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With new shifts to renewable energy, there is a need for individuals who are able to work on and maintain wind turbine.
In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that the demand for wind turbine technicians will increase by 68% between now and 2030.
The opportunities and pay will vary from state to state and from position to position, but when looking for a job that is investing in the future of our energy sources, a wind turbine technician is a fantastic option.
This article will discuss what wind turbine technicians do and the critical roles they play in generating wind energy.
Wind turbine technicians have a variety of job duties. Here are some of their most important tasks that a wind turbine technician is expected to take on:
The wind turbine technician's primary responsibility is to ensure that the turbines are operating efficiently and safely.
To do this, they need to perform regular maintenance checks on the wind turbines. This includes checking the blades and making sure that there are no cracks or damage, tracking turbine data, and checking the control and braking systems.
Wind turbine technicians also need to check the lubrication levels of the bearings and hydraulic components and make sure they are adequately greased.
In addition, wind turbine service technicians check the electrical systems for loose connections to hinder the process of harnessing wind energy.
They also repair wind turbines when problems arise.
Wind turbine technicians not only have to maintain the turbines, but they also have to operate them.
This includes starting up the turbines, monitoring their performance, and shutting them down when necessary. They also need to be able to troubleshoot any problems that they may encounter.
Wind turbine service technicians are also responsible for keeping track of the maintenance records for each turbine. They maintain the underground transmission systems and programmable logic control systems to identify any emerging trends or patterns.
As the demand for wind energy increases, so does the need for new turbines.
Wind turbine service technicians are responsible for installing these new turbines. This includes everything from putting up the towers to attaching the blades.
It's an arduous task that includes climbing wind turbine towers. That being said, individuals interested in becoming wind turbine technicians should not be afraid of heights.
Another critical responsibility of a wind turbine technician is to take inventory of the tools and parts needed for repairs and routine maintenance.
This includes regular maintenance items and items needed for emergency repairs of the wind turbines.
It's essential to have a good stock of these items on hand to make repairs quickly and efficiently.
Now that you know a bit more about what a career as a wind turbine technician will entail, here are a few of the frequently asked questions that we receive about this career path.
As with any job, the salary of a wind turbine technician will vary from company to company and from state to state. In 2021, the median average salary for a wind turbine technician is $56,290 annually (as of 2021).
To get a better idea of what the salary of a wind turbine technician would be in a certain state, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor. This data is updated regularly and can provide you with up-to-date information regarding salary.
Although most every wind turbine technician has some form of post-secondary education, the path to becoming a wind turbine technician varies.
In general, there are five different ways to become a wind turbine technician:
Attending a technical school or community college is one of the ways that individuals can start working towards their career as a wind turbine technician.
There are many accredited programs across the United States that will give you the skills and knowledge needed to become a successful wind turbine technician.
The length of these programs can range from several months to two years. And in most cases, they have onsite wind turbines for hands-on practice.
Many companies that manufacture or operate turbines have their own training programs. The manufacturer training program covers the skills and knowledge that every wind turbine technician must have.
The length of these programs can range from several weeks to a year or more, depending on the size and scope of the company.
Typically, such programs will involve:
After the training period, you will be able to take a turbine technician certification exam.
Apprenticeships are another way to become a wind turbine technician.
These are typically four-year programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Trainees work under the supervision of experienced technicians and learn firsthand how to maintain and repair turbines.
As with company training programs, apprenticeship programs will also prepare you to take a turbine technician certification exam.
Earning an associate degree in renewable energy technology is another way to become a wind turbine technician.
This type of degree will give you a more comprehensive understanding of how turbines work as well as the principles of renewable energy. However, some practical aspects can only be learned through on-the-job training.
This is perhaps the simplest route to becoming a wind turbine technician.
There are many accredited programs across the United States that will give you the skills and knowledge needed to become a successful wind turbine technician. They last from several months to two years.
Consider the following factors when choosing a training program:
The wind turbine technician training program by PCI offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers all you need to know to become a wind turbine technician.
To apply, check out their admissions page.
There are numerous certifications for wind turbine operators.
Although they are not mandatory, it's a great way to stand out from other applicants and increase your chance of getting hired. It can also provide companies with an idea of the background knowledge that you bring to the table.
The Global Wind Organisation (GWO) is a not-for-profit membership organization. It aims to improve safety standards in the wind industry worldwide by sharing knowledge and best practices.
The GWO offers a range of training courses for wind turbine technicians. These are meant to strengthen their understanding of the technical aspects of repairs and the safety precautions they must take to ensure their safety.
For this reason, companies that employ wind turbine technicians are likely to require technicians to go through GWO training and acquire the certification before they start work.
A GWO safety certification course covers:
A wind turbine technician will most often start as a trainee, learning the ropes under experienced professionals. This training period will vary from company to company, but will eventually lead to the individual becoming a wind turbine technician.
After a few years of on-the-job training and after completing an accredited program, individuals can take an exam to become certified.
One of the appealing factors of a career as a wind turbine technician is the opportunity for growth and development within the industry. With more experience, wind turbine technicians may have a chance at becoming a senior technician, supervisor, or site manager.
Additional benefits that can help build up a resume for a wind turbine technician include various certification courses aside from GWO training, such as:
Wind turbine technicians need to have a specific set of skills to be able to do their job well.
Every wind tech must have some general mechanical skills. They need to know how machines work and have experience working with tools.
Given that wind turbine technicians are responsible for installing and repairing wind turbines 200 feet above the ground, confidence in these skills is crucial. It takes a lot of skill and experience to be able to work on something so high up.
Wind turbine technicians also need to have some general electrical skills because they are responsible for the wiring of the turbines. Wind turbine professionals must be able to read blueprints and follow schematics tocomplete electrical work correctly and safely.
Like most complex machines, wind turbines sometimes present problems that can leave even the most experienced engineer with a headache. It's at this point that the ability to solve complex problems is highly needed.
Repairing the wind turbine might require hours of troubleshooting and problem-solving to identify the root cause of the malfunction. Innovation and creativity are therefore of utmost importance.
As mentioned earlier, part of being a knowledgeable wind turbine technician requires the ability to identify malfunctioning components and fix them.
This specific task requires strong troubleshooting skills. Wind turbine technicians must be able to go through various possibilities methodically until they find the right answer.
Okay, you may not need to have a love for heights, but you certainly can’t have a fear of heights. Not everyone is cut out for the job of a wind turbine technician, and for many it’s a fear of heights that turns them away from the job.
This is because being a wind turbine technican requires working at great heights, often 200 feet off the ground. At such a height, a hint of fear can cause grave danger.
For some people, this can be pretty daunting if they fear heights. But if you love adventure and aren't afraid of heights, this job might just be the right fit for you.
Every mistake can have grave consequences when working with wind turbines and other critical wind energy technology infrastructure.
This is why it's important to pay keen attention to detail. Each part of the turbine must be installed and repaired with precision and precise measurements.
One wrong move can cause the whole structure to come crashing down.
Wind turbine technicians constantly carry heavy equipment and tools up the stairs of the turbines in wind farms. They must be able to do this repeatedly without getting tired.
In addition, they must be able to withstand working in extreme weather conditions.
Wind turbine technicians play a crucial job in operating and maintaining wind energy infrastructure.
For an adventurous person with a strong understanding of mechanics and electricity and the ability to solve complex problems, this could be a great career choice.
If you think you have what it takes to be a wind turbine technician, consider training at the Pinnacle Career Institute. We offer online trade programs for a number of technical careers.
Our Wind Turbine Technician Training program will provide you with everything you need to get started in this exciting and rewarding career. Apply now to get started with your training today!
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