Careers in renewable energy are developing a sunny outlook. New York state is funding career training in offshore wind. SUNY Morrisville is receiving $500,000 to train students. A new program at the college this summer will prepare students for working in the offshore wind industry.

“There's going to be a continuing and growing opportunity and need for people who want to work in this industry,” said Ben Ballard, a SUNY Morrisville professor.

Ballard prepares students for a career that’s sky high. Eventually, students climbing in the classroom will be ready to install and maintain wind turbines.  

“So, it's really fun. It teaches you so much. It teaches you it's strength, like, my biceps are getting a workout,” said Evan Salvaggio, a student at SUNY Morrisville.

One of the skills they practice most often is rescuing a fellow climber.

“You can actually save someone. So if someone had gotten stuck up there, you could go up hang your ropes and then repel down with them,” said Salvaggio.

“A lot of job opportunities out there. So it's not going to be like, 'what am I going to do after college?' There's always a job out there for you,” said Lawrence Kuma, a SUNY Morrisville student.

New York has a goal of having 70% renewably sourced electricity by 2030. Eight-million dollars has gone to SUNY schools for the Offshore Wind Training Institute.

“So we’re going to need the workforce to actually help to physically go out and build these structures and to maintain these structures,” said Jenny Frank, SUNY Morrisville assistant professor.

Classes will cover paths of a career in wind, and exploring areas of study like finance, technical work and tower climbing.

“The industry as a whole has a huge need for trained technicians, and our program is pretty well positioned to do that,” said Ballard.

Classes for the new program begin on July 1.

If you want to learn more, SUNY Morrisville is holding a Clean Energy Career Exploration Day on Friday. It will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the ACET Building.