North Kingstown, RI- The North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce’s WinWinRI, offshore wind career training pathway continues to support Rhode Island in developing a trained workforce for both youth and adults through a RealJobsRI grant. The program hosted their fourth annual regional Rhode Island High School Wind Turbine Competition with nationally recognized KidWind on March 23rd at the Community College of Rhode Island Knight Campus in Warwick.
“WindWinRI is a critical program here in the state of Rhode Island, really providing an educational foundation for our high school students. These students are the labor force of the future, and by having these programs we are putting Rhode Island in a position to have a trained and skilled workforce for this industry for years to come” – said Will Cox, Offshore Wind Industry Lead from Commerce Rhode Island.
The students were welcomed by Barbara Nauman, Dean of Business, Science, Technology, and Mathematics at the Community College of Rhode island. The competition concluded with the Awards Ceremony provided by Congressman Seth Magaziner.
This year’s competition included two divisions: the KidWind Division and the Advanced Division. All teams used Whitebox simulation software to design 3D printed test turbine blades. Those entering the KidWind Division will be using a KidWind generator while those in the Advanced Division can use a home-built generator or a purchased generator.
A student from Charles E. Shea High School shared “It was nerve wracking being judged in the room. It definitely helped me prepare for when I (will be) interviewed for a job, for colleges, or for other programs. I am looking forward to coming back next year and I hope I can apply the skills I learned this year in next year’s competition”
The Exeter-West Greenwich High School Team led by educator Amy Biagoni placed first in the KidWind Division and first in the Advanced Division. The Charles E. Shea High School Team led by educator Verda Jones in Pawtucket placed second in the Advanced Division, and Warwick Area Career and Technical Center led by educator Michael Kugler placed second in the KidWind Division. Central Falls High School led by Alison Murray also participated in the competition.
The competition was judged by Kelly A. Korzeniowski from CCRI, Patrick Saggal, an NK Chamber Board Member, Stephen C. Nolet from TPI Composites, Ellis Waldman from Walco, Mike Rinaldi from KidWind, and Dr. Matthew Riegler from CCRI.
For more information about the WindWinRI Offshore Wind Career Pathway Training System, please visit www.windwinri.com.
