In February, Mason City High School introduced the Pathways to Green Energy Career Program for students in their senior year after completing prerequisite courses such as chemistry. The program, which will launch in the fall semester and be taught by science teacher Andrew Klenk, will give the students the skills they need to get jobs in the clean energy sector after graduating.
The students will learn about technologies and industries, including battery storage, biofuels, solar power, and wind power, as well as associated safety skills. The program is geared toward students interested in careers associated with those clean energy sources; civil, chemical, electrical, or mechanical engineering; and science and agricultural disciplines. This interest does not necessarily require a four-year degree, though. Klenk explains, “Engineering may not be for you, but you know, you could be a mechanic, or someone who drives a truck that hauls material.”
In their first semester, the students will learn about the different career paths, including becoming technicians, installers, engineers, and environmental scientists. In their second semester, they will benefit from hands-on learning experiences with local organizations, with assistance from internship coordinator Jessica Sutcliffe and instructional coach Tammy Kacer. According to Klenk, “They’ll have the opportunity to build things, whether it is a miniature wind turbine in a classroom or be able to actually go in the field and see these things and work hands-on with how they’re constructing the computers, or the design templates and blueprints.”
Photo Courtesy Mason City Community School District
It is all part of the Mason City Community School District’s long-term vision of creating work-readiness programs to help high schoolers determine their next steps. The program is possible due to federal funding for such programs and an Iowa STEM Best grant.
The program represents a partnership with Alliant Energy, Golden Grain Energy, Iowa State University (ISU) Research Park, and North Iowa Area Community College. Golden Grain Energy and the ISU Research Park will help Klenk to create the curriculum. Brooke Peters, chief financial officer at Golden Grain Energy, told the Globe Gazette, “Renewable energy is a big thing that’s in the world right now. It’s important that people coming into the workforce are educated about it. Hopefully, we can get someone excited about it.”
Alison Doyle, Associate Director at Iowa State University Research Park, said, “We believe the ‘Pathways to Green Energy Program’ has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of students and the future of the green energy industry in North Iowa.” Patti Hansen, Dean of Continuing Education at North Iowa Area Community College, added, “[Mason City High School’s] Green Energy High School Program is an exciting step toward preparing students for high-demand careers in the green energy industry.”
Photo Courtesy Golden Grain Energy, LLC
This program could prepare many students to continue learning with more classes or industry certifications at North Iowa Area Community College or with associated degrees at Iowa State University Research Park.
It is not North Iowa Area Community College’s first foray into such a job preparation program. Its John V. Hanson Career Center offers students from Forest City High School, GHV High School, Lake Mills High School, and North Iowa High School the chance to enroll in free classes and earn certificates that can lead to jobs in advanced manufacturing, the construction trades, information technology, or the health sector. The community college’s Education to Employment program provides students with resources, including resume review, interview preparation, and job search strategies. In 2020, the institution broke ground on one of the biggest solar arrays at a community college in the U.S., cutting energy costs by about $10.7 million over a quarter of a century and showcasing its dedication to sustainability.
Photo Courtesy North Iowa Area Community College
The innovative collaboration between these educational institutions sets the standard for others to prepare their students for renewable careers and ultimately drive local economic development. By contributing to local expertise, such programs can attract companies to set up shop in their state. Notably, Invenergy has announced that by the end of 2025, it will ensure that most workers at projects it owns or operates are hired from the local area.
Plus, clean energy is experiencing significant growth and offers considerable opportunities for young people to gain expertise in an industry set to transform society. The most recent iteration of the U.S. Department of Energy’s U.S. Energy and Employment Report found that in 2023, clean energy jobs grew 4.9% compared to the 2% growth in the rest of the economy. Plus, with 800 new manufacturing plants announced since 2021, construction jobs in the energy sector grew 4.5% compared to the 2.3% growth seen in construction jobs in the entire economy.
As Klenk reflected on his school’s new program, “I think it’s something we can offer that hasn’t been offered before. It’s an opportunity. And when you give kids an opportunity for something, they’ll surprise you. I think our mindset is let’s go find some young adults who want to go work in the world and better things for our area and our community.”
