Student Highlight

My name is Mia Hocking and I am a current LCC student enrolled in online Energy Management courses. I have worked for the Hillsboro School District since January 2010. In July 2018, I started a new position with the district as Resource Conservation Manager. This RCM position has experienced some turnover and I was looking for a creative challenge. Be careful what you ask for J It’s an amazing opportunity to do good things; save money, save resources, the collaboration between departments, develop programs and policies, engage our youth, and the list goes on. Even with all my ideas and desire to achieve, I realized that I really needed professional development in this new career. My research for education in this field led me to Roger Ebbage and that is how I found the Online Energy Management program at LCC.

I live and work in Hillsboro, OR so this is a major factor in my decision to enroll in this LCC program. I have not found similar programs or opportunities close to home. I also appreciate that I can complete the coursework around my daily work schedule. The district maintenance department has been understaffed for years and increasingly difficult to find skilled tradesmen interested in working for HSD. Given these circumstances, I felt that I needed resources that allowed me the opportunity to apply coursework to my daily tasks. I can say, without hesitation that LCC’s Online Energy Program and my instructors have provided applicable and accessible knowledge and training that continues to enhance my professional development.

Initially considering a commitment to a 2-year program and learning a new job seemed like a huge undertaking. It has been. However, I have only felt support and encouragement from both instructors, mentor, and my district. Considering that I have had to learn how to do my job without internal guidance, I am grateful to have made so many industry connections. I have much to learn yet, but I feel much more confident than if I had not enrolled in this program.

Below is a photo of Keith, one of our HVAC technicians and myself sitting in front of our HVAC controls workstations.

Fieldwork Mentors Wanted!

We’re seeking individuals who are able to demonstrate job tasks related to commercial energy efficiency and water conservation.

Although students will be getting the majority of their training hours through online classes, it is imperative that we connect “book smarts” to real-life experiences. That’s where a utilities’ expertise and industry connections can provide huge value to any educational training.  To sign up and read more about becoming a  Fieldwork Mentor.

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Support Education and scholarships for students

 As both Water and Energy programs expand the reach into different states, our students need support.  Please consider giving to this effort to educate and conservation of our resources.  Read a bit of our history and see how much good work has already been done.  But as climate changes, we need even more educational opportunities for people.  Please help that effort.  Choose the Donate button on the right and follow the instructions.  

Modern Energy Management Podcast!

Welcome to the Modern Energy Management podcast, a place for sustainability, energy, and facility innovators to tell their stories and share energy best practices that go beyond the meter. We believe that modern energy managers are individuals who use technology and best practices to harness the power of building data to improve resource efficiency, enhance employee well-being, increase operational efficiency, and to create a culture of sustainability at their organization. Tune in each week as we share Modern Energy Management stories from industry leaders who are blazing the trail.

 Exploring Hidden Costs of Manual Data

 This link will take you to a multiple of good articles to listen to.  Enjoy!

Water Conservation goes ONLINE too!

Our Water Conservation Technician Program will go online Fall of 2019.  You can take it from anywhere!!!

The Water Conservation Technician program consists of an inspiring community of students and faculty dedicated to improving community water security and quality using ecologically sustainable practices. Through the two-year Water Conservation Technician online program, you will be prepared for the growing field of Water Conservation and the challenges a shortage of water will bring. 

The Program trains individuals to evaluate water use patterns; develop, implement, market and maintain conservation programs; perform public outreach; recommend water efficiency techniques; integrate alternative water sources, and perform systems analysis to solve problems.

As water-related issues continue to increase, more voluntary and mandatory water conservation opportunities are being created that require a technical skill set like that which is offered within this program. Employment opportunities in Water Conservation are excellent. Students must consider the Western United States when seeking employment as those willing to relocate will have greater employment opportunities.