Wind technology class is part of boot camp, which was launched by Cerro Coso Community College in Kern County. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
CLIMBING GEAR: Merritt Mays demonstrates the safety harness, used to scale the 30-story wind towers. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
TURBINE TOUR: A group from Cerro Coso Community Colleges program get a look inside. The 15 slots in the class were filled within hours, and the next course is already full. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
Advertisement
HIGH PLACES: For those who can hack it, starting pay ranges from $15 to $20 an hour. Crack technicians can make six figures a year. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
HELP WANTED: President Obama wants to create 5 million green-collar jobs over the next decade. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)