Lakeland’s sustainable energy programs receive industry approval

Lakeland College’s sustainable energy technology (SET) diploma and microcredential programs have received a stamp of approval by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).

Lakeland courses meet NABCEP’s high standards in the knowledge and expertise needed to design, install and operate solar photovoltaic energy systems. Lakeland has been a registered training provider for solar photovoltaic (PV) associate for many years. Passing the associate exam validates that a graduate can effectively design, sell, install and maintain Solar PV systems under supervision and enhances their resume and employment opportunities. Now Lakeland is also a training provider for part of the educational requirements required to write the photovoltaic installation professional (PVIP) and photovoltaic commissioning and maintenance specialist (PVCMS) exams.

“As one of the most respected certification organizations in the renewable energy industry, NABCEP certification means our sustainable energy technology students can be confident that they are receiving the best training when it comes to sustainable energy,” says Brad Onofrychuk, dean of energy at Lakeland College. “They will qualify to write the NABCEP Associate PV Installer exam after completing our Intro to Basic Energy Principles and Intro to Solar Energy, the first step towards a professional photovoltaic certification. This designation proves that our sustainable energy diploma, certification and microcredentials students are being set up for long-term success in the growing field of sustainable energy.”

For more than 10 years, Lakeland has offered a sustainable energy technology diploma. Offered online, SET covers efficient building construction practices, sustainable building design, designing and completing renewable energy projects, the design and installation of photovoltaic systems, geothermal, bio energy, and more.

“During my time at Lakeland College, I have had many opportunities to do small projects for a few companies and take certifications that have helped me gain employment,” says Shawn Sales, a second-year SET student. “The most notable accreditation that has been helpful is NABCEP. This certification and my current education have opened up doors for employment. Employers in the solar energy landscape show preference to potential employees who have demonstrated their competency through NABCEP exams.”

New to Lakeland this year, is the sustainable energy microcredential that launched in January. Complete with four microcredential streams, the solar PV stream is currently underway. The second stream – energy exchange – launches in February and will be followed by the energy audit stream, and the bio energy and biofuel stream. Each microcredential features four online courses and an on-site lab, most of which can be transferred to the SET diploma program. Application is currently open for the energy exchange microcredential.

Photo: SET program alumni and Lakeland volunteer Joe Downey.