With the right certifications and experience, you can find a secure position in the wind turbine industry.
There is an excellent job market in this field, and there is a growing demand for renewable energy resources. With more wind turbine construction, the need for technicians increases.
Jobs available within the field are various. Some positions require little or no technical training, while others may involve advanced degrees. Opportunities to advance are many.
What Is a Wind Turbine Technician?
There are three main career paths for people who want to get involved in renewable energy: scientists, technologists, and service technicians.
A wind turbine service technician is someone who is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing wind turbines.
Onshore and offshore wind turbines are large machines that harness the power of the wind to produce energy.
They also perform routine maintenance checks on wind turbine generators to ensure they operate correctly.
Generally, the wind turbine technician's job is to deal with existing systems and end-products (while the wind turbine engineer focuses more on designing and implementing systems).
However, there are two types of wind service technicians: onsite service technicians (OSSTs) and offshore service technicians (OSTTs).
OSSTs work at wind farms near cities or towns, while OSTTs work at offshore sites. Both types of technicians must have an understanding of wind turbine components and how wind turbines work, and they need to know how to operate them safely.
In addition to their technical knowledge, OSSTs and OSTTs must be able to communicate with clients and other employees about issues related to the operation of the wind farm.
Understanding local laws and regulations regarding renewable energy sources is important.
Although the specific requirements may vary from state to state, certain qualities and skills are essential for success in the wind energy field.
Generally, the following skills will be highly useful:
Wind turbine technicians are responsible for the maintenance and repair of wind turbines. They will face ongoing demands to solve technical issues, perform regular and thorough maintenance, and repair or replace parts as needed.
Installing new turbines may be an additional responsibility. To do this job effectively, technicians need to understand electrical systems and mechanical components.
Technicians in the wind power industry may work in offices, laboratories, or industrial plants and out in the field. They may work with physical equipment or associated computer and software components or with design technology.
Some techs will spend time on operational wind farms or farms still under development. Many are expected to travel regularly to oversee manufacturing processes or turbine installation.
Wind technicians are often required to travel abroad to manufacturers or bases that are located overseas.
This means that the nature of a wind turbine technician's work will depend largely on their location and specialties.
There are no formal educational requirements except a high school certificate or diploma to become a wind turbine technician.
However, most employers prefer candidates who have completed further technical training, such as a wind energy technology program through a technical school.
Some states require applicants to pass a test before being allowed to begin training. Others offer apprenticeship programs where students learn through hands-on experience.
There are definitely some key strategies to a successful job application.
To become a renewable energy technician, you may be required to complete an accredited renewable energy training course.
Typically lasting two years, these courses cover turbine repair, electrical engineering, and fluid mechanics.
Alternatively, some techs may choose to complete a four-year apprenticeship. This type of program usually requires completing a college degree before starting.
Most of these programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools (including technical schools), trade schools, and universities; some employers may provide short-course training that covers specific skills needed for their business.
It will depend on a variety of factors, including your level of experience and education. For example, someone with a high school diploma and no experience in the field can expect to complete a training program that lasts around six months.
However, someone with previous experience working on electrical or mechanical systems may only need to complete a shorter training program lasting around two weeks.
Regardless of your background, becoming a wind turbine technician can help you secure a stable and well-paying job in the growing renewable energy sector.
The wind turbine industry is a growing industry and so there are plenty of opportunities available. Currently, wind turbine technicians are needed in every state across the country.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in the wind turbine industry has increased by around 20% over the past ten years.
As the pressure to investigate alternative sources of energy intensifies, the demand for wind turbine technicians increases.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has also stated that employment opportunities for wind turbine technicians are expected to increase by 44 percent from 2021 to 2031.
This growth rate is higher than average compared to other occupations and means wind turbine technician jobs will remain in significantly high demand.
According to BLS information, the average annual wage for wind turbine technicians was around $56,260 per year (or $27.05 per hour) in 2021.
However, the exact amounts of pay depend on location and responsibilities.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that wind turbine technicians face many potential hazards while performing their jobs. Some of these include exposure to noise, vibration, and extreme heights and temperatures.
A wind turbine technician's most important skills to develop are problem-solving and clear communication.
Becoming a wind turbine technician requires extensive knowledge and quite specific skill sets. It's a career that requires patience, perseverance, and physical stamina.
Because wind power is a rapidly developing and changing business, you may expect to confront continual obstacles over the course of your career as a wind technician. You will, at the absolute least, go through a learning curve that is continuous and enjoyable in nature.
If you're interested in becoming a wind power technician, contact us at Pinnacle Career Institute, and we'll tell you everything you need to know.