dan@theballstonjournal.com
Officials, educators and business people gathered for a multi-purpose event at the TEC-SMART facility Tuesday, Oct. 18, where a discussion of green jobs opportunities available in the region was followed by a dedication ceremony of the new General Electric Wind Technology Lab also at Hudson Valley Community College’s Malta facility.
Ballston Spa Central School District representative Stuart Williams was on hand, along with Superintendent Joseph Dragone. Williams said the discussion focused on providing information about where people interested in working with green-energy can get “training and workforce development.”
The school district has put an emphasis on green energy and technology, and is pushing a focus on career readiness, Dragone said in recent months.
“The green energy panel discussion on the education and training needed for our students to be prepared for the clean technology and sustainable industry workforce, as well as the dedication of the new GE wind energy lab, were both significant events as we continue to develop new opportunities for teaching and learning in our schools”, Dragone in a statement. “The successful implementation of our Clean Technologies and Sustainable Industries program, as a collaboration at the TEC-SMART facility with Hudson Valley Community College and NYSERDA, emphasizes the importance of partnerships as we drive innovation in our sector, support college and career readiness for all students and firmly establish the critical link between K-12 education, higher education and economic development.”
Ballston Spa students in the Clean Technologies and Sustainable Industries Early College High School were also at the event in the labs and classrooms.
The dedication recognized GE’s gift of “state-of-the-art” wind energy technology to TEC-SMART. The contribution includes two wind turbines, 1.5 megawatt and 50 kilowatt units, and other equipment, according to information from organizers. In addition to the equipment donation, GE will provide continuing operational and technical assistance to Hudson Valley faculty. The estimated value of the technology and technical support is valued at approximately $400,000.
The preceding panel discussion included education and business professionals who detailed the training and education needed by students seeking jobs in the green energy sector.
Attending the panel discussion and dedication ceremony, as well as more than 100 educators and students from throughout the region were HVCC President Andrew Matonak and SUNY Adirondack President Ronald Heacock. Rep. Chris Gibson, R-Kinderhook, made introductory remarks and Francis Murray Jr., president and chief operating officer of the New York State Research and Energy Department was also among the technology brass at the event, according to information from the school district.
Panelists included representatives from NYSERDA, GE Energy, GLOBALFOUNDRIES, Ballston Spa Central School District and Hudson Valley Community College.







