Conn. tech schools launch 'E-House' green programs

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut's state-run technical high schools have opened their first learning laboratory to give students hands-on experience in clean energy technology.

The "E-House" at Goodwin Technical High School in New Britain is the first of nine school-based "green" construction training sites. It was unveiled Tuesday.

It includes environmentally sensitive features such as solar photovoltaic and solar thermal systems. It'll be used for training in electrical work, carpentry, plumbing, climate control, architectural studies and other topics.

Connecticut Technical High Schools Superintendent Patricia Ciccone says the E-Houses will give students a chance to graduate with hands-on experience in skills that are expected to be increasingly in demand by employers.

Other E-Houses are opening this fall at Wolcott Tech in Torrington and Grasso Tech in Groton, followed by six more being built in 2012.