Wind Turbine Technician Academy Celebrates 30th Graduating Class Dec. 13

Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Wind Turbine Technician Academy (WTTA) will celebrate its 30th graduating class Friday, Dec. 13 at 11 a.m. at the Groves Campus. The ceremony will be hosted by Ian Salo, director of energy and technical career training programs, and will include remarks from a representative from Nextera Energy.

The academy's newest graduates include:

William Carlson (class speaker) - Oak Park, IL
Chaz Chambers - Benton Harbor, MI
Samuel Connor - Chuckey, TN
Drew Endres - Kalamazoo, MI
Adrian Gariepy - Schoolcraft, MI
Evan Howard - Portage, MI
Dylan Kisner - Bridgeport, WV
Ijah Robertson - Indianapolis, IN
Chloe Smith - Portage, MI
Phillip Timko - Vicksburg, MI
Jaksun Wayman - Kalamazoo, MI

Developed with input from industry leaders, Kalamazoo Valley's nationally accredited program is one of the country's leading academies for aspiring wind turbine technicians. Over the years, the WTTA has attracted students from across the U.S. and around the world. Graduates experience active careers and travel internationally to accommodate employer needs.

Qualified wind turbine technicians are highly sought after employment prospects and often receive job offers prior to graduation. Many of the academy's recent graduates have already accepted or are considering employment with industry leaders.

Trainees interactively learn hands-on skills while enjoying an education constructed to simulate training in real-world environments. The curriculum develops career readiness for the competitive, in-demand industry within six months.

Students attend full time, eight hours per day Monday through Friday for 24 weeks. The training involves thorough applied competencies necessary for excelling in the rapidly growing industry. Many WTTA alumni are currently employed in the profession.

The next available academy begins Jan. 6. Applications are currently being accepted. For more information, visit www.kvcc.edu/academics/wind or contact program coordinator Sharon Jackson at or call 269.353.1566.