Smart Energy Training Center celebrated

Preparing for home construction and home improvements for the future are important areas to provide training at Hazard Community and Technical College. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Sept. 8 at HCTC s Technical Campus of the Smart Energy Training Center to celebrate state-of-the-art energy-efficient technologies.

The Smart Energy Training Center showcases current technologies to the community and industry offering enhanced hands-on training in an unconventional lab-type atmosphere, noted HCTC President Steve Greiner. The center is located within the Heavy Equipment Building with access to existing infrastructure and parking. Students in programs will enjoy the benefit of having this training facility. The programs served include: Air Conditioning Technology, Computer-Aided Drafting and Design/Surveying, Electrical Technology, Information Technology and Welding Technology. This is the first training center of this type in Eastern Kentucky and KCTCS.

The 1,200 square foot center will include solar panels, home automation capabilities, a large wiring closest, emergency power hook-up capabilities, geo-thermal training unit, energy audit testing equipment, heat pump training units, air conditioning training units, grid tie-in capability, wood and aluminum framing, PCL units, earthquake building specifications and a conference/training area with smart classroom technology.

Funding sources were the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Ky. Department for Local Government, Breathitt Mechanical, Lindon Heating Supply; Breathitt Mechanical; R.E. Michel; Appalachian Refrigeration; and Breeding s Plumbing amp; Electric. The construction project was overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Speaking at the event were: Dr. Jennifer Lindon, HCTC Dean of Workforce Solutions and Occupational Technologies, Danielle Smoot of Congressman Harold Rogers office; Donna McClure, U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell s office; State Senator Brandon Smith, State Representative Fitz Steele, Hazard Mayor Jimmy Lindon, Perry Judge Executive Scott Alexander; and Larry Ferguson, KCTCS Vice Chancellor of Economic Development and Workforce Development.