Wind turbines are becoming a common sight across the globe. They provide clean energy to millions of houses and businesses every day. To build these wind turbines, engineers need to design them carefully, and wind technicians need to help install and maintain them.

Wind turbine technicians work on different machine parts; they ensure everything is in top condition. In addition, they are responsible for the maintenance of wind turbine mechanics, troubleshooting, installing wind turbine equipment, and performing routine inspections.

Despite their increasing popularity, wind technicians are still relatively rare. But, the demand for wind turbine technician positions continues to rise to help with the rise in wind farms. As a result, the number of technicians is set to grow from 2021 to 2031 by 44%.

The Tasks Of A Wind Turbine Technician

There are plenty of wind technician jobs, and with the right training, you can become an expert in all aspects of the role, including:

• An outside wind technician to install and maintain the turbines during operation
• An indoor engineer to help with the manufacturing inside the factory. 
  
  

You could also work in the control center and monitor tasks from the internal control system. 

Inspecting Turbines For Damage Or Wear

• Wind turbine inspection is important when inspecting wind turbines for damage. The first step is to check a wind turbine's three main components: the blades, hub, and nacelle.
• Look at the blades for cracks, as this affects how well you can convert wind energy into power.
• If the blades appear cracked, you can then look at the hub. The hub holds the blades, so you want to ensure that it is secure.
• However, if the hub appears damaged, you should also examine the tower. Wind turbine towers are the main structures holding the turbine in place.
• And if all looks good, you should finally look at the nacelle. This stores the engine, so it is an important turbine component.  

Troubleshooting And Repairing Broken Parts

Wind turbines are complex machines requiring hands-on, real-world experience and knowledge.

The first step in repairing wind turbines is to find out the troubleshooting issue or which part needs fixing.

With your knowledge, you'll be able to diagnose any issues that may appear during the operation.

You can consult with other wind turbine service technicians to confirm what tools you'll need to repair the parts and how long it will take until it's up and running. 

Performing Routine Maintenance Tasks

What does a wind turbine technician do? Wind turbine service technicians are the people who install and maintain wind turbines, which is a type of renewable energy technology that converts kinetic energy from the wind into electricity. They also help to design new wind turbines and repair existing ones.

Becoming a wind turbine technician requires training in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology, meteorology, hydraulics, and pneumatics, as well as technical training. 

Installing New Turbines

One of the wind turbine technician's main roles is installing new turbines on location. You will need to work with other technicians and engineers with heavy materials to ensure the turbine is placed correctly. 

Keeping Records Of Turbine Maintenance And Repairs

• Part of your wind turbine technician training is to keep track of any maintenance. You will understand how long certain materials last on the turbine before they need replacing or fixing and record any updates to your supervisors.  

Advising Other Workers On Safety Procedures

• You're just as responsible as your team, so it's important to know the health and safety procedures from front to back. This way, if anything happens, you'll know exactly how to respond.
• For example, you need to plan what to do in the case of a factory fire or extreme weather conditions on location.  

Skills Essential For A Successful Career As A Wind Turbine Technician

Once fully qualified in a turbine technician training program, you can start updating your resume and look for full-time jobs for wind turbine technicians. About 14.2% of techs added Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) loto awareness training, which was just as important as communication skills, working with others, and handling your manual skills. Some other essential skills include:

An Understanding Of How Wind Turbines Work

• Through your training, you'll learn that wind turbines generate electricity using wind power,
• The blades spin at high speeds, which causes air pressure to increase around them,
• This increased pressure pushes against the rotor, causing it to turn,
• And a generator converts the rotational energy into electrical energy, which many businesses and homes use.  

The Ability To Troubleshoot And Repair Problems With Wind Turbines

As an entry-level tech, you may not be able to repair problems as quickly as techs with more job experience. However, the more you work as a wind energy technician in the industry, the better you'll become one. 

The Ability To Lift Heavy Objects

You will need to handle heavy items. However, sticking to your limits is recommended to avoid injury on objects that may need more than one person to lift. 

The Ability To Work In Extreme Weather Conditions

Wind turbine technicians must be able to work in extreme weather conditions. Yet, you should always check with supervisors and weather channels to determine if you can complete the work during these conditions or if it's better to try again when it's safer. 

You will be given the appropriate safety clothing and gear for various changes in the weather. 

The Work Environment Of A Wind Turbine Technician

The role of a wind turbine technician can be quite demanding. If you're outside on location, you can face harsh weather conditions, heavy materials, and machinery risks. 

What Does It Take To Become A Certified Wind Turbine Technician

You need proof of high school completion, like a school diploma.

You don't need a college degree in educational programs, but you can obtain one in computer science, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering for additional knowledge.

You'll also need to be trained in the wind industry for two years at the wind turbine technician schools.

Before you can work full-time, you have to do a 12-month apprenticeship where you get job experience.

You will also need to pass certification exams to complete your course and start your job search by looking for companies to work with as certified wind turbine technicians. 

The Job Outlook For Wind Turbine Technicians

With the growth in the wind energy industry, there is expected to be job growth meaning higher demand for wind turbine technicians.

They may need to be trained in various aspects of the wind industry to ensure they can handle each task. You will need an extra 12 months of hands-on experience for future technicians. 

Salary Outlook Of A Wind Turbine Tech

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics on average, a wind turbine technician will make around $27.00 per hour, which is approximately $56,000 per year, thanks to the national average salary, which looks at a median for wind energy jobs in the United States. The more years you've worked as a wind turbine technician, the more likely you'll see an increase in your salary, thanks to bonuses and all the hard work you put into wind energy technology.

The Benefits And Drawbacks Of This Career Path Choice

Pros 

• You may have the opportunity to travel worldwide to various wind plants
• You'll work with a highly-skilled team and can learn from their expertise
• Once you've completed training, you can start from an entry-level role and work towards higher salaries
• You can work as a wind tech indoors and outdoors

Cons

• Not ideal if you're afraid of heights and being up hundreds of feet
• Heavy equipment can take a toll on your body
• Harsh weather conditions can be dangerous
• You'll need to work in confined spaces  

Frequently Asked Questions:

How Long Is The Training Process?

Depending on your chosen course, wind turbine technician training takes anywhere from 3 to 6 months.

• The first month consists of classroom instruction,
• Followed by hands-on practice,
• After the course completion, students should be able to perform basic maintenance tasks such as replacing blades, adjusting pitch settings, and checking for leaks, 
  
  

How long does it take to be a wind turbine tech? It can take about two years to complete all training and certifications. 

Is There Any Specialized Certification Required?

Once you've completed your apprenticeship, you must pass the certification examination to become a legitimate wind turbine technician. This will come from (ASME) or the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Are There Any Jobs Available?

Currently, there are over 2,500 openings nationwide. So if you're looking for a career in renewable energy, this could be the perfect option. You can either apply for the company directly or use an agency to get your resume to multiple organizations quicker. 

Do I Need Experience Or Education?

Starting the journey to becoming a wind turbine technician, you won't need experience. However, you will need proof of your high school completion to begin.

If you'd like to get a college degree, you can, but it's not compulsory to get started with wind turbine training.

Can I Get Hired Without Having An Associate Degree?

You'll more likely be considered for the role after completing the appropriate course in a technical school. You will need your ASME certification to start working as a technician.

But, depending on the company, they may offer their own job training plans that start you in a lower salary role, and you could work and learn your way through the company to become a wind turbine technician.

Start your Wind Turbine Tech Career at Pinnacle Career Institute

A wind turbine is an increasingly popular source of carbon-neutral green energy worldwide. However, as demand continues to grow, so does the number of technicians needed to maintain these machines.

That said, you should consider a few things if you plan on pursuing a career in wind turbine maintenance. Including the physical strength and mental challenges you could face, your expected salary, and the possibilities of working in various wind farms worldwide.

To become a wind turbine technician, you'll need to dedicate your time to hands-on training and study for certification exams.

To discover more about what it takes to be a technician and what wind turbine technician programs or wind energy jobs are available in your area on our website today.