Farmingdale State College (FSC) of Farmingdale, New York, received nearly $900K in funding for three proposals advancing offshore wind technology training and education at the school, as part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s announcement of $4 million in grants awarded by the Offshore Wind Training Institute (OWTI). The FSC awards represent three of 10 proposals that were funded from university centers, colleges of technology and community colleges across the SUNY system.

FSC is a hub of wind technology and sustainable energy research, development, training and education, with certificate and “microcredential” programs in wind energy technology. The college is also a founding member of the OWTI.

“As a partner in the Offshore Wind Technology Insititute, we have a shared commitment to establishing offshore wind as an integral part of the energy and economic landscape on Long Island and throughout New York State,” said John S. Nader, president of FSC. “We are proud of our faculty, across the SUNY system and here at FSC, who are working on solutions to today’s important environmental and societal challenges.”

Submissions were accepted from applicants addressing one or more priority focus areas, which included expanding existing SUNY curriculums relevant to offshore wind; responding to rapid, targeted, training needs; addressing barriers to entry; long-term outreach to young students; community-driven awareness-raising efforts; and partnerships with connected or adjacent sectors. Proposals received additional consideration by focusing on equity needs, the transition of workers from other sectors, credentialing, and direct partnerships with the offshore wind industry.

“In partnership with Gov. Hochul and NYSERDA, SUNY is proud to help New York State lead the way in clean-energy economic and workforce development — which is an engine of upward mobility for our students,” said John B. King, Jr., SUNY chancellor. “This highly skilled, well-paid workforce will propel New York State’s clean-energy goals forward, while simultaneously positioning the state to lead the nation in renewable energy, including offshore wind. By developing programs to meet the demands of the offshore wind industry, SUNY can and will respond directly to employer needs to ensure our students are well prepared for this emerging field. I congratulate all of the selected SUNY campuses and look forward to supporting their progress.”

The first proposal receiving funding is FSC Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE): Online Training Workshops for MWBEs and Small Startups in the Offshore Wind Industry ($258.5K). It will be a series of short, non-credit bearing workshops that will provide participants with educational opportunities without taking extended time away from their businesses, and they can apply the experience to their operations immediately. The workshops offer flexible and accessible training to MWBE’s and small startups at no cost to eligible learners.

Next is FSC Workforce Development: Offshore Wind Workforce Microcredential ($500K). A new microcredential program offers new courses and advanced training focused on offshore wind technology, to be completed in two semesters. The training component will be designed to address near-term or immediate needs in the offshore wind industry and focus on monitoring the structural integrity of wind turbine blades and diagnosing micro-cracks.

The last program is FSC Wind Turbine: Wind Turbine Technician Certificate Global Wind Organization (GWO) Training ($132K). GWO offers in-person safety training, applying mechanical and electrical engineering principles to the operation and maintenance associated with wind turbines using educational training equipment. The addition of GWO training to the academic credential offers two cohorts of participants the opportunity to explore the physicality of the profession, and better prepares graduates for the workforce. This training will be implemented in collaboration with SUNY Maritime College.

News item from Farmingdale State College

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