Training the Workforce of the Future

 

 

This eight-hour course provides participants with fundamental terms and concepts to better understand how electrical circuits work, and

how to stay safe when working with or near electricity. Also includes hands-on labs to reinforce and solidify the learning objectives of the course.

 

Basic Photovoltaics (PV 101 | 8 hours)
This course uses a combination of lecture and classroom activities to teach the basics of photovoltaic (PV) systems. Participants will learn
how PV systems work, diagram the four PV system types, describe and identify components, understand the best application and limitations of each system type, define the solar window, make energy efficiency recommendations, estimate system loads, and understand the basics of PV site assessment.

PV Site Assessment (PV 201 | 8 hours)
This course uses classroom discussion, exercises, and activities to demonstrate how to perform a PV site assessment for a home or small business. Students are provided with the MREA PV Site Assessment Report Template and the MREA’s PV Cost Modeling tool. Topics covered in this course include load profiles and consumption history, energy efficiency and fuel switching opportunities, site-specific shade analysis,
array and balance of system location recommendation parameters, and client financing options. Participants will learn how to access and use online tools for assessing the solar resource, perform site-specific PV system sizing, determine energy production of a recommended PV.

PV System Design (PV 202 | 16 hours)
This course uses a series of presentations, exercises, calculators, and tools to teach the basic step-by-step process of designing a utility-interactive residential (or small commercial) PV system. Participants will use site assessments, manufacturer specification sheets, and case studies to learn about selecting appropriate equipment, sizing a PV system, planning the physical layout, and calculating electrical
values of voltage, current, power, and energy.

PV Labs Design & Scenarios (PV 304 | 8 hours)
This 8-hour course is designed to demonstrate PV system design principles through construction of two portable lab systems. Participants will work from line diagrams and component specification sheets to build a grid-interconnected PV system and a battery-based PV system. After assembly, students will verify proper mechanical and electrical connections and commission each system. In addition, students will work in
small teams to develop PV system designs that meet site analysis, system sizing, and configuration requirements given in several design scenarios.

 

NEW!!!

Housing PRO Certified Training Course

July 10 – July 28, 2023 | 15 days/3 weeks | Monday thru Friday | 9am – 4pm

Individuals interested in building a career in homebuilding and the related trades. Housing is a necessity and with a growing population in an undersupplied market, career opportunities abound.

This course will prepare students to be qualified candidates for entry level construction positions.  The 15-day course is comprised of nine modules, each covering a different phase of the construction of a home.  Each module will include the most important skills and information for a particular trade, to ensure you will be confident and competent in these basics on day one as an entry level employee:

Terms of the trade:   Each trade has its own vocabulary and terms which are critical to communication and success in that field.  Students will learn the most important terms in each phase of the residential construction building process.

Tools of the trade:As with terms, there are specific tools used by each trade.  In each module, you will become acquainted with and learn to effectively use the basic tools for each trade.

A practical hands-on skills activity is included in each module, to give you the opportunity to practice and become confident in each of the newly learned skills.

Core Competencies represent the desired knowledge, skills and behaviors expected of each graduating student.  These are the applied skills and knowledge that will enable you to succeed at your new job, no matter which specific trade you choose.  In each module, a few specific “Keys to Competencies” will be presented, to reinforce these important aspects of your learning.

For this course, the core competencies are:

1. A basic, fundamental understanding of the scope of the residential construction process from design to completion.
2. Understand the importance of and be prepared to practice basic construction safety measures.
3. Basic understanding of tools of the trades.
4. Understanding of key terms of the trades.
5. Safely operate power and hand tools.
6. Basic understanding of and ability to read schematics and plans.
7. Awareness and application of the Minnesota Residential Code
8. Fundamental understanding of and application of construction math
9. Communicate clearly and listen well.

90 hours  | Housing Professional Certification

 

 

Through lecture, demonstration and hands-on instruction, students will experience real world training in today’s demanding HVAC-R trade.

Each student will be prepared and required to pass the EPA Section 608 refrigerant handling certification exam by Esco Institute, which allows you to legally handle refrigerants. Certification ensures you have a solid understanding of the refrigeration cycle and proper handling of CFC, HCFC, and HFC refrigerants.
540 Hour training (10 weeks).

Upon completion of the course, you’ll have in-depth knowledge of furnaces, air conditioners and boilers. You will also be prepared to take the State of Minnesota Special Engineers Boiler Operator License.

Subjects covered in this program will be the following:

• Principles of thermodynamics.
• Principles of electricity; low and high voltage.
• Understanding of electrical circuits and wiring diagrams.
• Troubleshooting, diagnostics and proper maintenance of HVAC systems.
• The science of buildings and indoor air quality.
• Tools of the trade; the various types, their applications and purposes.
• Safety; Understanding the principles of on the job safety.
• Piping; the various types of material, their applications and how to service and install piping in different systems.
• Electric Vehicle Installation Training Coming Soon!