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%.
There are plenty of wind technician jobs, and with the right training, you can become an expert in all aspects of the role, including:
You could also work in the control center and monitor tasks from the internal control system.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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
Depending on your chosen course, wind turbine technician training takes anywhere from 3 to 6 months.
How long does it take to be a wind turbine tech? It can take about two years to complete all training and certifications.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.