Renewable energy is growing more than just markets for regional wind and grain products. Demand for workers in renewable energy is being met in part by regional educational institutions.
Minnesota West Community and Technical College has launched the state's first program to train workers for the ethanol, wind and renewable energy fields.
Students in Minnesota West's new program are not having any trouble finding work. In fact, every graduate who has sought a job in the ethanol industry has found employment, according to a Minnesota West spokesman.
Currently, southwest Minnesota is home to about 85 percent of the renewable energy projects in Minnesota.
These are all good examples of how renewable energy and related demands are creating opportunity for business and workers in west central Minnesota.
