WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, SportsNew career opportunities in renewable energy

New career opportunities in renewable energy

by Jessica Sirls

WISCONSIN RAPIDS (WAOW) --  In the paper mill hub of Wisconsin Rapids, job loss seems to be more and more common, but new college programs are offering people a chance to make the energy crunch work in their favor.

After losing his job at the Domtar Paper Mill, 42-year-old Kurt Heinen is going back to school.

This time around he's looking to the future.

Heinen says, "I wanted to get into an up and coming field and not into the paper industry because I think it's unfortunately going downhill in this country."

For Heinen that means pursuing a career in renewable energy, and for the first time ever, Mid State Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids is offering programs in that field.

Program Instructor Dr. John W. Anderson says, "Somebody coming from Domtar or New Page having lost a job is really needing something that is a secure future and will pay a decent wage to support their family and to continue to support their lifestyles."

In fact, about 40 students are enrolled in one of three renewable energy programs at the college, several of them former paper mill employees, and many say the timing couldn't be better.

Anderson says, "We've talked with employers throughout the state; there's a tremendous demand.  Many of the employers that are hiring technicians to do these types of installs are having trouble finding skilled workers."

So they're hoping to fill that gap, by providing training in biofuel and biogas production as well as solar and wind electricity.

Anderson says, "With the price of gasoline going up to four and beyond I mean that certainly increased a lot of the interest in renewable energy nationwide."

And although going back to the books hasn't been easy, Heinen says he thinks the sacrifices will "renew" his spirit and pay off in the end.

Heinen says, "I honestly think because it's such a new program in the state, I think we're going to be having our doors knocked down for jobs."

College leaders say right now there isn't a huge demand for renewable energy jobs right in this area, but they're confident that won't be the case for long.

In fact, the college is already looking to expand the renewable energy program in Rapids.

Online Reporter: Jessica Sirls