College Receives $500,000 Grant from Offshore Wind Training Institute
May 31, 2023
Hudson Valley Community College is one of seven SUNY colleges to receive a $500,000 grant from the Offshore Wind Training Institute (OWTI) to enhance programming and facilities in areas supporting offshore wind. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced $4 million in grants from OWTI to SUNY campus-led programs designed to prepare students for careers in this growing industry last week. The winning programs will expand workforce development and training initiatives for jobs in constructing, manufacturing, installing, operating, and maintaining offshore wind farms.
Hudson Valley’s School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math submitted a winning proposal for a project entitled Enhanced Metal Fabrication Pathways for the OSW Industry in the Capital Region. The funds will support the college’s programs in Welding and Fabrication, which is an essential component of the construction, manufacturing, installation, operation and maintenance of offshore wind farms. A portion of the funds will be used for new, state-of-the-art equipment for training and classroom use, including acquisition of equipment and curriculum in Submerged-Arc Welding (SAW) and Nondestructive Testing (NDT), while some is earmarked for the modification of existing curriculum and the creation of new, short-term workforce training pathways in Welding and Fabrication. The college established a two-year Associate of Occupational Studies (A.O.S.) degree program in Welding and Fabrication in 2021; enhancing the current program and creating new training options will allow the college to train more welders and metal fabricators faster as the industry grows.
“Hudson Valley Community College is focused on training the workforce of the future and proactively addressing the industry need for qualified technicians supporting renewable energy initiatives,” said Hudson Valley Community College President Roger Ramsammy. “We are constantly re-imagining our offerings to keep pace with what the future demands, which is what led us to create our new Welding and Fabrication degree program; this grant will allow us to serve even more students with shorter-term training options that fit their schedules and goals with greater flexibility. I am thankful to Governor Hochul and The Offshore Wind Training Institute for selecting Hudson Valley as a recipient of these funds, and recognizing the need for investment in training for renewable energy careers.”
Other campuses receiving awards of up to $500,000 each include Alfred State College, University at Buffalo, Farmingdale State College, Suffolk County Community College, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, and Stony Brook University.
Governor Hochul launched the request for proposals in October 2022. The grant process is led by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority in collaboration with Farmingdale State College and Stony Brook University. Applicants were asked to apply under one or more “priority focus areas,” which include expanding existing SUNY curricula relevant to offshore wind; responding to rapid, targeted training needs; and addressing barriers to entry. Proposals addressed equity needs, long-term outreach to young students, community-driven efforts to raise awareness, and partnerships with connected or adjacent sectors.
A second round of awards will be announced in summer 2023.