Recently members from Northeastern Junior College and Fleming School got a glimpse of the local job opportunities that are emerging in the fast-growing renewable energy industry.

Jennifer Herron, senior project manager for NextEra Energy Resources, visited both schools to answer questions about the company’s three wind projects in Logan County, as well as a fourth – Niyol Wind – which she is developing.

“These projects create great job opportunities,” said Herron. “We currently have 17 employees here in Logan County, with six of them coming straight out of Northeastern’s wind technician program. It’s one of the best programs in the country.”

Herron and her colleagues from NextEra Energy Resources started their visit by meeting some of the students enrolled in Northeastern’s wind technician program. Discussions centered around renewable energy market growth and Colorado’s energy policies. The students also presented their semester projects.

“We were so impressed with the innovation and creativity displayed by the students,” said Herron. “They have a bright future ahead of them in one of the fastest growing careers in the country. We’d love to have some of these students apply for wind technician jobs at the new wind project we are developing in Logan County.”

Northeastern’s Department Chair of Transportation and Energy Jason Hazlett added, “We are really proud of our wind technician program and the partnership we’ve developed with NextEra Energy Resources. With their support, along with other local wind advisory members, we’ve been able to build one of the best wind technician programs in the country. And we’re excited about the opportunities for our students to work in the renewable energy industry.”

After spending the morning at Northeastern, the NextEra Energy Resources team ventured to Fleming to talk with middle and high school students about renewable energy, including education and career opportunities.

The Fleming students peppered the team with questions ranging from how a wind turbine works to how much money a wind technician can make.

“We are excited about the great relationships being developed and sharing information about local career opportunities with our students. It’s energizing to think about their future and how they can further their educations and get great paying jobs, without incurring a lot of debt,” said Randy Stahley, Fleming School counselor.

NextEra Energy Resources is the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and the sun – operating more than 21,000 megawatts of energy.

The company currently has three operational wind projects in Logan County: Peetz Table Wind, Logan Wind and Northern Colorado Wind. Niyol Wind, a project that is currently in development, is scheduled to begin operations in 2021, subject to local and state approvals. To learn more, visit www.NiyolWind.com.