Ecotech Institute's Wind Energy Technology Program Adds New Simulators and More to Labs

AURORA, CO, November 23, 2011 (Press-News.org) Ecotech Institute, the first and only college focused entirely on preparing America's workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability, today announced that it is bolstering the wind energy training and safety labs, offering students access to cutting-edge equipment that prepares them for careers in the wind industry. According to the Department of Energy, wind power is the fastest growing energy source in the world. By using the newest equipment at Ecotech, students will have the most up-to-date training that employers want.

"Ecotech's Wind Energy Technology Program is arguably the best in the world and our labs are a critical piece of the student experience," said Mike Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. "The ever-growing area of wind energy requires tremendous knowledge and a commitment to learn proper, safe techniques, which this equipment will help provide."

Ecotech's holistic teaching approach includes hands-on labs, soft skills (communication, workplace etiquette), math and science basics, technology and more. However, the labs serve as the showcase of the campus and Ecotech has purchased state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that students have the renewable energy training that will help them excel in their careers.

The labs, which will be complete in time for the first graduating class to enjoy, use a wide variety of real-life elements for complete training.

The Wind Training Lab now contains a generator trainer, fiber optic splicing kit, specialty tools, a Lab-Volt Wind Turbine Nacelle Trainer, Lab-Volt Wind Turbine Hub Trainer, and several wind farm simulation software packages.

The Wind Safety Lab now includes a 25-foot climb and rescue tower, Miller Evolution Harnesses and Lanyards, Rescue Randy dummy, Miller Safe Escape Rescue Device, Lab-Volt cranes and a rigging trainer. Ecotech will also soon have a TorcUP torque and tensioning trainer.

"The integrated systems approach offered by LabVolt's Wind Turbine Training Simulators provide a very realistic view of the functionality and programming of a large, commercial wind turbine," added Shawn Lamb, program director at Ecotech Institute. "These are leading-edge technologies that effectively prepare students and get them excited about going into the field."

Ecotech Institute's Wind Energy Technology program is a two-year associate's degree program focused on the generation and transmission of energy using wind power. Designed with employer input, graduates will be prepared to enter the workforce as wind energy technicians.

This program might be right for people who:

• love working outdoors.
• want to help develop cleaner, more sustainable energy.
• are interested in working on mechanical devices.
• enjoy math and science.
• like working with power tools to assemble, repair or install.

Learn more about Ecotech's Wind Energy program at http://www.ecotechinstitute.com/wind-energy-technology-schools.cfm.

Ecotech Institute, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, launched in Aurora, Colorado in April 2010 with seven highly practical degree programs and one certificate program that provide graduates with skills valued by today's alternative renewable energy employers.

To learn more about Ecotech Institute, visit us online or call 877-326-5576. The next round of classes begins in January and applications are being accepted now. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.

About Ecotech Institute
Ecotech Institute is the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America's workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability. Launched in April 2010 in Denver, Colorado, the college offers seven associate's degrees and a certificate program designed by experts in the industry for people seeking careers in the emerging cleantech economy. Ecotech Institute is a division of Education Corporation of America. For more information about Ecotech Institute, visit http://www.ecotechinstitute.com.

About Education Corporation of America
Education Corporation of America is a leader in the post-secondary career school market with current enrollment of nearly 19,000 students. The ECA website is http://www.ecacolleges.com. In addition to Ecotech Institute, ECA schools include Virginia College, founded in 1983, a private institution of higher education that offers non-degree and associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs in the areas of Health and Medical, Business, Information Technology, Interior Design, Computer Design, Culinary Arts, Cosmetology, Nursing and more in eighteen different cities. Virginia College campuses are located in Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile and Montgomery, Alabama; Jacksonville and Pensacola, Florida; Augusta, Macon and Savannah, Georgia; Biloxi and Jackson, Mississippi; Charleston, Spartanburg, Columbia, and Greenville, South Carolina; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Richmond, Virginia; and Austin, Texas. The Virginia College website is http://www.vc.edu. Virginia College also offers classes worldwide via the Internet, with student services and admissions facilities in Birmingham, Alabama, and Tampa, Florida. Information about online classes at Virginia College is available at http://www.vconline.edu. Additionally, ECA operates Culinard, the Culinary Institute of Virginia College, with locations in Birmingham and Mobile, Alabama; Richmond, Virginia; and Jacksonville, Florida. The website is http://www.culinard.com. ECA also operates Golf Academy of America, with locations in Phoenix, Arizona; San Diego, California; Orlando, Florida; and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Golf Academy website is http://www.golfacademy.edu.

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