Twenty-six students attended the Colby Community College alternative energy program’s “boot camp” Sept. 22 at the CCC Agricultural Center. The boot camp is the hands-on component of the solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy online curriculums.

The boot camps are held on a Saturday every eight weeks. Students work on solar electric systems and do wind turbine maintenance, as well as some becoming certified in CPR and first aid.

Program director Derek Reilley said the recent event had the highest attendance yet.

“The demand in those industries has increased interest in our program,” he said. “We expect to gain a few more students when the next session begins October 15th.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, solar PV and wind turbine technician are the top two occupations with the highest percent change in employment between 2016 and 2026.