NORFOLK, Neb. (AP) — The wind energy program at Northeast Community College is supporting a growing industry by preparing students to take care of wind turbines.

Northeast’s is the only program in the state that offers an associate’s degree of applied science in wind energy.

Since 2011, over 60 students have completed the program. Out of the 12 students who graduated last year, 11 are employed either as wind energy technicians or in related electrical fields.

Currently, there are seven freshmen and 10 sophomores in the program.

Shanelle Grudzinski, who oversees the program, says several wind farms have been built in northeast Nebraska so there are jobs in the area for graduates.