EPCE Online Newsletter
Welcome to the April 2008 issue of EPCE Online, with news and information from the Energy Providers Coalition for Education (EPCE). | ||
Table of Contents
| ||
|
Not only does EPCE bring you industry-directed online education programs, but also significant tuition discounts by being affiliated with an EPCE member.
| ||
|
Use the upcoming days of summer to stay on top of your educational game. Learn more about Print Reading, Substation Relays, Heat Transfer, or other industry essentials that you'd like to become more knowledgable about. Gain education, recognition, and college credit to boot!
| ||
|
Introducing EPCE’s new Certificate in Gas Distribution provided by Thomas Edison State College. This online Certificate is for professionals seeking success through detailed knowledge of the structure and function of natural gas distribution.
What you'll learn:
This Certificate program includes 6 courses with 18 credit hours of college credit, which can be directly applied to the Thomas Edison BSAST degree in Energy Utility Technology.
Find out more about the NEW Certificate in Gas Distribution!
(Pending Academic Council and Trustee Approval) | ||
|
B.S. in Nuclear Engineering Technology from Excelsior College This program is nationally-accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (TAC/ABET).
In addition to the general electives, this program is designed to emphasize practical applications of engineering principles as they relate to the nuclear industry.
Technical Core:
Visit the EPCE page at Excelsior College to find out more about the program and the tuition discount for employees of EPCE members! | ||
|
Industry News: 185,000 Utility Construction Workers Needed in the Southeast Approximately 185,000 new utility construction workers will be needed in the nuclear power industry by 2015. With one third of industry workers retiring (about 19,000 employees in the next five years) and the possibility of 30 new nuclear facilities being constructed (27 of which are in the southeast) a large shortage of workers is anticipated. With so many of the new facilities being constructed in their region, Tennessee Valley Authority plans to combat this shortage by stepping up their hiring efforts.
| ||
|
Florida Power & Light was recently honored by the National Biodiesel Board with its “Eye on Biodiesel” award for its use of cleaner biodiesel fuel in its diesel fleet. George Survant, Director of Fleet Services says “Just as we are committed to leadership in delivering clean energy to our customers, we want to utilize cleaner practices in our own operations.” FPL is also noted as the first company in the United States to put industrial hybrid trucks into service in 2006. FPL plans to convert one-third of its 2,900 company cars to hybrids by 2010.
| ||
|
Student Story: Frank Englett - A story of persistance...
Senior Radiation Technician
Xcel Energy
Frank began working for Northern States Power in 1985 as a Radiation Protection Specialist. Today, Frank is working in the Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant in Minnesota as a Senior Radiation Technician. In his current position he works with Health Physicists in radioactive protection and is responsible for measuring and monitoring the radiation levels of work areas and equipment. Frank’s work helps to ensure that the amount of radiation at the nuclear plant remains within the healthy limits for personnel.
Frank began working toward earning his bachelors degree roughly 15-years ago. According to Frank, “I have participated in 4 or 5 online programs at various colleges and Excelsior was by far the most user-friendly. Excelsior understands the demands of the industry and has implemented a way for local professors to proctor exams. In addition, Excelsior’s student support mechanisms for online learners are terrific. Students can always access their professors and assignments are easily submitted.” Frank believes that the knowledge gained through earning his B.S. in Nuclear Engineering Technology allowed him to be promoted and advance his career.
Support for Frank’s education goals manifested itself in multiple forms. The tuition reimbursement program played a key role in enabling Frank to earn his degree. He says he would probably not attempt to earn a degree if not for a tuition reimbursement program. In addition, Frank’s co-workers were extremely supportive. The engineers were accessible to him for questions and his manager gave him support and tips along the way. Frank says, “The plant was great for project ideas and provided valuable real-world experience that I was able to apply to what was being taught in my courses. The company even allowed me to use plant resources to complete my homework.”
When asked about sources of inspiration during this educational journey, Frank talked about his mentor. Excelsior was able to provide a mentor to Frank to help him plan ahead and to see more clearly what still needed to be done to obtain his degree. Having such a plan in place made it easy to set goals to attain his degree. Frank also said, “The help and encouragement of my manager and my family helped immensely. I can now say I am a college graduate and that means a lot to me and my family”. | ||
| EPCE Online is brought to you by the Energy Providers Coalition for Education (EPCE), a partnership of electric power utilities, nuclear power plants, associations, contractors, and unions across the country, with a mission to develop high quality online learning opportunities for both working adults in the energy industry and individuals interested in entering the industry. EPCE is administered by CAEL, the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning. Copyright© 2008 CAEL All Rights Reserved | ||
