COLORADO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT As directed in SB05-66, CERI funds and helps initiate energy education programs at eight community and technical colleges across Colorado. These partner colleges and their individual programs are listed on the right. This initial funding has generated strong two-way program development activities, benefiting CSM, the community colleges, and their surrounding communities. With this foundation in place, CERI plans to pursue federal energy education funds made available through the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This effort will be coordinated with the State administration. Colorado Northwestern Community College – new programs in Process Technology Oil & Gas Emphasis and Power Plant Technology; 23 students enrolled Delta Montrose Technical College – acquiring virtual reality software for training new employees of long-wall coal mine operations near Paonia campus Mesa State College – new program in Energy Land Management, new courses, and upgraded computer equipment for GIS and geology applications Morgan Community College – 90 persons received 1,226 hours of instruction in first aid, backhoe operation, Excel, OSHA regulations, and defensive driving for professional truck drivers Pueblo Community College – submitted Energy Maintenance Technician program to Community College System for review Red Rocks Community College – expanding Process Technology programs to high schools; outfitting a mobile career information trailer; applied for WIRED grant San Juan Basin Technical College – purchased Orbital Welding System, shop layout tables, furniture, supplies, and training materials for its welding program Trinidad State Junior College – supported development of its Energy Production and Industrial Construction Program