High Plains Technology Center

June 7, 2016

FROM: Julie Holloway

Woodward, OK 73801

Phone: 580-571-6103 Email:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Students Receive Wind Tech Certifications at High Plains Technology Center

On Thursday, June 2, 2016, High Plains Technology Center celebrated 12Wind Tech students as they completed the 20 week Wind Tech training and received their certifications. Congratulations to the following students: CJ Clevenger of Sharon, OK, Bascom Cropp of Hopeton, OK, Gregory Lawson of Woodward, OK, Matthew Rickman of Houston, TX, Garrett Roach of Woodward, OK, Slade Roach of Woodward, OK, Jonathan Rosborough of Woodward, OK, Joshua Rosborough of Woodward, OK, Stetson Stewart of Watonga, OK, Stuart Strait of Pond Creek, OK, Kevin Tapia of Woodward, OK, and Thomas Vermilyea of Woodawrd, OK. On July 1, 2016, Valerie Dowis of Palco, KS will graduate from the program. All 13 students have either accepted or been offered a job in the Wind Industry! This is the fifth class that has gone through this program at HPTC. There has been a return on investment for students in this class with a 100% hire rate for those who are qualified, finished the course, and applied with Wind Companies. Overall there is a 92% hire rate for past and present classes combined. A few students either chose not to explore a career in Wind, or didn’t pass background screening.

High Plains Technology Center is leading the future of Wind Energy Training! Their Renewable Energy Wind Technician Program is a flexible and affordable course of study that will prepare students for a rewarding career in this fast-growing field. As the first technology center in Oklahoma to offer a course of study covering the diverse skill set demanded by this industry, HPTC is blazing a fast track to success for the students who complete this program.Completion of HPTC’s Renewable Energy Wind Technician Program will certify students as a Level 1 Wind Energy Technician.

Wind power is one of the fastest-growing sources of alternative energy, and as this industry expands, so will its demand for professional wind technicians. Wind technicians must be versed in electrical and mechanical fundamentals, instrumentation and controls, and systems and components.HPTC is the only school with the level of hands-on training that includes a 2.3 MW turbine with hub.Approximately 18 of the 20 weeks of the class is focused on hands-on training a technician will need out in the field. The class does not believe in death by Power Point, but learning by getting their hands on actual equipment and working scenarios.

The next class starts on January 6,2017 and will be 20 weeks, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.The cost of the class is $5,500 and the Wind Technicians start out making $17-$24/hour. The program is Pell Grant eligible.

The Renewable Wind Energy Technician Program is an intense, challenging set of courses. If you want to pursue your potential in the wind energy field, visit them online at or in person at 3921 34th Street, Woodward, Oklahoma 73801 to fill out an application. The class size is limited, therefore only the best qualified applications will be accepted. For questions related to the wind program, please contact Sheila Reazin at (580) 571-6167 or via e-mail at .