By Greg Halbleib
CLINTON – Heartland Community College has partnered with Exelon to provide workforce education for employees at the Clinton nuclear power plant.
Beginning with the upcoming spring semester, Heartland will offer on-side courses for Exelon employees to earn an Associated in Applied Science–Industrial Technology degree. The partnership was formalized during Wednesday’s Heartland board meeting.
Clinton Power Station Site Vice President Ted Stoner said he hopes for at least 10 employees to sign up for the first round of classes beginning in January.
“By partnering with Heartland, we are creating a pipeline of employees who can grow their career at Clinton and lead us into the future,” said Clinton Power Station Site Vice President Ted Stoner in a Heartland release. “With on-site college course offerings and customized programming, our employees will have another option to balance the demands of work while gaining professional development with an accelerated degree.”
“Establishing community partnerships is a vital part of Heartland’s mission to meet the emerging needs of the workforce through education and workforce training programs,” said Heartland President Keith Cornille in the release. “With this partnership Exelon will not only bolster a workforce of homegrown talent, but they will also be making an investment in the economic welfare of the regional economy.”
In addition to the associate’s degree, students at the Clinton plant will be able to earn skills certificates in industrial maintenance, industrial technology, renewable energy and electricity. Heartland has also arranged for the credits to transfer to Thomas Edison College and Excelsior University for students who want to continue their education to receive a bachelor’s degree.
Greg Halbleib can be reached at [email protected].
