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Green Technnology Education Boost


Legislation that requires the state’s public colleges, universities, community-technical colleges and vocational-technical high schools to coordinate their development of a “green technology” curriculum has recently been signed into reality.

“In recent years, we have made great strides at Connecticut’s colleges and universities – changing not only the physical look of our schools but changing what’s underneath as well,” Governor Rell said during a ceremony at Tunxis Community College in Farmington. “We have been improving and refining the courses of study we offer – and the way we offer them. This legislation is a perfect example of that process.

Under the bill, Connecticut’s institutions of higher education are required to publicize the green jobs training they offer and to work together to develop “career ladders” for the green technology industry.

The state Departments of Education and Higher Education are required to develop a complete list of all of the “green tech” courses and programs available at public colleges, universities, community colleges and vo-tech schools, and those schools must collaborate with employers to find out what additional training programs they need to prepare future employees.

The legislation, substitute House Bill 5164, An Act Implementing the Recommendation of the Program Review and Investigations Committee Concerning the Alignment of Postsecondary Education and Employment in the Green Industry, takes effect Oct. 1.