NOC provides unique educational opportunities in wind, data analytics

For the past several years, NOC has been working with local industry, local communities, and others to design course offerings and degree programs that will prepare you for opportunities here in North Central Oklahoma.

NOC has had the Process Technology Program designed to provide the skills needed for the traditional oil and gas, electrical and processing industries familiar to all.  NOC has expanded its offerings to target the skills needed by the expanding industry base.

NOC has openings in its Technology Programs that focus on Wind and Renewables and classes for those programs begin Oct. 16.

This program developed in conjunction with the local Wind Energy Partners like Enel Green Power has resulted in job opportunities for those students participating in the program.

Dr. Wood-Black, the Division Chair overseeing this program, indicates that the Wind Energy Partners as well as other renewable energy opportunities are growing in the Tonkawa area.  She says with recent announcements related to the solar project in Pryor, the battery recycling project in Pryor, and the expansion in solar farms, the opportunities in this area are only growing.  She said that individuals who want to participate in all aspects of these programs, which are require similar skills as the traditional process technology program should consider taking the Introduction to Wind class this fall as it will introduce students to the variety of opportunities that are available.

“This is an exciting time to be entering the industry the opportunities are growing and with the new projects announced, if you have the critical skills needed, you can be on the ground floor as this industry grows in our area,” she said.

Additionally, NOC has been developing courses in data analytics, and will be offering Data Analytics 1 during the Late 8 session (starting Oct. 16).

Dr. Wood-Black asks if people have ever wondered how companies, manufacturers, and industries determine when it is time to change out equipment?  People are familiar with when it is time to change your oil in your car or your engine light tells you it is time to check a filter.  But, how does industry do this on a large scale?  This is where data analytics comes in.  Data analysts are needed by a variety of industries and the opportunities abound.  A quick search on the “Glassdoor” website, shows this is one of the top growing fields, and because many fields use these data analysis techniques their opportunities tailored to your individual interests.  This is another potential way that you can expand your career here without having to leave family, friends and the area that you love.

Dr. Wood-Black indicates that NOC has been working to provide hands-on opportunities for students looking to expand their career opportunities.  This past summer NOC opened the new Renewables Classroom on the Tonkawa Campus.  There are opportunities for students to participate in High Power Rocketry, NASA Research, Renewable Energy Research, Scientific Competition Teams in conjunction with Oklahoma State University, work on real-world problems associated with energy management, and many others.  But, each of these opportunities requires that students start by enrolling in one of the programs offered by NOC.  The opportunity is now, your future is now, and NOC can be a Life Changing experience.

Northern Oklahoma College, the state’s first public two-year community college, is a multi-campus, land-grant institution that provides high quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities and services.

NOC serves nearly 4,000 students through the home campus in Tonkawa, branch in Enid, and NOC/OSU Gateway Program in Stillwater.  Of these students about 80% receive financial aid and/or scholarships. 75% of NOC students complete their degree with zero debt.

The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers associate degrees in three general areas: Arts, Science and Applied Science; the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs; and the Accreditation Commission for Education and Nursing.

For more information about Northern Oklahoma College please call (580) 628-6208 or visit the NOC website at www.noc.edu.