Ivey awards $20,000 to establish a building operator certification program at Bevill State Community College

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has awarded $20,000 to establish a building operator certification program at Bevill State Community College in Jasper.

The building operator certificate training is geared toward people who manage and maintain equipment in commercial buildings including heating and air systems and lighting.

“This program will ensure that building managers have a working knowledge of their buildings and equipment, and it will help them manage their facilities more energy efficiently,” Ivey said. “I am pleased with the partnerships that made this program a possibility.”

The program to establish an in-state certification program has been a goal of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs’ Energy Division for several years. The agreement with Bevill State provides the program with a home base and a training site.

“Establishing this program at Bevill State has truly been a partnership among so many groups,” said ADECA director Kenneth Boswell. “I appreciate the work our Energy Division has done in seeing this in-state program to fruition and appreciate Gov. Ivey’s support.”

The Energy Division has been working with the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance of Atlanta for at least four years to establish an in-state program. Previously those taking the courses either had to travel out of state for the training or trainers had to be brought in.  

Funds from the U.S. Department of Energy will be used to purchase basic supplies and equipment relating to the program. The program is expected be self-funded through tuition in future years.   

ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resources management and recreation development.