Lake Area Technical Institute - Energy Technology AAS

http://www.lakeareatech.edu/programs/energytech/index.html

Watertown, SD
(605) 882-5284
John Harper

Coal-fired and wind generation energy is rapidly expanding in this region. The ethanol industry’s production capabilities are exploding across the Midwest. The agricultural by-product industry holds much promise for future uses in creating energy. And, the current pipelines used to transport petroleum products are in need of maintenance. All of these facilities are facing an acute need for technicians who can maintain and repair the production equipment for the energy industry.

The Energy Technology program has two major components: technical theoretical training and practical experience gained in the labs and during the internship. The Energy Technology program utilizes content from several Lake Area Tech’s programs such as machine tool technology, aviation maintenance technology, welding and electronic systems technology. In addition, courses specific to the energy industry are also taught. Students learn mechanical maintenance, repair and overhaul. They also learn alignment techniques, metallurgy, pneumatics, hydraulics, thermodynamics, combustion, vibration analysis and dynamic balancing. The environmental impact of energy development is integrated throughout the curriculum.

The growth of the energy industry in this area of the country is substantial. The need for Energy Technicians in this career field is solid both locally and nationally. A skilled energy technician can earn high wages in ethanol plants, power plants, wind turbine farms, pipelines, dairy and cheese processing plants, and any industry that requires an employee to understand processes and perform industrial maintenance. These individuals can also be employed as millwrights.

Retrieved from Lake Area Technical Institute website on 1/19/2010.