Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) fulfills key recommendation of public-private analysis around region\u2019s participation in offshore wind energy industry<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BRISTOL, VA.\u2014The presidents of four community colleges in Virginia\u2019s Southwest today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on training and development actions in the offshore wind energy(OSW)manufacturing supply chain. This agreement fulfills one of the recommendations presented to the region by the Xodus Group, which performed research commissioned by InvestSWVA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Project Veer is leveraging the advanced manufacturing legacy of Virginia\u2019s Southwest to explore entry points for the region\u2019s manufacturers into the offshore wind supply chain. An economic development initiative announced on December 14, 2021, Project Veer was funded by the GO Virginia Region One Council, the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission and Coalfield Strategies. Xodus Group engaged the region\u2019s manufacturers along with industry experts, public-sector partners, the Virginia Department of Energy, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Hampton Roads Alliance, Dominion Energy, Appalachian Power, and GO Virginia Region One\u2019s economic and workforce development organizations in order to advance the region\u2019s entry into this new market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The MOU signifies that Mountain Empire Community College, Southwest Virginia Community College, Virginia Highlands Community College and Wytheville Community College will work together to promote, develop and expand the preparation of workers to enter the employ of regional supply chain manufacturers in the offshore wind energy generation sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are looking to connect even more deeply with the employers of the region,\u201d said Dr. Adam C. Hutchison, President of Virginia Highlands Community College, Abingdon<\/strong>. \u201cA key group is the closely-held manufacturers who have vast experience in other supply chains. Our goal is to work with them to prepare employees for a pivot into wind energy, which we think is well within their reach.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe are realistic about the number of people ready to go to work in manufacturing,\u201d said Dr. Dean Sprinkle, President of Wytheville Community College, Wytheville<\/strong>. \u201cAs a result, we see the wind energy sector as an exciting and compelling path for people who may be ‘on the fence’ about a manufacturing career. Training workers and inspiring them to live and work in our region are elements of our mission in community colleges, and this is an enticing opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWith this framework for collaboration, our community colleges are making a bold statement about our role in strengthening the regional economy,\u201d said Dr. Kristen Westover, President of Mountain Empire Community College, Big Stone Gap<\/strong>. \u201cOur experience in legacy industries has us well-prepared to enter the renewable energy space. At the same time, the framework will enable us to touch every community we serve.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe decision to enter the wind energy sector signifies fresh thinking and a new chapter for the people of our region,\u201d said Dr. Tommy F. Wright, President of Southwest Virginia Community College, Tazewell<\/strong>. \u201cA new industry \u2013with new courses we design with manufacturers and industry experts \u2013is a big start for those looking to polish their existing talents or develop entirely different skills.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The chief recommendations out of the final report by Xodus Group include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cVirginia\u2019s Southwest is an answer, a resource and the place to be for wind energy manufacturers looking for business partners who can satisfy market demand in a quality fashion,\u201d said Will Payne, Managing Partner of Coalfield Strategies and Project Lead for InvestSWVA<\/strong>. \u201cThe agreement we announce today is foundational to our success not just in the wind energy industry but to our ability to rally around opportunity, together. The presidents of our community colleges are setting a great example.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n With this initial phase of Project Veer complete, InvestSWVAis now working toward implementing Xodus Group\u2019s recommendations. For more information, visit Project Veer<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n About Mountain Empire Community College<\/strong> About Southwest Virginia Community College<\/strong> About Virginia Highlands Community College<\/strong> About Wytheville Community College<\/strong> About Xodus Group<\/strong> About InvestSWVA<\/strong> SW community colleges to create wind manufacturing workforce The presidents of four community colleges in Virginia\u2019s Southwest today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on training and development actions in the offshore wind energy(OSW)manufacturing supply chain. This agreement fulfills one of the recommendations presented to the region by the Xodus Group, which performed research commissioned by InvestSWVA.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1210,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[27,35,36,16],"tags":[132,133,127,134],"class_list":["post-1209","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-in-the-news","category-press-release","category-top-news","tag-investswva","tag-mou","tag-renewable-energy","tag-wind-energy"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Mountain Empire Community College is a comprehensive two-year college serving the residents of Virginia\u2019s Lee, Scott, Wise, and Dickenson Counties and the City of Norton. Visit MECC<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Southwest Virginia Community College is a comprehensive two-year college serving the residents of Virginia\u2019sBuchanan, Dickenson (partial), Russell and Tazewell counties. Visit SWCC<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Virginia Highlands Community College is a comprehensive two-year college serving the residents of Virginia\u2019s Washington County, the western part of Smyth County and the City of Bristol. Visit VHCC<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wytheville Community College is a comprehensive two-year college serving the residents of Virginia\u2019s Bland, Carroll, Grayson, Smyth (Marion and eastward) and Wythe Counties, and the City of Galax. Visit WCC<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Xodus advises clients on a broad range of energy topics from sustainability, energy mix diversification and environmental impact to new and emerging technologies. The company provides holistic support and insight through the integration of engineering, corporate management consultancy and environmental science. Visit Xodus<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
InvestSWVA is a public-private business research, attraction and marketing campaign for Southwest Virginia launched under the umbrella of the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission and backed by private industry. Visit InvestSWVA<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Virginia Business
https:\/\/www.virginiabusiness.com\/article\/sw-community-colleges-to-create-wind-manufacturing-workforce\/<\/a>
Group says area can supply equipment for offshore wind industry
Bristol Herald Courier
https:\/\/heraldcourier.com\/news\/group-says-area-can-supply-equipment-for-offshore-wind-industry\/article_329d62cc-b06c-11ec-8c00-fbfddd3b3701.html<\/a>
SW Va. community colleges commit to training for wind energy manufacturing
https:\/\/www.timesnews.net\/news\/sw-va-community-colleges-commit-to-training-for-wind-energy-manufacturing\/article_87afd196-b08a-11ec-b8ad-cbff3a609979.html<\/a>
Southwest Virginia community colleges to collaborate on training for wind industry jobs
https:\/\/cardinalnews.org\/2022\/03\/30\/southwest-virginia-community-colleges-to-collaborate-on-training-for-wind-industry-jobs\/<\/a>
4 community college presidents in SW VA promote investment in offshore wind industry
https:\/\/wcyb.com\/news\/local\/4-community-college-presidents-in-sw-va-promote-investment-in-offshore-wind-industry<\/a>
Colleges, economic leaders hope new plan blows hope into coal country
https:\/\/www.wjhl.com\/news\/local\/colleges-economic-leaders-hope-new-plan-blows-hope-into-coal-country\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"