Gardner-based Mount Wachusett Community College has introduced a new energy management academic program at the school.
The program aims to prepare students for careers in clean energy fields, including energy management and auditing, resource conservation, and building performance.
The associate degree program includes 13 classes as well as service learning and internships for the students.
The college has also partnered with Leominster Center for Technical Education, which is located at Leominster High School, to share some laboratory space and equipment. The college is looking to expand partnerships with other technical schools in the state, as well as partnerships with municipalities for students to apply their learning to energy conservation measures.
The colleges cited a New England Clean Energy Council study done this year that predicts there will be continued growth in renewable energy industries and high growth in energy efficiency industries.
The study predicted more than 50,000 jobs in clean energy in New England to be created by 2020.
