What are the Requirements to Become a Wind Turbine Technician?
- Obtain a high school diploma or GED (four years). ...
- Become an apprentice or attend formal classes (several months to several years). ...
- Acquire an advanced degree or certification (optional, several months to several years). Wind turbine technicians need a variety of skills to progress beyond entry-level jobs. ...
- Obtain licensing (timeline varies). ...
How do you become a wind turbine technician?
The basic qualifications for workers to enter an apprenticeship program are the following:
- Minimum age of 18
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Physically and mentally able to do the job
- One year of high school or equivalent algebra with at least a grade of “C”
Is wind turbine technician a good career?
There is a need for wind turbine technicians, and you want a great career. It’s a win-win. If you can climb high and think quick on your feet, then becoming a wind turbine technician may be the right career for you. You will spend most of your time outside the office and learning about new technological advances.
Why do wind turbine technicians need to have electrical skills?
Wind technicians typically do the following:
- Inspect the exterior and physical integrity of towers
- Climb towers to inspect, troubleshoot, or repair turbine equipment
- Collect turbine data for testing or research and analysis
- Perform routine maintenance on wind turbines
- Test electrical components and systems, as well as mechanical and hydraulic systems
How to become a wind turbine service technician?
What are the Requirements to Become a Wind Turbine Technician?
- Obtain a high school diploma or GED (four years). ...
- Become an apprentice or attend formal classes (several months to several years). ...
- Acquire an advanced degree or certification (optional, several months to several years). Wind turbine technicians need a variety of skills to progress beyond entry-level jobs. ...
- Obtain licensing (timeline varies). ...
Is wind turbine a good career?
Along with the technical aspect of working on turbines, from the hydraulics to the composites, the profession also offered good pay and benefits, as well as the ability to travel. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 68.2 percent employment growth for wind turbine technicians between 2020 and 2030.
Is becoming a wind turbine technician worth it?
The median wage salary for a Wind Turbine Technician is $52,910 (based on BLS data from May 2019), and those with extensive experience can make up to $80,150, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wind turbine technicians are also in demand.
Is it hard to be a wind turbine technician?
Working as a technician is demanding on your body, especially for folks over 50. Between working long hours, climbing turbines multiple times a day, and dealing with extreme heat in the summer and cold in the winter, it is difficult.
What skills do wind turbine technicians need?
What skills are needed to become a wind turbine technician?Mechanical skills.Collaboration and teamwork skills.Physical strength and stamina.Basic troubleshooting, software and computer skills.Attention to detail.Ability to handle climbing great heights.Coordination.Experience with wind turbine technician equipment.More items...
Are wind turbine techs happy?
As it turns out, wind turbine services technicians rate their career happiness 3.2 out of 5 stars which puts them in the bottom 47% of careers.
How do I get a job working on wind turbines?
Most windtechs learn their trade by attending technical schools or community colleges, where they typically complete certificates in wind energy technology, although some workers choose to earn an associate's degree. Many technical schools have onsite wind turbines that students can work on as part of their studies.
How long does it take to become a wind turbine tech?
2 yearsEducation. Most windtechs learn their trade by attending technical schools. Associate's degree programs for wind turbine technicians usually take 2 years and are offered at technical schools and community colleges.
Are wind turbine technicians in demand?
Global wind energy growth driving demand for wind turbine technicians. Wind turbine technician jobs are growing, and new schools are popping up to provide training. In the U.S., wind tech jobs are expected to grow by 96% by 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How often do wind turbine technicians work?
one to three times a yearFor turbines that operate year round, typical maintenance may occur one to three times a year and turbines are monitored electronically 24 hours a day from a central office. If a problem is detected, wind technicians must travel to the worksite and perform as-needed troubleshooting, repair and service.
How much does it pay to haul wind turbines?
As for the financial compensation – ATS charges around $30,000 to $40,000 per turbine for short-haul wind shipments and more than $100,000 for a long-haul.
What do wind turbine techs do?
Just like any other piece of advanced machinery, wind turbines require regular maintenance, testing, and occasional upgrades or repairs. Wind turbine technicians perform these tasks, which include troubleshooting electrical, hydraulic and mechanical components, often at heights anywhere from 100 to 400 feet.
How to become a wind turbine tech?
Once you've decided which school you'd like to attend, you can begin taking the required classes to receive either your wind turbine technology certificate or your Associate of Applied Science Degree.
What do you learn in wind turbine classes?
In your classes, you will participate in both lectures and hands-on experience outside of the classroom. Many programs will offer fieldwork experience as you learn the various parts of a wind turbine and how to install or repair them. Other coursework and subjects you may study include: Mechanical and braking systems.
What does a wind turbine technician do?
A wind turbine technician will work to maintain and install wind turbines. When someone reports a wind turbine being broken, a wind turbine technician will climb approximately 200 to 400 feet and repair the broken part.
How high do wind turbine technicians climb?
When someone reports a wind turbine being broken, a wind turbine technician will climb approximately 200 to 400 feet and repair the broken part.
What is a wind turbine made of?
A tower supports the overall structure of a wind turbine and is typically made of steel and concrete. Turbines with tall towers can increase the amount of energy collected to gain more electricity.
How many blades are there in a wind turbine?
There are three blades located on a wind turbine. When the wind is blown on them, they begin rotating, which spins the rotor. Wind turbine technicians have to consistently ensure the blades are functioning properly.
How old do you have to be to get an apprenticeship?
Below are the common requirements for an apprenticeship application: High school diploma. 18 years or older.
What certifications do wind turbine technicians need?
The necessary certifications that wind turbine technicians must have to succeed are Wind Turbine Technician Certification and OSHA Safety Certificate .
What colleges do wind turbine technicians go to?
Wind turbine technicians often get their degree in Walla Walla Community College, Texas Tech University, and Kansas State University.
How much does a wind turbine technician make?
Wind turbine technicians with a Associate degree earn more than those without, at $50,305 annually. With a Masters degree, wind turbine technicians earn a median annual income of $47,164 compared to $44,667 for wind turbine technicians with an Bachelors degree.
What is the main goal of wind energy course?
The main goal of this course is to get the necessary knowledge on atmospheric and fluid dynamics in order to quantify the wind resource of a local or regional area. We'll learn about basic meteorology, the specific dynamics of turbulent boundary layers and some standard techniques to estimate wind resources regardless of the type of turbine used or the level of efficiency achieved. Then, we will see what are the turbines characteristics to consider in order to estimate the electricity production...
Why are wind turbines important?
Wind turbines and solar panels are likely to play a critical role in achieving a low-carbon power sector that helps address climate change and local pollution, resulting from fossil fuel power generation. Because wind and solar power output is weather-dependent, it is variable in nature and somewhat more uncertain than output from conventional fossil fuel generators. It is therefore important to consider how to manage high penetrations of solar and wind so as to maintain electricity system...
How many hours is the Construction 1926 program?
This 40-hour program covers both the Construction 1926 and General Industry 1910 Standards, how to...
How to become a wind turbine technician?
Instead, those who wish to become wind turbine technicians can attend a trade school where they will focus specifically on the job skills that they will be performing upon graduation. This way, there is no time wasted taking classes that may or may not apply to this career out in the field. Not only does this allow students to focus more on their job skills, but it also helps them to complete a program much more quickly.
How do wind turbine technicians work?
This is done by entering the turbine through the base of the tower and climbing a ladder or riding an elevator up through the tower shaft. Depending on the task at hand, technicians may be suspended hundreds of feet in the air!
What is critical thinking in wind turbines?
As someone who is in charge of keeping highly complex machines both running and generating electricity, a wind turbine technician should have great critical thinking skills. This will help them work through the troubleshooting process when something goes wrong.
How high can a wind turbine technician be suspended?
Depending on the task at hand, technicians may be suspended hundreds of feet in the air! When needed, it’s not uncommon for helicopters to raise wind turbine technicians up to the desired working height.
Why are wind turbines so big?
Wind turbines are massive structures. In fact, the bigger a wind turbine is, the more efficiently it can generate electricity for businesses and consumers. This has caused the average size of wind turbines to grow drastically over the past few decades.
Why is it important to replace a turbine?
Because of the size of most turbines, a relatively small component may take an entire workday to replace. This means completing a task properly the first time, is highly important. Additionally, one turbine can have a slightly different design than the next depending on the company that manufactured it.
How long does it take to become a wind turbine technician?
Wind Turbine Technician Training. In addition to their coursework, windtechs typically receive more than 12 months of on-the-job training related to the specific wind turbines they will maintain and service. Part of this training is manufacturer training.
How to become a wind turbine service technician?
How to Become One: Most wind turbine service technicians learn their trade by attending a technical school. They also receive on-the-job training.
What do wind turbine technicians do?
Wind turbine service technicians typically do the following: 1 Inspect the exterior and physical integrity of wind turbine towers 2 Climb wind turbine towers to inspect or repair wind turbine equipment 3 Perform routine maintenance on wind turbines 4 Test and troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic components and systems 5 Replace worn or malfunctioning components 6 Collect turbine data for testing or research and analysis 7 Service underground transmission systems, wind field substations, or fiber optic sensing and control systems
What is the job of a wind turbine mechanic?
Employees in this role perform maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on wind turbines and other associated equipment. Individuals understand the mechanics, including both electrical and ...
How many jobs will wind turbine technicians have in the next 10 years?
However, because it is a small occupation, the fast growth will result in only about 4,300 new jobs over the 10-year period.
How do wind turbine service technicians learn their trade?
Most wind turbine service technicians, also known as windtechs, learn their trade by attending a technical school. They are also trained by their employer after hiring.
What is the median salary for wind turbine technicians?
The median annual wage for wind turbine technicians is $56,230. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $40,490, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $83,580.
