Rural Alberta's Development Fund (RADF) has announced a $1.2-million contribution to Lethbridge College to establish southern Alberta as a world leader in the wind- energy sector.
In partnership with several Canadian and international energy companies, Lethbridge College will use the funding to develop long-term, durable training programs, educational products and stakeholder coalitions.
The expected results of this project include retention of rural residents through access to high-quality employment, increased income diversification, economic sustainability and development of educational programming that can be adopted by other regional industries across Alberta.
"We're proud to play a continued role in this vital and sustainable alternate-energy resource," says Tracy Edwards, president and CEO, Lethbridge College. "The college is already established as a leader in training for the wind-energy sector. We see this as a natural progression of our commitment to keep southern Alberta on the cutting edge of this technology."
Lethbridge College's nationally recognized Wind Turbine Technician program is a combination of theory and hands-on lab practice on training turbines. This combination provides students with comprehensive knowledge and skills that make them employable around the world.