Anyone who meets the required prerequisites in math can apply for one of 12 seats available as part of this spring's fuel cell technology certificate program. Applications are being accepted and interviews are underway. Accepted applicants are required to take five daytime courses during the spring semester, which runs from January 19 to May 22.

Individuals who have been laid off from their jobs can continue collecting unemployment compensation while taking the full-time curriculum because it has been approved by the state Department of Labor as a re-training program.

Applicants need not have any manufacturing experience. However, before applying, interested individuals are encouraged to read the "Fuel Cell Fact Sheet" that can be found at www.nvcc.commnet.edu by searching for "fuel cell technology."

This is the seventh time Danbury-based FuelCell Energy Inc. has sponsored this program at NVCC in an effort to ensure a stream of potential employees in the region. Fuel cells are machines that offer an alternative energy source for cars, businesses and homes by converting fuels like natural gas into electricity. They run with greater efficiency than power plants and their primary byproducts are heat and water.

Those who successfully complete the NVCC program will not only earn a free certificate in fuel cell technology, which prepares them for employment in the industry, but also get the chance to interview for a job at FuelCell Energy's Torrington facility.

Since the program was launched at NVCC in 2001, more than 65 students have earned certificates and several of those have been hired by the company. Many other students have used the 17 college credits earned to continue studying for a degree at NVCC.

"This truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity," said program coordinator Arthur Caisse. "A restaurant manager of many years - who had no previous manufacturing experience - went through the program and is now in a lead position in FuelCell Energy's manufacturing plant in Torrington."

FuelCell Energy Inc. (NasdaqNM:FCEL) is a world-recognized leader in the development and manufacture of fuel cells for ultra-clean distributed power generation. Its products, called Direct FuelCells®, offer high efficiency, low emissions, simplicity and economical cost for stationary power generation without combustion.

Individuals interested in the fuel cell certificate program must be NVCC students or apply to attend the college, then take a math placement test and go through an interview process.

For information about the program, visit www.nvcc.commnet.edu and search for "fuel cell technology" or contact Arthur Caisse at 203-596-2150 or fuelcells@nvcc.commnet.edu. For applications to the college, visit its home page and click on "Admissions."