Nine colleges from the Minnesota state colleges and universities (United States) are set to begin a two-year associate "Energy Technical Specialist" degree in the Fall term this year. Said to be the first of its kind in the United States, the course will prepare students to work either in the renewable energy or traditional energy industries. Additionally, a 16-credit certificate program (which can be completed in one semester) in one of four specialties will be offered online: (1) ethanol production, (2) biodiesel production, (3) wind-turbine maintenance, and (4) solar energy assessment. According to the Minnesota West Community and Technical College website, "Students who earn the associate degree will be prepared for work in traditional energy industries, such as in electric generation plants, or they can specialize in a renewable energy field. The core curriculum approach was championed by the industry-led Minnesota Energy Consortium, which helped fund a study that identified the necessary core skills.".