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The certificate builds upon existing education and experience, to provide a solid foundation in renewable energy technology system design and planning. Participants will gain valuable skills to work in this growing industry, as well as receive an $800 rebate for the certificate tuition.

Green Careers Create More Jobs

This new program offers training in renewable energy, a global trend which is having a strong local impact. In 2011, BC's Pembina Institute stated that green careers related to the renewable energy sector created more jobs per unit of energy when compared to the fossil fuel sector. 

"Many commercial buildings and educational institutions are switching to renewable energy technology, to lower annual operating expenses by tens of thousands of dollars," states School Chair, Brendan Wilson. "At Selkirk College alone we have examples of geothermal and solar hot water systems that have been operating for years. As well, $7 million upgrades to the Tenth Street Residence incorporated renewable energy technology systems in order to achieve LEED platinum standards for building design and efficiency.”

Students Develop Renewable Energy Skills

The Advanced Certificate in Renewable Energy Technology will build on an individual's existing education and experience to provide a solid foundation in renewable energy technology system design and planning towards for a future-thinking career.

Students will learn about the profound transformations in energy supply, consumption, conservation, reduced carbon footprints, and the grassroots shift towards energy sustainability. The program looks at forward-thinking technologies such as: small hydro, wind, solar Photovoltaic, solar thermal, ground source energy, and biomass energy. Students will get classroom and lab time, guest speakers, field trips and a practical hands-on project. 

“Participants in this intensive six-week program will take introductory level courses in renewable energy system design, electricity and heat transfer theory, as well as energy conservation and management,” said Wilson. "They will work on retrofitting a small scale prefabricated building as part of the learning, using energy conservation measurement tools and software, solar photovoltaic supplies, and various other supplies to create a real applied learning experience.”

Valuable for Trades, Environment Technology and Sciences

“It is important for people entering this field to be aware of the varied skills required to work with renewable energy technology,” explains Brendan Wilson. “This program's series of courses cover a wide variety of renewable energy technologies and energy conservation strategies for working professionals and individuals desiring to enter the developing sector.”

The advanced certificate is open to Environmental Technology or related diploma program graduates (Canada), science graduate associates, second year or higher environmental science or studies students, mature students and  applicants approved at the discretion of the Chair of the School of Environment and Geomatics.

Register Now for May 6th Start Date

The Renewable Energy program runs at Selkirk's Castlegar Campus  from Monday – Friday, 9:00 - 5:00 pm, for six weeks from May 6 – June 14. If you’re interested in knowing more about the Advanced Certificate in Renewable Energy Technology, please contact School Chair, Brendan Wilson at 250.365.1393.

Learn more about the Renewable Energy Advanced Certificate. Download Renewable Energy Advanced Certificate Poster.