start once per quarter and applications are always accepted. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Ecotech Institute is a division of Education Corporation of America. For more information about Ecotech Institute, visit ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.

Contact:
Jenny Foust
Communications Strategy Group
East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303-433-7020
http://www.csg-pr.com

Ecotech Institute’s Free Online Course, “Introduction to Sustainability”, Changes the Way Students Approach Sustainability

Student Feedback Demonstrates Appreciation and Value for the Course

Denver, Colorado, April 23, 2014 – Student feedback from Ecotech Institute’s free online “Introduction to Sustainability” course proved the opportunity was valued by students across the globe and changed the way they approached sustainability initiatives.

Kyle Crider, Ecotech Institute’s Program Chair and Manager of Environmental Operations, led the free online course for a second time earlier this year. There was a diverse mix of students, both men and women from all educational backgrounds and walks of life. Many students applied what they learned in the course to their communities and have said they’ll continue to expand on their education now that the course is complete. The course material applies to general green energy jobs, including solar jobs, wind turbine jobs, and overall careers in renewable energy.

“The first Intro to Sustainability course last year was such a wild success, we felt like we had no choice but to bring it back,” Crider said. “I’m so happy that we did. The feedback we received proves that the course truly changes students’ lives. By allowing people to learn free of charge, we can help more people learn what sustainable living is all about.”

The Introduction to Sustainability course is a “massive online open course” (MOOC), offered through the Canvas Network. MOOCs are a popular way for educational institutions to offer free courses to the public. Based in Aurora, Colorado, Ecotech Institute is the only college entirely focused on sustainability-related job training.

The MOOC course explores various definitions of sustainability used by governments, businesses, and individuals to address environmental, societal, and economic problems around the world. In addition, students learn ways to apply sustainable concepts to their own lives. As part of the course, students have to complete a capstone project that involves writing their own sustainability-focused mission statement, vision, and goals.

Some of the feedback includes:

“Thank you, Kyle! It’s been a rewarding experience. So much so that I decided to apply for a formal course of study, MSc in Environmental Tech. I have an interview with the school in a couple of weeks!”

“Thank you for such a wonderful class. By allowing people to learn free of charge, you have taught so many more. Just finding out about the Aral Sea in the first lesson has been the buzz of my village for weeks. Just thank you for implanting this knowledge. I so appreciate it.”

“I wasn’t aware of how far solar energy has come. I’ve been a fan of it but didn’t realize the cost had dropped so much that it was actually viable.”

“I never thought that one day I would be doing a course with people from different continents and countries. Technology really improved our standard of living, so there is no need to go overseas to study when you can study at home.”

Due to the overwhelming positive feedback, Ecotech Institute plans to offer future MOOC courses. The school will provide updates on future courses through its Facebook page, which users can “like” to access at https://www.facebook.com/EcotechInstitute. For more information on Ecotech Institute visit www.ecotechinstitute.com.

About Ecotech Institute
Ecotech Institute is the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Launched in April 2010 in Denver, Colorado, it offers eight highly practical green energy degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers. Classes start once per quarter and applications are always accepted. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Ecotech Institute is a division of Education Corporation of America. For more information about Ecotech Institute, visit ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.

Contact:
Jenny Foust
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303-433-7020
jfoust@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Grassroots Idea by Ecotech Institute Student Inspires Float in The Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade

About 150 students, staff and friends expected to participate in the parade to make it truly “green”

Denver, CO, March 13, 2014 - Chris Stevens, an Ecotech Institute student, wanted to help pick up recycling along The Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade route in order to keep this favorite green holiday truly as “green” as possible. He took his idea to parade organizers and from there it turned into a float in the parade that could gather recycling along the route. Students and staff at Ecotech Institute rallied around Chris and today they are making final preparations on the float, which will include a student made recycling bin to collect all recyclables collected during the parade, a truck outfitted with solar panels and a wind turbine.

“It has been remarkable watching my vision come to life,” said Chris. “I originally just wanted to help pick up trash and it’s turned into so much more. Building our Eco-Float has been an exciting adventure that brought several students together in great ways and I’m so proud of what we’ve put together. Our efforts will keep the parade route much cleaner.”

Ecotech Institute is the first and only school in the U.S. that is solely dedicated to sustainable energy, such as solar and wind. Chris is pursuing a degree in electrical engineering technology and will graduate this April. For him, this idea was simple, but sends a powerful message.

“We have to care about not only where our energy is coming from as we look ahead, but also how we’re taking care of our planet today. Small changes can make a difference and we’re excited to help divert trash from the landfill – giving it a second life,” said Chris.

To see images of the float’s progress you can keep up with the construction team by following Ecotech’s social media updates on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/EcotechInstitute and Twitter at @Ecotech_Inst.

Ecotech Institute, based in Aurora, Colo., currently offers eight associate’s degree programs:

* Facility Management Technology
* Energy Efficiency
* Solar Energy Technology
* Wind Energy Technology
* Renewable Energy Technology
* Electrical Energy Technology
* Power Utility Technician
* Business Administration – Sustainability.

For more information on Ecotech Institute, visit www.ecotechinstitute.com.

About Ecotech Institute:
Ecotech Institute is the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Launched in April 2010 in Denver, Colorado, it offers eight highly practical renewable energy degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers. Classes start once per quarter and applications are always accepted. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Ecotech Institute is a division of Education Corporation of America. For more information about Ecotech Institute, visit ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.

Contact:
Jenny Foust
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303-433-7020
jfoust@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Ecotech Institute’s Clean Jobs Index Shows a 19 Percent Increase in Clean Jobs in 2013

National study shows more than 3.5 million clean jobs available in 2013, with a 57 percent increase in solar jobs

Denver, CO, March 07, 2014 - Ecotech Institute’s Clean Jobs Index, a tool to compare states’ use and development of clean and sustainable energy, found more than 3.5 million job postings in the clean energy sector last year. This is a 19 percent increase from 2012. The Clean Jobs Index classifies clean energy jobs based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics description, which says that a clean job is part of a business that benefits the environment or conserves natural resources.

Ecotech Institute, the only college entirely focused on renewable energy and sustainability training, created the Clean Jobs Index to provide objective job information about the renewable energy industry. The Index also looks at various sustainability factors such as alternative fueling stations, LEED projects and total energy consumption across the U.S.

Highlights from the Clean Jobs Index 2013

Number of U.S. Clean Jobs Postings in 2013:
3,599,022 (a 19 percent increase from 2012)

Large Growth in Clean Jobs (compared to 2012 clean jobs postings)
Solar Jobs – up 57 percent
Wind Jobs – up 20 percent
Renewable Energy Jobs – up 9.3 percent

Clean Jobs by Population (Jobs per 100,000 residents)
1. North Dakota – 2,554
2. Iowa – 1,811
3. Massachusetts – 1,768
4. Delaware – 1,700
5. Alaska – 1,644
6. Minnesota – 1,557
7. Maine – 1,549
8. Nebraska – 1,510
9. Washington – 1,461
10. Kansas – 1,456

Clean Jobs by State
1. California – 276,493
2. Texas – 268,349
3. New York – 190,964
4. Illinois – 168,998
5. Michigan – 143,319
6. Ohio – 129,447
7. Pennsylvania – 126,012
8. Massachusetts – 115,748
9. Florida – 115,066
10. Washington – 98,252

States With the Most Incentives for Sustainability and Renewables (in no particular order):
Minnesota
California
Oregon
Washington
Texas
Indiana
Colorado
Florida
New York
Iowa

“Renewable energy is the future and this data proves that more than ever,” said Kyle Crider, Ecotech Institute’s Program Chair and Manager of Environmental Operations. “With solar jobs up 54 percent and clean tech jobs up overall nearly 20 percent, it’s definitely an exciting time in the sustainable energy industry.”

Ecotech Institute’s Clean Jobs Index is an aggregation of statistics by state. Although it may indicate a greater possibility for employment in the clean economy sector, the Clean Jobs Index in no way indicates the presence or the promise of any specific job opportunities. Data for the Index is gathered regularly from independent research entities including: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency, U.S. Energy Information Administration, U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Green Building Council.

To learn more about the Clean Jobs Index, please visit http://www.ecotechinstitute.com/cleanjobsindex. To learn more about Ecotech Institute, go to http://www.ecotechinstitute.com.

About Ecotech Institute
Ecotech Institute is the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Launched in April 2010 in Denver, Colorado, it offers eight highly practical renewable energy degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers. Classes start once per quarter and applications are always accepted. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Ecotech Institute is a division of Education Corporation of America. For more information about Ecotech Institute, visit www.ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.

Contact:
Jenny Foust
CSG PR
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303-433-7020
jfoust@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Ecotech Institute to Host Webinar, “Launching a Career in Engineering Technology”

Thirty-minute webinar will discuss career training and employment opportunities in engineering technology

Denver, CO, March 04, 2014 - On Tuesday, March 4, Ecotech Institute will hold a free 30-minute afternoon webinar, “Launching a Career in Engineering Technology,” that takes a look at how to have a successful career in engineering technology. The session is part of an exclusive webinar series offered by Ecotech Institute, the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability. Questions the webinar will address include:

How to train for a career in engineering technology?

What engineering technology is all about and the opportunities available in this field?

How to get a job in engineering technology?

How to have a successful career in this industry?

Chris Gorrie, Ecotech Institute’s Academic Dean, will host the event. The webinar will be broken up into two parts: a 20-minute presentation, followed by a 10-minute question-and-answer session.

“Engineering technology is a growing field and this webinar will enlighten more people to the opportunities available, especially in the renewable energy industry,” said Gorrie. “The tough thing can be knowing how to even get started. This webinar will explain the training that’s needed, how to achieve success in this career and what to expect when pursuing a job.”

Webinar Topic:
“Launching a Career in Engineering Technology”

Date:
Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Time:
3:30 to 4:00 p.m. Eastern/2:30 to 3:00 p.m. Central/1:30 to 2:00 p.m. Mountain/12:30 to 1:00 p.m. Pacific

Moderator:
Chris Gorrie, Ecotech Institute’s Academic Dean

Webinar Link:
http://vc.adobeconnect.com/ecotech/

Ecotech Institute, based in Aurora, Colorado, offers eight associate’s degree programs:

* Facility Management Technology
* Energy Efficiency
* Solar Energy Technology
* Wind Energy Technology
* Renewable Energy Technology
* Electrical Energy Technology
* Power Utility Technician
* Business Administration – Sustainability

For more information on Ecotech Institute, visit http://www.ecotechinstitute.com. You can also follow Ecotech Institute through its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/EcotechInstitute and Twitter at https://twitter.com/Ecotech_Inst.

About Ecotech Institute
Ecotech Institute is the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Launched in April 2010 in Denver, Colorado, it offers eight highly practical renewable energy degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers. Classes start once per quarter and applications are always accepted. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Ecotech Institute is a division of Education Corporation of America. For more information about Ecotech Institute, visit ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.

Contact:
Jenny Foust
CSG|PR
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303-433-7020
jfoust@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Ecotech Institute Students Graduate “Job Ready” With Industry Certifications

Programs allow new professionals to enter desired industries and hit the ground running

Denver, CO, February 26, 2014 – Students attending Ecotech Institute, the only college entirely focused on renewable energy and sustainability training, can now receive industry certification from three distinct national standards development and credential organizations. This provides Ecotech Institute graduates the best foundation possible to immediately make an impact in their field.

Ecotech Institute students have the opportunity to graduate with certifications from North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), and Building Performance Institute (BPI).

These designations expand graduates’ career opportunities. For example, the BPI certification ensures that new professionals interested in careers in state-run energy efficiency and weatherization programs are qualified for these positions, since many of these programs require the BPI certification.

“We are proud of our graduates and the knowledge and complete skill sets they have when they leave Ecotech,” said Chris Gorrie, Academic Dean of Ecotech Institute. “When our graduates enter the workforce they can immediately make a difference in their career because of our hands-on green energy training labs and the sustainable energy-related courses our students go through.”

Ecotech Institute has nine renewable energy labs that students can take advantage of to get a hands-on education. This year, Ecotech Institute’s energy efficiency lab will also open, helping students prepare for sustainable energy industry certifications on-site.

The new energy efficiency lab is in addition to Ecotech Institute’s Wind Training Lab, which simulates operational and safety functions on large, commercial wind turbines. These labs further position Ecotech Institute as the premier destination for renewable energy education.

Ecotech Institute, based in Aurora, Colo., currently offers eight associate’s degree programs:

Facility Management Technology
Energy Efficiency
Solar Energy Technology
Wind Energy Technology
Renewable Energy Technology
Electrical Energy Technology
Power Utility Technician
Business Administration – Sustainability.

For more information on Ecotech Institute, visit www.ecotechinstitute.com.

About Ecotech Institute
Ecotech Institute is the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Launched in April 2010 in Denver, Colorado, it offers eight highly practical renewable energy degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers. Classes start once per quarter and applications are always accepted. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Ecotech Institute is a division of Education Corporation of America. For more information about Ecotech Institute, visit ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.

Contact:
Jenny Foust
Communications Strategy Group
East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303-433-7020
jfoust@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Ecotech Institute to Host Webinar on the Demand for Skilled Labor in Renewable Energy Careers and Sustainable Industries

30-minute webinar will discuss what’s missing in the hiring pool for green energy jobs

Denver, CO, January 24, 2014 – On Tuesday, January 28, Ecotech Institute will hold a 30-minute afternoon webinar, “Demand for Skilled Labor,” that takes a look at why it’s so hard to find employees for positions in renewable energy and sustainable industries. Other questions the webinar will address include:

* What’s currently missing in the hiring pool for the renewable energy and sustainable industry?

* What is skilled labor?

* What soft skills are needed for these green energy jobs?

* What training and hard skills are needed?

Sue Pawlak, Ecotech Institute’s Area Director of Career Placement, will host the event. The webinar will be broken up into two parts: a 20-minute presentation, followed by a 10-minute question-and-answer session.

“When I meet with hiring managers I often hear that they need employees who have very specific training in wind and solar energy, who know the equipment inside and out and they want people who have had hands-on experience,” said Pawlak. “If employers don’t have to spend a ton of time on green energy training, they’d definitely prefer not to and that’s where applicants with skilled labor can really shine.”

Webinar Topic: “Demand for Skilled Labor in Renewable Energy”

Date: Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Time: 3:30 to 4:00 p.m. Eastern/2:30 to 3:00 p.m. Central/1:30 to 2:00 p.m. Mountain/12:30 to 1:00 p.m. Pacific

Moderator: Sue Pawlak, Ecotech Institute’s Area Director of Career Placement

Register: Seats are limited. Register at www.ecotechinstitute.com/landings/webinar/.

Ecotech Institute, based in Aurora, Colo., is the first and only school in the U.S. solely focused on renewable energy training. It offers eight associate’s degree programs:

* Solar Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science

* Wind Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science

* Renewable Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science

* Facility Management Technology, Associate of Applied Science

* Electrical Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science

* Energy Efficiency, Associate of Applied Science

* Power Utility Technician, Associate of Applied Science

* Business Administration – Sustainability, Associate of Applied Science.

For more information on Ecotech Institute, visit www.ecotechinstitute.com. You can also follow Ecotech Institute through its Facebook page at facebook.com/EcotechInstitute and Twitter at twitter.com/Ecotech_Inst.

About Ecotech Institute
Ecotech Institute is the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges. Launched in April 2010 in Denver, Colorado, it offers eight highly practical renewable energy degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers. Classes start once per quarter and applications are always accepted. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Ecotech Institute is a division of Education Corporation of America. For more information about Ecotech Institute, visit ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.

Contact:
Jenny Foust
CSG|PR
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303-433-7020
jfoust@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com