Northeastern Community College Associate Professor of Industrial Automation and Renewable Energy Program
At a time when reliable, responsible energy has become one of society’s most pressing challenges, Jason Winter is helping train the next generation of technicians to keep the lights on—cleanly and efficiently.
Jason, an Associate Professor of Industrial Automation and Renewable Energy at Northeastern Junior College (NJC) in Sterling, Colorado, serves as Principal Investigator on the “Integration of Renewable Technologies for a Converging Workforce” National Science Foundation grant (Award #2400964). This passion for energy traces back to his childhood on his family’s ranch, where solar photovoltaic and thermal systems have been in daily use for over thirty years. “Seeing solar work in a real-world, off-grid environment at a young age completely shaped my view of what was possible,” he says.
After a twenty-year career in advanced manufacturing, Jason joined NJC in , which feeds directly into Colorado’s booming wind and solar sectors. He was drawn to teaching by the hands-on skills that industry partners repeatedly say they cannot find enough of. “Energy is one of the most important issues we face,” he explains. “I’m driven by making sure our energy needs continue to be met responsibly while giving students the training they need for high-demand, high-paying careers.”
What sets NJC’s program apart is its deep industry ties and experienced faculty. “Most of us spent decades in the field before teaching,” Jason notes. “We also have direct pathways into the wind industry and partnerships with employers who essentially pre-hire our graduates.” The result is near-100 percent job placement for students who complete the program.
Looking ahead, Jason is particularly excited about breakthroughs in energy storage and high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission—technologies he believes will finally allow renewables to scale without the intermittency limitations that have held them back. He also foresees a renaissance in smaller, modular nuclear “micro-plants” once public perception of safety catches up with the technology’s proven track record.
For students considering the field, his advice is straightforward: never stop learning. “The industry is evolving faster than at any time since the Industrial Revolution,” he says. “Stay current, take every training opportunity you can, and remember that the work you do genuinely matters. On the tough days, that sense of purpose will carry you through.”
In an era of rapid technological change, educators like Jason Winter are not just teaching skills—they are building a workforce that will power tomorrow, one turbine, panel, tower, plant and battery at a time.
