Delaware Technical Community College Program Profile

The energy programs are housed in the Center for Energy Education and Training (CEET) building. This facility was built in 2012 to host the energy programs and is LEED platinum certified. The facility is approximately 7,500 square feet. It contains 2 classrooms (which seat 16 each.) There is the potential for 3 lab spaces (large lab can be separated with collapsible doors; we usually leave them open.)

Video of lab facilities

Labor market study was completed to get the BAS degree program started. There was some research done back in 2010 (before I got here.) I am told all the research said to start one program at one campus, but the college decided to try it all three campuses. Currently we are restructuring back to a single campus offering all of the programs. Students can complete the bulk of the associate degree requirements at any campus, but the solar specific courses are only offered at the Terry Campus in Dover DE (center of the state.)

1. Aligment with jobs in the area (regionally in the Deleware/Maryland/Virgina region.)
2. The Solar Program is also aligned to NABCEP Technical Sales Exam.
3. Advisory Board input. We have a very active advisory board, see below.
4. 100% Job Placement in all Energy Majors, Energy Management, Renewable Solar and Building Automation Systems.
5. Study abroad. Several students learned about the program due to interest in our study abroad program. We have traveled to Denmark and Switzerland to offer our NRG 154 (Alternative Energy Technologies) course. In 2018, students will travel to Italy for Sustainability.

We meet with our advisory board 3 times a year. The board is extensive and is made up with representatives of many different industries. We have the advisory board review courses and alignments to industry standards. Advisory board members are also invited to our Capstone Presentations in May. All the potential graduates in all three programs get together and present their final projects. We include lunch and networking for the students and industry partners.

We require all students to do a work experience. (This can be either internship or Co-Op.) Students are required to work in the field for 144 hours, to gain the 3 credits required. Every student who has completed the work experience has at least one job offer.

We also started our own job board email list serve. I auto-enroll all students at the beginning of the semester with their school and personal emails. All job opportunities are sent to all students enrolled in the energy technology programs.