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Ecotech Institute, the first and only college entirely focused on
renewable energy and sustainability, today announced that it has formed a relationship with Colorado-based Veterans Green Jobs, whose mission is to engage, transition and connect military veterans with meaningful employment opportunities. About 15 percent of Ecotech’s current student population is made up of military veterans.

Together, Ecotech and Veterans Green Jobs will focus on encouraging and enhancing opportunities for military veterans by promoting career opportunities in the
green jobssector, both in Colorado and nationally.

“Our military population has already been through so much and we want to make sure we’re providing the support they need to excel in school and go on to have productive careers,” said Michael Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. “Veterans Green Jobshas a similar focus, believing that the right jobs can make all the difference in helping our military veterans enjoy a successful life after service.” 

As part of its commitment to military students, Ecotech recently hosted a seminar on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), taught by the Denver Department of Veterans Affairs. Ecotech administration, program directors and instructors attended the session to better understand what many student veterans are going through. According to “Help my PTSD,” one in every five military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan has PTSD and in the past year the number of diagnosed cases in the military has jumped 50 percent.

At Ecotech, 67 students are either military veterans or currently serving in the military.  Of those, three will graduate on June 21, 2012.  One of those students is Monica Soto, who will graduate in June with a
degree in Wind Energy Technology.Monica spent more than eight years in the Navy as an aircraft mechanic, but after 9/11 she left the Navy to be closer to her son and build a career where she could raise him in one place. After trying some other career paths, she found Ecotech when seeking an opportunity that would capitalize on her training and previous associate’s degree, and also build a bridge between her time in the military and her life as a civilian.

“As a single mom and 100 percent disabled vet, I didn’t know where to find my place in the civilian community and Ecotech met my needs in a variety of ways,” said Soto. “I knew my purpose in the Navy and felt lost after I left; I now feel a purpose again. I’m excited about putting my skills to work to better my own family and our environment.”

Ecotech Institute will have its first graduating class in June 2012. Ecotech Institute, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, offers highly practical
renewable energy degree programsthat provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative cleantech employers.

Learn more about
Ecotech Institute, or call 877-326-5576. The next round of classes begins in late June and applications are being accepted now. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.

Ecotech Institute, the first and only college focused entirely on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability, is now taking applications for its new two-year Business Administration - Sustainability degree program. Unlike Ecotech’s other lab-centric offerings, this program is steeped in business education with a unique focus on sustainability. The program will launch in January 2013.

The Business Administration - Sustainability program provides students with knowledge and skills suitable for employment in a broad range of private and public sector organizations. Coursework includes accounting, financial analysis, human resources, project management, communications, customer service, sustainability, renewable energy and workplace ethics.

“There has been extensive research about the increasing importance of sustainability within organizations, and that requires business leaders who understand green technology, industry verbiage and implementation techniques,” says Michael Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. “National industry leaders helped us develop curriculum that focuses on applying sustainability knowledge within a business environment; this program is designed to educate specialized graduates who will stand out.”

Upon successful completion of the Business Administration - Sustainability program, students will be prepared to:

• Understand the various components of contemporary business administration;
• Communicate effectively and in a manner appropriate for a business setting;
• Demonstrate practical proficiency in the use and application of current business hardware and software;
• Operate cutting-edge business technology;
• Utilize project management skills;
• Demonstrate an understanding of employment relationships;
• Understand and demonstrate good customer service skills;
• Understand the basic principles of finance and accounting.

Ecotech Institute’s website outlines each of its programs to help answer common questions such as, “Is this program right for me?”, “What will I learn?” and “Why Ecotech?”  In addition to offering curriculum information, the site explains what to expect from the program, which skill sets are most desirable for this field of study, and what careers are available in cleantech industries.   Learn more about the Business Administration – Sustainability degree program.

Ecotech Institute also offers the following six programs:

• Solar Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science
• Wind Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science
• Renewable Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science
• Energy Efficiency Program, Associate of Applied Science
• Electrical Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science
• Power Utility Technician, Associate of Applied Science

Ecotech Institute’s first group of graduates crossed the stage on June 21, 2012 and dozens of graduates are already working in the cleantech industry. Three companies have hired a combined 20 graduates, five additional companies have hired one or two graduates, and several students have offers pending.  The companies range in size and specialty, with renewable energy graduates receiving jobs in six different states.

In addition to demand from hiring organizations and job placements across the country, positive feedback from new employers about the graduates has been tremendous.

“Hiring managers across the board have been extremely complimentary about the quality of our graduates and their job readiness,” said Michael Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. “One company even said that Ecotech graduates are the best new hires he has ever worked with. Another company actually created a new position to better utilize the skills and knowledge of an Ecotech graduate. We are thrilled to see our alumni already experiencing great success and making an impact in the workplace.”

Ecotech Institute is the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in clean technology and careers in sustainability. At the school’s first-ever graduation, forty-one students received their associate’s degrees in the following areas: Wind Energy Technology, Solar Energy Technology, Renewable Energy Technologyand Electrical Engineering Technology.

Former Governor Bill Ritter, who currently serves as the Director of the Colorado State University Center for the New Energy Economy, delivered the commencement speech. He offered perspectives from his position as governor, discussed Colorado’s aggressive role in the new energy economy, and applauded the promising future of the cleantech and clean energy industries.

“We were in the worst recession since the Great Depression and the only part of the private sector that grew during that was the cleantech/clean energy [sector],” said Ritter. “For your purposes, you chose right. You chose well. You chose the thing that grew, it has the potential to grow and grow and grow.”

The Ecotech curriculum is focused on the development of soft skills (communication, workplace etiquette), and math and science basics and technology skills, but the educational emphasis is on hands-on, practical training. Ecotech’s national board of advisors, who all work in cleantech industries, helped design the school’s curriculum, providing coursework that reflects what students will experience upon graduation.

Ecotech Institute, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, offers five highly practical associate’s degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energyemployers. Ecotech’s second commencement will be in September.

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

Ecotech Institute, the first and only college focused entirely on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability, received accolades as a finalist for the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association’s National Cleantech Leadership Award on October 22. Ecotech congratulates all of the finalists and winners from the ceremony for helping cleantech industries continue to innovate and grow.

“We were absolutely thrilled to be recognized among so many fantastic cleantech innovators who deeply care about sustainable industries,” said Mike Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. “Ecotech is committed to walking the talk as we educate future sustainability experts and we will continue to look to these peers for insights, guidance and support.”

During the third annual “Colorado Cleantech Industry Awards Celebration”, individuals and organizations were honored for their leadership in advancing cleantech job creation, corporate growth, individual effort and technical innovation.

The company finalists were selected based on their ability to impact the marketplace with innovative clean technologies, successful fundraising efforts, ability to scale their technology, and the company’s statewide job creation success. Individuals were selected for their commitment to expanding Colorado’s cleantech ecosystem and their devotion to the growth of their respective organizations. With the guidance of Deloitte, the finalists were selected by a group of industry peers consisting of entrepreneurial leaders, cleantech CEOs and former award recipients.

“For a school that has only been around a couple years, this nomination was a big accomplishment,” added Seifert. 

Where will green technology take us in 2012? Ecotech Institute is keeping a close eye on that very big question. We are constantly monitoring cleantech industry growth and innovation, and looking for ways to align our environmental sustainabilitycurriculum with employer and marketplace demands. Every day we read up on the latest research regarding solar power, wind energy, smart grid and other relevant industries. We want to make sure our students are up to speed when they graduate so their employers truly get the best, most knowledgeable employees.

In 2011, cleantech ventureinvestment had an incredible year. As a result of financial backing, we saw an infusion of green start-up companies, new jobs and a growing belief in the future of cleantech industries. However, the challenges of this relatively new space also came to light as some companies met very public criticism.

As the president of Ecotech Institute, it’s my job to take a hard look at opportunities in cleantech now and into the future. Our career services team needs to accurately predict where Ecotech graduates will be able to make a living and make a difference in the world. Frankly, there is a lot of enthusiasm as we enter 2012 with a promising outlook about environmental sustainability’s growing role in the world.

This is a very exciting year for Ecotech because we will graduate our first group of students in June. As we continue to prepare them for the workforce this year, we are collectively interested in what industry leaders are predicting.

Here are some predictions of note:

1. According to a December 28, 2011 article by Michael Kanellos on www.greenbiz.com, “Renewables will start to win over the jobs argument.”

He states, “The 2012 Presidential election will be only about one thing: jobs. In the energy and sustainability context, the debate boils down to whether you think more jobs can be created through pipelines and offshore drilling or through erecting solar farms and retrofitting buildings.”

“But here is where renewables win: they don't take years….Many fossil projects, meanwhile, are bogged down in land use hearings….If renewables get results quicker, they become the better solution.”

My takeaway: Green jobs will continue to grow and companies need educated people to fill them.

2. The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) says this year is going to be a big year for wind power, both in the field and in policy. The association notes that unlike the volatile prices of fossil fuels, wind power has a fixed fuel cost of zero, making it a very appealing form of energy. However, Congress needs to act quickly to protect the future of wind energyin the U.S. If lawmakers do not extend the Production Tax Credit that is due to expire at the end of this year, taxes on wind will go up and jobs could go overseas.

My takeaway: Wind energy will continue to grow this year, however Congress needs to take action to make sure that growth continues in 2013 and beyond. Please contact your lawmakers to let them know the importance of extending the Production Tax Credit.

3. According to predictions from www.EnvironmentalLeader.com, solar innovation will serve as a perennial driver.

“Investment into good old solar innovation and projects is still strong, and has remained so for years, while other clean technologies have risen and fallen in and out of investment fashion.”

My takeaway: As money continues to be filtered into solar power innovation, we must keep a close eye on how these technologies will be built and maintained.

4. Jesse Berst with gigaom.com listed top predictions based on his takeaways from a webinar offered by renowned research firm IDC. He stated the following, “Smart buildings will become important to utilities. 25 states have energy efficiency standards or targets. Smart buildings can help meet such goals. The building energy analytics market will double between 2012 and 2015, jumping from $193 billion to $402 billion.”

My takeaway: The growth of smart buildings requires savvy energy efficiency experts.

5. In “10 solar trends to watch for in 2012,” Ucilia Wang, another contributor to gigaom.com, discusses solar energy’s impact on the grid. The article states that, “The increase in solar energygeneration has nudged utilities and electric grid regulators to give more thought and investment to the impact of solar in their mission to deliver electricity reliably.”

“Since solar production can ebb and surge depending on the time of the day and the weather, new technologies and policies are cropping up to monitor solar energy production and minimize interruptions of power delivery.”

My takeaway: The marketplace needs educated professionals who understand the interplay between solar technology and the current energy grid system.

The green landscape will continue to shift and it is important to watch, learn and prepare future leaders. The excitement of clean technology innovation in 2012 and beyond ought to be celebrated by everyone who has a stake in making our world a better place to work, play and live.

Ecotech Institute, the first and only college focused entirely on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability, has named Chris Gorrie as the school’s new Academic Dean. Gorrie began at Ecotech as an instructor in 2010 and most recently served as the program director for the Electrical Engineering Technology Program.

“Chris Gorrie is a student favorite on our campus, bringing a great deal of knowledge and expertise,” said Mike Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. “This is a perfect position for Chris, giving him the ability to make a difference for our entire student body.”

Gorrie studied Electrical Engineering, with an emphasis in semiconductor technology, at the University of Southern Maine and did his graduate work at the University of Florida where he received a full Alumni Fellowship.

His interest in renewable energy led to work at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, where he developed new materials for use in transparent electronics and photovoltaics. His passion for teaching brought him to Ecotech Institute where he has taught courses in circuits, power generation, programmable logic controllers, mathematics, physical science and photovoltaics.

“It’s a great honor to hold this position,” said Gorrie. “At Ecotech Institute, we’re helping to shape our country’s renewable energy future and changing students’ lives in the process. It’s an incredible opportunity and I look forward to the challenge.”

Ecotech Institute, the first and only college focused entirely on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability, has named Zhanna Stavina as the school’s new Director of Admissions.

In her role, Stavina will lead a team of admissions associates who serve as liaisons for potential and incoming students. She will also make and maintain connections with students, organizations, guidance counselors, military liaisons and others who may benefit from an Ecotech education or partnership.

Ms. Stavina has recently served as both a director of enrollment and an instructor at the University of Phoenix in Lone Tree, Colorado. She simultaneously taught in the School of Business and Social Sciences while successfully leading a team of admissions professionals. Before joining Ecotech, she also worked as an enrollment manager and enrollment counselor, receiving accolades as a top performer. She has also worked in career services and admissions at Denver School of Massage Therapy and ITT Technical Institute.

“Zhanna’s experience and expertise is perfect for Ecotech and she’s someone who exudes enthusiasm about what we deliver to students, employers, partners and the community,” said Mike Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. “We are delighted to have her on board and look forward to Zhanna representing our school and executive team.”

Stavina received her Master of Business Administration from University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from University of Colorado.  

“It is an honor be in a position where I can share Ecotech Institute with people who could benefit from its unique offerings,” said Stavina. “In a short time, Ecotech has proven to offer quality education, a strong community and graduates who are making a difference. I am proud to be part of the Ecotech family.”

Ecotech Institute, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, offers six highly practical renewable energy degree programs created with employer input that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers.

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

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 has assembled a who’s who of diverse industry leaders to serve as its Local Board of Advisors.   Ecotech already boasts a phenomenal National Board of Advisors that continue to be instrumental in shaping curriculum that matches what employers want.  

The local board will interface with Ecotech in a variety of ways, such as speaking to students and providing job training input.  In addition, the members will help students as they look for jobs and provide informational interviews so students can learn more about the green landscape from people currently working in the space.

“Ecotech is proud to be affiliated with such an impressive group of individuals and their support is invaluable to our students and staff,” said Michael Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute.  “We focus on preparing students for life-long careers from the moment they enroll, and our partnerships with approachable, informed leaders is a critical element to that initiative.”

Ecotech’s Local Board of Advisors includes:

• Jennifer Beach, Owner-Manager, Starfire Energy LLC
• Tim Cahalin, Senior Recruitment Consultant/Senior Account Executive/Editor, Energy Central
• Scott Charter, Managing Partner, GGP Energy
• Paul Czarnecki, Member, Colorado Association of Manufacturing and Technology
• Maury Dobbie, Assistant Director, Colorado State University Center for the New Energy Economy
• Greg Foster, Operations Engineer, Williams Production RMT
• Jeff Hanko, President, Metal Finishing Systems and Advanced Industrial Technology
• Roark Lanning, Turbine Engineering Manager, RES Americas
• Vance Nixon, Manager, Technical Resources, Clipper Windpower, LLC
• Justin Pentelute, CEO, Syndicated Solar, Inc.
• Matt Pevarnik, Account Executive, Alstom Power
• Marietta Silva, Corporate Partnership Manager, Veterans Green Jobs

“It is critical that students have access to industry professionals during their training and Ecotech includes this element as part of their practical education,” said Jennifer Beach, Owner and Manager of Starfire Energy LLC.  “I look forward to providing guidance to help ensure that students graduate with a skill set that business owners will be seeking.”

To learn more about Ecotech Institute, visit us at www.ecotechinstitute.com or call 1-877-326-5576.   The next round of classes begins in January 2012 and applications are being accepted now.  Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Multiple sources have named Ecotech a military friendly school, including Military Times Edge, which named Ecotech Institute one of the best schools for veterans: http://militarytimesedge.com/projects/best-for-veterans/best-colleges-for-veterans/2011/2-year/. 

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 has hired Kolby Chase as the school’s Director of Admissions.  In this position, Kolby will lead a team of highly skilled admissions counselors who serve as liaisons for incoming students.  As part of his role, Kolby will make and maintain connections with prospective students, organizations, guidance counselors, military liaisons and others who may benefit from an Ecotech education or partnership.

“We chose Kolby because of his impressive higher education experience and passion to help match students with the right career path,” said Mike Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute.  “Kolby is responsible for leading and shaping a dynamic team that helps prospective students realize their potential and the long-term success that’s possible in a renewable energy career.”

Kolby previously served as Director of Enrollment for the University of Phoenix, where he started in 2002 as an Enrollment Counselor and became Director of Enrollment in 2007.  During his tenure with the organization, he won many awards for his leadership, performance and visionary insights. 

“In a little more than a year Ecotech already has close to 400 students, showing there is a clear need for a school completely focused on sustainability and renewable energy education,” said Chase.  “I am excited to spread the word about Ecotech, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to learn about the quality education and phenomenal hands-on experience that we offer our students.”

A fourth-generation Phoenician, Kolby recently moved to Colorado with his wife and two children.

Ecotech Institute will have its first graduating class in June 2012.  Ecotech Institute, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, offers seven highly practical sustainability degree programs including electrical engineering technology, energy efficiency, environmental technology, renewable energy, solar energy, wind energy, environmental paralegal, and one certificate program in sustainable interior design that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers.

To learn more about Ecotech Institute, visit us online or call us at 1-877-326-5576. The next round of classes begins in January 2012 and applications are being accepted now.  Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.