Class Description

To address the projected shortage of energy industry professionals, Lake Michigan College, in collaboration with D.C. Cook Nuclear Plant in Bridgman and Palisades Power Plant in Covert, has launched a new Energy Production Technology degree program for the 2008 fall semester.

The Energy Production Technology degree requires prospective students to meet rigorous performance standards in the areas of math and science. Program coursework will include math, chemistry, thermo-fluid sciences, physics, electronics, English and other general education courses. Courses specific to the nuclear industry are also included, with many taught by adjunct instructors from the industry.

The Energy Production Technology program at Lake Michigan College leads to an Associate in Industrial Technology degree with concentrations in Power Plant Operations, Health Physics-Radiation Protection, Chemistry and Crafts.

* This course may be available for college credit through Lake Michigan College.

Content Areas 

·  A/C Electricity
·  D/C Electricity
·  Field Experience
·  Industrial Safety
·  Power Plant Fundamentals

Career Outlook

As our nation’s need for energy increases, the demand is also on the rise for highly skilled and competent workers who can help operate power generation plants safely and effectively.

The energy production industry is anticipating a large number of retirements among energy professionals. According to the Nuclear Energy Institute, about 30% of the nuclear energy workforce will retire within the next five years. Locally, that percentage is as high as 35% of the nuclear energy workforce. That translates into over 300 anticipated job opening in this region in just the next few years.

Lake Michigan College, in partnership with D.C. Cook Nuclear Plant in Bridgman, and Palisades Power Plant in Covert, has developed the Energy Production Technology degree to give local residents the opportunity to prepare for one of these high-skill, high-wage careers.