Monroe, MI – Today, Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) joined with Monroe County Community College (MCCC) President Dr. David Nixon to discuss the Nuclear Engineering Technology Program at the Monroe County Community College.  Through H.R. 3288, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2010, Congressman Dingell secured $200,000 in federal funding for MCCC to implement on its campus a Nuclear Engineering Technology Program.  The program was created with help of DTE Energy.

The Congressman made the following remarks on the program and its importance for Southeast Michigan.

“Here in Michigan we have nearly 700,000 displaced workers looking for a fresh start.  Many of these workers are looking for training in a new and growing industry such healthcare, alternative energy or advanced manufacturing.  Many others are just looking to refresh the skills they have currently to apply to new industries and products such as wind turbines.

“It is my hope that the funding through the Department of Education will help encourage displaced workers and students to pursue a career in nuclear engineering.  This is especially critical as the Nuclear Energy Institute estimates that 30 percent of the nuclear energy workforce will be retiring in the next five years.  The partnership of DTE Energy and MCCC will help students get into classes quickly and provide them with the skills and equipment necessary to succeed after graduation.”