Renewable Energy

Are you an organization interested in hosting a Bridges to Offshore Wind seminar? Connect your community with the exciting career opportunities in offshore wind and empower individuals to gain the skills and support they need to succeed in this growing industry. 

The CUNY Offshore Wind Advisory Network offers the Bridges to Offshore Wind program—a dynamic, introductory seminar designed to inspire and guide individuals interested in offshore wind careers. The program uniquely combines insights into technical training with supportive services to help participants succeed, covering:

  • Maritime, 
  • Electrical, 
  • Construction, 
  • Manufacturing, 
  • Assembly 
  • and Supply Chain subsectors. 

Participants gain exposure to career pathways, training and education requirements, and labor market information specific to the offshore wind industry, helping them align their skills and aspirations with career opportunities. The program also provides access to vital resources, connections with community organizations offering ESL, HSE/GED programs, and workforce training. Through Bridges to Offshore Wind, participants can explore a promising field with the support they need to achieve their career goals.

Register your organization today to bring this impactful program to your audience and inspire the next wave of offshore wind professionals.

Offshore Wind Training Programs

The College of Staten Island is poised to be a vital force in preparing students and current professionals to meet the demands of the evolving regional workforce. Our Offshore Wind program offers an exciting opportunity to dive into key sectors like maritime, electrical, construction, manufacturing, assembly, and supply chain. Participants will gain valuable insight into offshore wind career paths, exploring job titles and the education and training required to excel in these high-demand roles. By reviewing labor market trends and employment projections, students will assess their skills and discover how they align with thriving opportunities in the offshore wind industry.

For more information about any of these programs, please call one of our Enrollment Specialists at 718-982-2182.

Overview:

Offered in collaboration with Makerspace NYC and the College of Staten Island, the SMAW Welding Training Program provides hands-on instruction in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) to prepare students for American Welding Society (AWS) 3G and 4G welding certifications. This 12-week intensive program is ideal for individuals interested in launching a career in welding and skilled trades. Students will gain practical experience in MIG and SMAW techniques, blueprint reading, fabrication tools, and shop math. Upon completion, students will test at an AWS-accredited facility to earn industry-recognized certifications Upon successful completion of the course, a Certificate of Completion will be issued by CSI.

In this course, you will learn:

  • How to safely operate SMAW equipment and perform structural welding in flat, horizontal, and vertical positions
  • The fundamentals of MIG welding for non-structural applications
  • Techniques for completing stringer beads, weave beads, fillet welds, and groove welds
  • How to read and interpret welding symbols and construction drawings
  • Safe use of fabrication tools such as band saws, grinders, shears, magnetic drills, and more
  • Shop math skills including fractions, decimals, and measurement using tapes and calipers

To apply for one of the limited scholarships available for the Spring 2025 semester, follow these steps:

Ensure your application is fully completed to avoid delays in the review process. Good luck!


Course duration:

4 months

Course format:

In-Person

Course schedule:

Cohort 1: Mon, Wed, Fri | May 12 | 6:00pm - 10:00pm

Instructor Name:

Evan Smith

Tuition and inclusions:

Cohort 1 is scholarship funded, which includes:

  • Hands-on instruction at Staten Island Makerspace 

  • Access to MIG and SMAW equipment and fabrication tools

  • Safety gear and materials

  • Preparation for AWS 3G & 4G Welding Certification exam

  • One (1) AWS certification testing day at an off-site facility

 

Certification or credentials earned:

Upon successful completion of the course, a Certificate of Completion will be issued by CSI and Staten Island Makerspace.

Official certification will be granted by AWS-accredited testing facility upon successfully passing the certification exam.

Enrollment Requirements:

  • Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

Certification Requirements:

  • Must attend all sessions (144 course hours) of program and testing day, participate in all required coursework and practical assessments, and pass the AWS certification exams to earn 3G & 4G credentials.

  • Official certification will be granted by AWS-accredited testing facility upon successfully passing the certification exam.

About your instructor:

Evan Smith - Shop Manager & Fabrication Specialist | 10+ Years of Experience | Welding Instructor 

Evan Smith is an experienced Shop Manager and Fabrication Specialist with over a decade of expertise in the metalworking industry. Specializing in maintaining and operating shop tools and machinery, Evan is skilled in prototyping and fabrication, with a strong background in working from technical drawings, samples, and written descriptions. 

Throughout his career, Evan has excelled in creating precise patterns and templates and is proficient in a range of metalworking processes, including cutting, drilling, forging, welding, brazing, and burning. He has extensive hands-on experience using hand tools, powered equipment, and various welding techniques such as SMAW, GMAW, and GTAW to assemble and attach fabricated components to machinery and structures. 

In addition to his technical work, Evan is passionate about teaching and is dedicated to training the next generation of welders. As a welding instructor, he shares his knowledge and expertise with students, instilling both the technical skills and the safety practices necessary for success in the field. His commitment to education ensures that future welders are equipped with the tools and confidence they need to thrive in the industry. 

Evan combines his technical expertise with leadership skills to maintain an efficient, organized, and safe work environment in the shop. His problem-solving abilities and attention to detail ensure high-quality results in every project he undertakes.

This training program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide participants with the essential skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in precision machining. This hands-on program covers a wide range of topics including blueprint reaching, machine tool operation, CNC machining, and quality control. Participants gain practical experience using state-of-the-art machining equipment and tools at our partner location. The program integrates safety protocols and industry best practices.​

Eligibility: Participants should be 18+ years of age​

Benefits: Completion of the program qualifies individuals for diverse roles in manufacturing, garnering experience using cutting-edge equipment and tools with the latest technologies and industry standards. Successful completion qualifies participants for various roles within manufacturing and other precision engineering sectors.​

Start Date/ Timeline: Spring 2025​

This training program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed​ to train and equip individuals with the essential skills and ​knowledge required to become proficient electrical technicians. ​This includes comprehensive training in electrical systems, safety ​protocols, troubleshooting techniques, and renewable energy ​technologies, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet the ​demands of the evolving clean energy sector.​

Eligibility: Participants should be 18+ years of age​

Benefits: Completion of the program qualifies individuals to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the electrical sector. Successful completion qualifies participants for roles as a technician in the context of clean energy. Trained technicians will play a crucial role in the installation, maintenance, and optimization of renewable energy systems.​

Start Date/ Timeline: Spring 2025​

Participants will undergo rigorous training in areas such as turbine maintenance, electrical systems, safety protocols, and advanced troubleshooting techniques. The program integrates hands-on experience and industry-specific certifications, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the demands of maintaining and servicing wind turbines.​​

Eligibility: Participants should be 18+ years of age​

Benefits: Program completers will acquire in-demand skills in the wind energy industry, will receive an industry-recognized certification, will receive employment opportunities where skilled technicians are increasingly in demand, and will contribute to sustainable energy initiatives addressing the global need for clean and renewable power sources.​

Start Date/ Timeline: TBD​

The GWO training program is comprehensive and internally recognized for professionals working in the wind energy industry. This program equips participants with essential safety and technical skills necessary for tasks such as working at heights, first aid, fire awareness, and manual handling in the challenging offshore wind environment. Completing GWO training ensures that individuals adhere to industry-specific safety standards, fostering a secure and proficient workforce within the global wind energy sector.​​

Eligibility: Participants should be 18+ years of age​

Benefits: Those who successfully complete the program will receive a globally recognized credential, and will gain enhanced safety knowledge, and employability within the wind energy sector.​

Start Date/Timeline: TBD.​