LAS VEGAS, January 26, 2012 — President Barack Obama introduced North Carolina’s Jackie Bray to the world Tuesday night during the State of the Union.
Ms. Bray, an out-of-work mechanic, attended Central Piedmont Community College, where she enrolled in a program designed in part by Siemens, a local gas turbine factory. The company paid her tuition and then hired her at the plant.
In the wake of President Obama’s call for a national commitment to train 2 million Americans with skills that will lead directly to a job, College of Southern Nevada officials are proud to introduce students such as Shawn Greene.
Mr. Greene, a 24-year-old with some college credit, was laid off from his job at a local air conditioning company this summer, when he enrolled in the brand new natural gas heat pump program at CSN.
Created by a partnership among the college, Southwest Gas and IntelliChoice Energy, the courses teach technicians to install and maintain natural gas heat pumps, which rely mostly upon natural gas to heat and cool large commercial spaces. The technology is new to the United States and uses about 80 percent less electrical energy compared to today’s traditional heating and cooling systems.
Greene was hired mid-fall semester by IntelliChoice Energy, where he now works in research and development. He will graduate with an Associate of Applied Science in Air Conditioning Technology this spring.
“I got the confidence and experience I needed at CSN and it opened doors for me,” Greene said. “I love my job.”
To learn more about what CSN is doing to train a highly qualified workforce to help build Nevada click here.
About CSN:
Founded in 1971, the College of Southern Nevada (csn.edu) is the state’s largest and most ethnically diverse higher education institution. CSN offers more than 200 degree and certificate options in more than 130 areas of study, including 30 degree and certificate programs available entirely online. Students create flexible, personalized schedules, including day, evening, and weekend classes taught on three main campuses and multiple locations throughout Southern Nevada. CSN — Your future starts here.