BCS prepares workforce for future with ‘green’ courses

Help create five million new jobs to build a clean energy future. Ensure 10 percent of our electricity comes from renewable sources. Institute a program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent.

There’s a new president in town, and his agenda includes a comprehensive plan to turn the country “green.”

Pellissippi State is already on board. Beginning this month, Business and Community Services is offering a new series of green construction courses—perfect for those already in the construction industry who want to update their skills and for employees who need to earn continuing education credits.

“We’re meeting the demand for education in conservation and renewable energies,” said Brad Coburn, director of BCS’ Industrial and Contract Training.

The classes offer the training necessary for those who have been displaced from jobs and are interested in the emerging industry of renewable energy. They are ideal for architects, engineers, contractors, real estate agents, facility managers, supply chain professionals or anyone interested in this new technology.

“We are pleased to be the resource for this type of training in the Knoxville area,” said Coburn. “This is only the beginning. We have other types of training in development for the future.”

The courses include Certified Indoor Environmentalist, Certified Microbial Investigator, Certified Indoor Air Quality Manger, Weatherization Energy Auditor, Building/Home Energy Analyst, Solar Hot Water Heating, Photovoltaic System Design and Installation, Green Building Sales Professional, Green Building Technical Professional, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) New Construction Certification Exam Prep, Green Purchasing Fundamentals, Sustainability 101, Carbon Strategies, Certified Sustainability Professional, Green Supply Chain Professional, Senior Certified Sustainability Professional, and Water and Wastewater.

Classes may be completed at the student’s own pace. They vary from 10 to 320 hours, depending on the curriculum. Cost ranges from $249 to $2,120.

To register or learn more about these and the many other courses BCS has to offer, call 539-7167 or log on to www.pstcc.edu/bcs.