New England Institute of Technology

Drones to help in search-and-rescue missions? NEIT students up to task

EAST GREENWICH, R.I. (WPRI) — Students at New England Tech could be due some congratulations if their latest invention helps save lives.

In the institute’s program for getting an associate’s degree in Electronics, Robotics, and Drone Technology, students have developed a system that uses both an unmanned aerial vehicle and an unmanned “rover” vehicle — sky and ground drones — to make quick work of seeking out a missing person and getting help to them.

Bob Comerford, a professor in the school’s Drone Engineering program, said the project raised the stakes for students.

“They got so excited about the whole thing because they can see how it gives them an end result, as opposed to just a lab [activity] where a light blinked, or something like that, they were actually able to solve a problem,” he explained…Read More

NEIT online bachelor’s, master’s degree programs get top rankings

OnlineMasters.com, a source for unbiased college rankings and higher education planning based in Seattle, Washington, has named the New England Institute of Technology’s Master’s in Construction Management (MSCM) program Number 20 on its list of the Best Online Master’s in Construction Management Programs for 2019. The research identifies the top programs in the nation based on curriculum quality, program flexibility, affordability, and graduate outcomes.

The methodology used by OnlineMasters.com incorporates the most recent data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and from the National Center for Education Statistics. Only programs from accredited non-profit colleges and universities were eligible for review. The methodology used along with complete program listings may be found at www.onlinemasters.com/best-degree-programs/construction-management.

NEIT’s Master’s in Construction Management is an online/hybrid program that blends modern construction management theory, best practices, and technical skills with contemporary business management principles. NEIT’s curriculum is aligned with the Construction Management Association of America’s (CMAA) Certified Construction Manager (CCM) credential, one of the industry’s most sought-after certifications…Read More

Rhode Island starts early to develop offshore wind workforce pipeline

On a mild afternoon last month, dozens of Rhode Island high school students shuffled aboard a two-level ferry, eager to see offshore wind turbines up close for the first time.

A new education program called Wind Win RI hopes to build a workforce pipeline for New England’s fast-emerging offshore wind industry by offering experiences like this field trip to the Block Island Wind Farm, a five-turbine wind farm about three miles off Rhode Island’s coast.

The offshore wind industry is expected to create 16,700 jobs in the Northeast by 2028. Rhode Island is already a leader in the nascent sector. The state’s second offshore wind farm, from Revolution Wind, is expected to start producing electricity by 2023…

Organizers also want to further develop and formalize relationships with post-secondary institutions like the New England Institute of Technology, the Community College of Rhode Island and the University of Rhode Island. Urbach will work with colleges to accept the high school certification and apply the credits to a degree program, while also building off or integrating some of their existing coursework.

The New England Institute of Technology, for example, is developing a career-mapping matrix for high school students. Henry Young, who oversees the school’s renewable energy program, said it will help students understand how their interests align with careers in wind energy projects. “We have to reach back to high school and middle schools to develop a pipeline of students,” he said…Click to read more 

The Block Island Wind Farm’s five turbines sit about three miles off Rhode Island’s coast.

New England Institute of Technology, EDP Renewables to train new wind farm workers

EAST GREENWICH, R.I. — Steven H. Kitchin, vice president of corporate education and training at New England Institute of Technology (NEIT), announced that the university will collaborate with EDP Renewables North America (EDPR) and its planned Number Nine Wind Farm in Aroostook County, Maine to develop and train workers with the knowledge and technical skills required for employment in the wind farm industry. According to Linda Dionne of NEIT, several NEIT students are from the Eagle Times coverage area.

EDPR is a global leader in the renewable energy industry that develops, constructs, owns, and operates wind farms and solar parks. Number Nine Wind Farm will provide clean, zero-emissions electricity to Rhode Island customers at a low, fixed price if selected by National Grid in the upcoming procurement of renewable energy initiated by the State of Rhode Island.

Number Nine Wind Farm would be the largest operating on-shore wind farm in New England and will require a highly skilled workforce to construct and operate the site. NEIT’s mission of preparing its graduates with the technical skills needed to be successful in the ever-changing labor market fits perfectly with the needs of growing and successful renewable energy owners and operators like EDPR. New England Tech faculty are experts in their respective fields, and the university offers relevant coursework and training in its Associate of Science degree program in electrical technology with renewable energy. NEIT’s degree program can afford Rhode Island workers and new, potential EDPR employees the opportunity to learn the necessary knowledge and technical skills used in the fast-growing renewable energy industry….Click to read more