Serving the High Plains

Three wind technology students complete internship

QCS Staff

Three Mesalands Community College wind energy technology students have completed an internship program with Granite Services International, an affiliate of General Electric, at the North American Wind Research and Training Center in Tucumcari.

Granite Services provides technical services for electric power production and water treatment facilities.

The three Mesalands students are Brendon Benton of Benson, Ariz., Shane Ferreira of Estancia and Jason Goetter from Inverness, Ill. All three are enrolled in Mesalands’ two-year wind energy degree program.

“I've learned a lot about Granite's systems, safety procedures, and culture. I really expect an amazing future with them,” Goetter said.

To qualify for the internship program, students had to be enrolled in the two-year wind/renewable technology degree program and maintain a minimum 2.8 grade-point average.

Jim Morgan, director of the wind energy program, said that during the internship with Granite Services, the students learn the company’s procedures and culture and can be eligible for a full-time employment opportunity with Granite Services. After completing the program, he said, participants must maintain their GPA, obtain their degree in order to maintain a guarantee of employment once they have earned their degrees.

Jerry Myers, service manager for Granite Services, said that wind energy technology students from Mesalands have been selected for this internship program since 2008. Granite Services has been very pleased with the caliber of interns recruited from Mesalands.

One of those former interns, he said, received a silver award and two others participated in a project that ultimately saved GE $2 million.

“Granite has had great success with the wind graduates we've hired from Mesalands over the years,” Myers said. “That is why we keep trying to get out here every year.”

 
 
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