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Benefits of Becoming a Wind Turbine Technician | Pinnacle Career Institute

Written by Jeremy Cooper | Feb 8, 2022 10:04:00 PM

 

Benefits of Becoming a Wind Turbine Technician

 

Are you seeking a profession where you can work with your hands, learn about sustainable energy, and take your knowledge to new heights - literally? Do you care about the state of the environment or have a desire to work in a position where you can make a difference in the environment? If so, there's a straightforward solution for you. Becoming a technician for wind turbines may be a great career option.

Wind turbines are becoming an increasingly significant source of renewable energy. As a result, there is a considerable need for technicians proficient in the maintenance and repair of wind turbines.

Continue reading if you are interested in learning more about the requirements needed to become a wind turbine technician so that you may contribute to making our world a more sustainable place while also having a fulfilling and exciting profession. The fundamentals of this role are outlined here, along with the most significant advantages associated with it.

 

 

What is a wind turbine technician?

Wind turbines need regular maintenance and attention, which is where a wind turbine technician steps in. These specialists do a majority of their duties on-site at wind farms. The farms are where they check to see that the turbines are functioning correctly and delivering their maximum output.

Wind turbine service technicians also conduct safety inspections on wind turbine towers, offer training to new personnel to repair wind turbines efficiently, and maintain thorough records of the operation of turbines in addition to doing maintenance and repairs.

What are the prerequisites you need to become a wind turbine technician?

To work as a turbine technician, you must have completed high school or an equivalent educational qualification. You'll also need to finish a training program at a community college or a technical school recognized by the industry.

Others get their start in the industry after earning an associate's degree in engineering technology or a discipline closely linked to it. In addition to being useful, accreditation from the National Wind Technology Center (NWTC) might be beneficial while looking for work as a turbine technician. However, certification is not needed all the time.

What are the top reasons why someone should consider becoming a turbine technician?

Many perks come with being a turbine mechanic, such as a solid salary, job stability, and many opportunities to go up in the company. The following is a list of some of the most significant advantages associated with this line of work:

1. Competitive Compensation

Compensation is one of the top priorities when it comes to seeking out new career paths. As with any job, the salary of a wind turbine technician will vary from company to company and from state to state. For the most current compensation numbers associated with wind turbine technician careers, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistcs.

2. Opportunity to Work in Various States

Wind turbines are popping up across the country, as a result, the need for wind turbine technicians who are able to install, maintain, and repair wind turbines are in need. If you are someone that wants the opportunity to move to another state or travel across the country for work, becoming a wind turbine technician can be a fantastic career choice.

3. Possibility of Professional Advancement

Entry-level labor is often where most wind turbine technicians get their start. Nevertheless, as they gain more experience, they have the opportunity to rise to roles such as senior technician, wind turbine servicing contractor, project manager, or even director of operations. Of course, these opportunities will vary from company to company.

Wind turbine technicians may put themselves up for promotion and have a long and satisfying career in this industry if they know the many career advancement opportunities open to them. In addition, there are options to further one's career in other connected disciplines, such as marketing or sales within the wind turbine industry.

4. Variety

For a turbine mechanic, there is a good chance that no two days on the job will be the same. It is because these specialists may be responsible for several activities, including training, maintenance, measuring wind power, and repair, in addition to safety inspections.

Workers may have adverse effects due to repetitiveness in their day-to-day work, but wind turbine technicians find that the diversity of jobs helps keep their work interesting.

5. Working Outdoors

If you are someone who thrives when they are outside, then a wind technician may be the ideal profession for you. It is because turbine technicians often spend a significant amount of time physically working at wind farms.

Additionally, there is a distinct advantage that comes with working in the open air. Spending time in natural settings has been linked by research to a variety of positive outcomes, including higher levels of happiness, better mental health, and lower levels of stress.

Therefore, if you are the kind of person who takes pleasure in spending time outdoors, a job where you spend so much time outdoors could be extremely rewarding.

 

 

6. Making a Change for the Environment

Choosing to pursue a career in wind energy technology gives you the chance to work towards a more sustainable world. Because wind energy is a resource that can be replenished and does not contribute to pollution or emissions, every wind turbine that’s installed can make a difference.

In 2018, the Department of Wind Energy stated that wind energy was responsible for producing around 3.5 percent of the world's electricity, and it is anticipated that this percentage will continue to rise in the future. Therefore, if you choose to work as a wind turbine technician, you will be contributing to the expansion of the usage of this renewable energy source, which may have a beneficial effect on the surrounding environment.

Working in this industry allows you a chance to contribute to protecting the natural world for the foreseeable future in a meaningful way.

7. Being Able to Make a Difference

In addition to being beneficial to the natural world, wind turbine technicians also have a positive impact on the lives of those around you. The reason for this is that wind energy is often utilized to power homes and businesses. This kind of energy is clean and renewable and may help enhance people's quality of life.

Several multinational corporations, like Google and Walmart, have made commitments to power their operations with renewable energy. The need for competent and masterful wind turbine technicians is growing along with the demand for renewable sources of electricity.

8. Taking Pride in the Job

Being a wind turbine technician can be extremely rewarding, which makes it easy to take great satisfaction in your job as a turbine mechanic. Knowing that you're contributing significantly to the development of a greener and more environmentally friendly future.

If you are searching for a profession that is both interesting and important, a career as a turbine mechanic is a fantastic option to consider. Though working in this field can be challenging, it can also be extremely rewarding.

9. Great Benefits

Several businesses provide their workers with excellent perks, such as health insurance, retirement programs, and paid vacation time. This is another factor that will vary from company to company and from position to position, so it’s best to look for specific companies offering benefits if that is a priority for you.

There are several states that provide extra advantages as well. For instance, turbine technicians in the state of New York may be qualified for a tax credit offered by the state for renewable energy. This is something worth looking into when browsing positions at different companies and in different states.

10. A Secure Professional Position

Because it is anticipated that there will be an increase in demand for wind energy in the years to come, there is a strong probability that your employment as a turbine mechanic will be around for a good long while.

In the current climate of the labor market, it is essential to go for a line of work that is secure and offers promising opportunities in the long run. And with the expectation that the need for wind energy will continue to rise, a job as a turbine mechanic is one that could be extremely rewarding.

Therefore, if you are interested in a profession that is secure, this is an excellent option for you to consider.

 

Possibilities of Struggles in the Role of Wind Turbine Technician

If you are considering a career as a wind turbine technician, you should also be aware of the potential challenges in pursuing a career as a wind turbine mechanic as well. Despite the fact that this field offers a lot of potential rewards, it may not be the right fit for you if the following points are non-negotiable in a job.

1. Working from Elevated Positions

As a turbine specialist, you will often be required to work at heights of several hundred feet in the air. It may be hazardous, and you might need to make use of safety equipment such as harnesses to protect yourself. That being said, if you have a fear of heights or feel uncomfortable working from elevated positions, becoming a wind turbine technician may not be the best career choice for you.

2. Working in Geographically Isolated Places

Because so many wind farms are situated in undeveloped regions, getting to your place of employment can require you to drive a significant distance. If you have a family or other responsibilities, this may be something that you’re not willing to do. That being said, the opportunity to visit new locations is also a major perk to the job if you’re interested in seeing different parts of your state, or even the country.

3. Working When the Weather is Poor

Technicians who operate on turbines often do their duties outside, which means they could have to complete their jobs despite unfavorable weather circumstances such as heavy rain or strong winds.

4. Physical Requirements

There are times when a turbine technician's employment requires them to put forth a lot of physical effort. Because you will often be asked to carry large loads, climb ladders, and operate in confined locations, it’s ideal to be physically fit to ensure you’re able to complete the tasks. If you are unable to complete this level of physical activity, the work required by a wind turbine technician may be too difficult for you.

5. Stressful Situations

It is possible for turbine technicians to be placed in stressful circumstances, such as having to operate in adverse conditions or at dangerous heights. The emotional and physical toll that this stress may have on you can be significant.

Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Become a Wind Turbine Technician

To become a technician for wind turbines, there are a few requirements that you will need to fulfill, including the following:

1. Earn a Diploma from High School or Its Equivalent

The majority of turbine technicians have at least a diploma from high school or its equivalent. Therefore, if you want to work in this industry, you need to make sure that you have earned your high school diploma or received your GED.

2. Enroll in Appropriate Training

The majority of companies that hire turbine technicians provide their employees with on-the-job training, but that isn’t where the education begins.

To properly prepare for a career as a wind turbine technician, you’ll want to sign up for a wind turbine technician program at a trade school so that you can learn the ins and outs of the industry and the job that you’ll be working.

3. Acquire Some Hands-On Experience

After you have completed your training, the next step is to acquire some hands-on experience working with wind turbines. One way to do this is by working in a wind farm in an assistant or intern capacity. The trade school that you attend may also have a network of connections that can help you get your foot in the door to start gaining field experience.

4. Obtain Your Certification

Several states mandate certification for wind turbine technicians. You are going to need to demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills necessary, in addition to passing a test, in order to be awarded certification.

5. Obtain a License

In certain states, turbine technicians are obliged to have a license in order to practice their profession. In order to get a license, you will first need to pass an examination and then fulfill any further criteria. Checking job postings to see what the requirements for the position are is a great way to determine whether this step is critical to landing a job, or not.

6. Obtain Insurance

Many companies want turbine technicians to be adequately covered by insurance. While working on turbines, you are covered by this insurance in the event that you get an injury or become involved in an accident.

7. Stay Updated

Because turbine technology is constantly evolving, it is essential to remain current on the most recent advancements in the field. You may do this by enrolling in classes or attending seminars provided by the producers of the turbines. 

Learn More About Our Wind Turbine Technician Program

Technicians working on wind turbines are essential to generating clean and sustainable energy. If being a turbine technician is something you're interested in, there are plenty of positive aspects to the job.

You have the potential to be a successful turbine technician if you have the appropriate training and experience.

Pinnacle Career Institute is one of the leading trade schools offering wind turbine technician programs to individuals interested in pursuing this career. Are you ready to get started? Enroll at PCI today and start investing in your future.