NORFOLK, Va. (Nov. 9, 2023) – Centura College’s Norfolk campus recently welcomed sixty-four students from the Girls Lead Offshore Wind (GLOW) program, along with staff from the Hampton Roads Workforce Council, for a tour of Centura College’s Wind Turbine Program and hands-on activities highlighting the importance of renewable energy.
Highlights of the visit included a demonstration of a climbing tower rescue and the chance for students to interact with and learn from Women in Wind, who provided mentoring and served as role models to the students in attendance. These mentors shared their experiences and insights, inspiring the GLOW students to pursue careers in the offshore wind industry. Students engaged with the electrical lab, learning about traditional energy by connecting wires to switches and learning how traditional energy is converted into power for businesses and homes. They also had the opportunity to tour the renewable energy lab, working on the turbine simulator to learn about safety protocols and equipment use.
The GLOW program, a joint initiative of the Hampton Roads Workforce Council and the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, aims to introduce young women to the opportunities available in the growing offshore wind sector. By providing them with firsthand experiences and mentorship, GLOW empowers these students to consider careers in renewable energy.
“Centura College is honored to host a day of hands-on projects and demonstrations focused on careers within the renewable energy sector. We are thankful for the opportunity to provide career exposure for the next generation, and as a proud father of two young girls, I am thrilled to provide role models to this group of young women. Many thanks to Hampton Roads Workforce Council for their on-going partnership with Centura College,” said Cory Doxey, Campus Executive Director.
The Wind Turbine Technician program at Centura College provides students with the technical skills to install, maintain, and repair wind turbines. The program typically takes 12 months to complete. Wind Turbine Technician students have the opportunity to complete Maritime based certification(s), the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) Introduction to Power Industry and Wind Turbine Maintenance Level I certification(s), and CPR/Basic Life Support.
