Students in the Austin area now have one career training opportunity that may be recession-proof.

Riverland Community College is launching its two-year Wind Turbine Technician program this fall semester at its Albert Lea campus, making it only the second institution in the state to offer the training.

A couple weeks ago, the college hosted a summit with industry experts and local companies to discuss workforce needs.

Steve Bowron, dean of career and technical education, said the program will boost the college’s construction and industrial maintenance and mechanics programs.

“We’re going to learn more specifically what they do on the job and then cross-reference that into our curriculum,” Bowron said. “We just really needed to develop the wind turbine technology.

“What the industries are excited about for Riverland and our program, they have the opportunity to hire someone with all three of the educational skill sets,” he said.

“We’ve got a lot of companies that are working in our area.”

Bowron said many graduates of the program may be employed by the Bent Tree Wind Farm to be erected by Hartland, Minn. The wind farm will generate 200 megawatts of electricity. A second phase could bring another 200 megawatts, which would make Bent Tree the largest stand-alone wind farm in Minnesota.

Riverland was chosen as one of six colleges to receive a grant for its program development. The college also brought state Rep. Poppe and Sen. Dan Sparks (DFL-Austin) on board to legislate for funding; Riverland was one of four colleges to receive appropriation dollars two years ago for research and development.

Bowron said the program consists of 40 percent electrical skills courses; 40 percent mechanical skills courses; and about 20 percent of actual wind turbine technology courses.

“It’s a new skill,” Bowron said. “It’s also one that will be challenging.”

Although starting pay averages about $14 per hour, requirements include the willingness to climb 300-foot turbines, sometimes in tough elements.

Wind farms are shooting up across southern Minnesota, with operations by Dexter, Dodge Center, Grand Meadow and Winona. Two years ago, there were about 160 wind towers in southeastern Minnesota.

“Now, there’s probably double that,” Bowron estimated. He said it’s possible more than 1,000 turbines will be in operation here in the next couple years.

Only 24 openings will be available for the technician program, said Bowron, who expects a waiting list.

“People just need to start taking advantage of this down time in the economy,” he said.

“The jobs are going to be there, we’re just in a soft time right now.

“The challenges of skilled workers are going to be just as prevalent,” Bowron explained. “Wind turbines are exciting right now.”