The cooperation of county agencies, AEP, and Owens Community College has opened the door for nearly a dozen local workers to receive skilled training in preparation for the planned wind energy farms coming to Hardin County. "The Utility-Scale Wind Power Equipment Maintenance Technician classes will expose the participants to a variety of training in renewable energy," said Steven Hillard, Director of Sales for Owens.

Some of the 11 members of the class had taken the earlier courses offered for wind turbine maintenance, but those courses were for 40 hours. The participants in this class will have 288 hours of training.

"The program is the result of a $45,000 grant from AEP and the classes are free to those who were selected to be involved," said John Hohn, Director of Economic Development at the Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance. Applicants for the program were screened through the One Stop center.

"It was a very open process," said Hillard. "They were looking for people with strong math backgrounds because they will be using algebra and trigonometry."

The class consists of all Hardin County residents. "We are hoping to keep people here in Hardin County," Hillard said. "ThatŐs important. Then the dollars will stay here."

"The opportunity for maintenance jobs at the planned wind farms could accommodate the men trained and more," said Hohn. He noted there are currently five wind developers looking to locate within the county. For every ten turbines, he said, it is estimated one maintenance worker will be needed. With figures estimated to be more than 300 turbines, 30 jobs could be offered to trained workers.

Classrooms are located in the ESC office in the basement of Hardin Hills, but each Friday, a local transporting service drives the students to the Owens campus in Findlay for lab work. The classes include courses in hydraulics, electronics, and pneumatics. The participants will also have courses in high-angle rescue, which would teach them to keep a worker safe on one of the high turbines until rescue workers arrive.

"AEP needs to be commended for their commitment to train people and get them employed," said Hohn. "If these students find a job, even if it's not in renewable energy, then we feel we are doing our job."

Hillard commented that the success of the program has been based on the cooperation between all the agencies involved. "Economic development, the commissioners, the Alliance, and the educational institutions have worked well together," he said, "and people have not been selfish about it. When we all sit around a table, it's what can we do to help, not what can be done to help me. ThatŐs important. We want to provide employment opportunities and keep them here." There is an opportunity for the county to apply for another grant through AEP to begin training workers again. If you want to know more about Hardin County or have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance at 419.673.4131 or alliance@hardinohio.org.