If you’re interested in starting a career as a wind turbine technician, today’s blog post is for you. Learn more about the ins and outs of becoming a wind turbine technician.
The wind energy industry has grown, and as a result, you can find wind turbines in various parts of the country these days. They give us clean energy, reduce pollution, and help prevent global warming by creating renewable energy.
Wind turbines are also very useful for generating electricity. In fact, they generate over 30% of the total renewable energy produced worldwide.
In this blog post, we will discuss some essential things you should know if you want to become a wind turbine technician. We will also cover some of the online training programs available for those who want to learn how to install wind turbines.
A wind turbine technician is responsible for maintaining the wind turbine and ensuring it is fully functional at all times; this means checking it often, fixing any problems that come up, and making sure it works properly. The job requires technical knowledge as well as good communication skills. It also involves working with different parts of the turbine. These are some of the responsibilities of a wind turbine technician.
Wind Turbine Technicians are responsible for diagnosing and repairing wind turbine parts. They do this using their knowledge of mechanics and engineering, wrenches, hammers, screwdrivers, and measuring devices.
Wind turbine technicians install and maintain wind turbine parts, replacing worn sections. They do this using tools such as drills, saws, and grinders.
Maintaining wind turbine components requires technical expertise. Wind turbine technicians must understand how to clean and lubricate wind turbine parts properly. They must also know how to test the elements to ensure they are at full functionality.
Wind turbine service technicians repair wind turbine components. They either replace damaged parts or remove old parts and install new ones.
Before you can work as a technician on wind turbines, you have to finish high school and get a high school diploma. This is a primary requirement before you can start studying as a wind turbine technician at a technical school.
Technicians working on wind turbines can go to technical school anywhere from one month to two years. Some schools have short courses, and others have long ones.
You will learn essential components of wind turbines and the role of a wind turbine technician during your course. You will be taught about maintenance, design, installation, and safety, among other things.
Some programs also include practical classes where students get hands-on experience installing wind turbines.
In addition to the Wind Turbine Technician program, you might also take some of the following classes as a wind turbine technician.
This is an integral part of being a technician for wind turbines. You must understand what happens when a wind turbine malfunctions. You must also know how to prevent such incidents from happening.
Safety is always the priority. Therefore, you must be able to identify potential hazards before they occur. You must also know which precautions to take when working near a wind turbine.
Wind energy technology is still pretty new, and many people don't fully understand what it can do. But if you want to work as a technician on wind turbines, it’s crucial to know how wind energy works.
Wind energy theory helps explain how wind turbines work. Having a thorough understanding of these theories can be extremely beneficial if you want to become a successful wind turbine technician.
The wind energy theory in any course will teach you how wind turbines work, teaching you about aerodynamics, power generation, and more.
You will learn about how wind energy works in terms of physics. Also, you'll learn about the different kinds of wind turbines, as well as the pros and cons of wind turbines.
Wind turbines use hydraulic systems to control the speed of the rotor. They are also used to adjust the pitch angle of the blades.
You need to know how these systems work as a wind turbine technician. You will learn about the basics of hydraulics and how to use tools when interacting with them safely.
Turbines have mechanical components that work together to create electricity. These components include gears, bearings, shafts, and more.
You will learn how each part of the system works with the other components. You will also learn why certain elements wear out faster than others.
Electrical systems are another vital part of wind turbines. They help power the generator by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. You will learn about how generators function. You will also learn to recognize the difference between machines that work simultaneously and those that don't.
You'll find out what electrical circuits are and how they work. You will also learn how AC and DC circuits are different. As a wind technician, you will learn the basics of electronics so you can figure out how to fix problems with regards to electricity that the wind turbine requires. You will also learn how to put electrical equipment in place and keep it in good shape.
As we mentioned earlier, a high school diploma or the equivalent is required for someone to pursue a career as a wind turbine technician. Once that has been completed, a program that is specific to the skills and knowledge of a wind turbine technician must be completed.
These programs are often found at trade or vocational schools and can provide a thorough education as well as some hands-on experience with wind turbines.
At the end of each program, there is an exam that students must take and pass in order to gain their certificate and apply to become a wind turbine technician.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), firms that have employees who deal with hazardous products must train them with this certification. This training will teach you how to keep yourself safe when around dangerous chemicals.
Also, OSHA requires that employers teach their workers how to handle emergencies. This includes how to respond to emergencies like fires or explosions.
Wind turbines are extremely tall structures. Some reach heights of over 300 feet. If you want to work on a wind turbine, you have to be able to climb ladders.
The GWO Working at Heights training will help you learn and understand everything related to working with heights and doing so safely.
This certification is one that wind turbine technicians often have to obtain. LOTO stands for Local Operating Team Operator. These individuals operate the controls of the turbine during maintenance and repair. They make sure the wind turbine is functioning correctly.
You will need the confined space certification if you want to work as a wind turbine technician. Many companies require you to have this certification, though there are a few that do not require it. Some government agencies also ask for it.
A confined space means a small area, usually where people cannot easily get out. Therefore, a person who works in a small area needs to learn how to do their job safely and efficiently within this space. In addition, you need to know what to do in the case something goes wrong.
Wind turbine technicians sometimes need to administer CPR or use an AED in the case of an emergency on a job site. During this training, individuals will learn how to identify the signs of heart attacks and strokes as well as how to provide first aid in these instances.
An AED works by delivering electrical shocks to the chest muscles. This causes them to contract and pump blood back into the body. In the case that CPR is needed on a job site, access to an AED and an understanding of how to use it can save a life.
The Hytorc Certification is a type of certification that wind turbine technicians should also earn. It is a type of certification offered by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
The Hytorc Certification requires that you study a variety of topics. This program covers how wind turbines work and their components function. It will also provide additional knowledge about safety procedures.
In addition, you will need to learn about the maintenance of wind turbines. Finally, you will need to take tests to prove your understanding of all of these subjects.
The Hytorc certification is a great way to show supervisors that you're eligible to work as a wind technician.
There are a variety of job responsibilities and job titles available to individuals interested in the wind energy industry and the general role of wind turbine technician. Some of these jobs are:
A wind turbine mechanic is a person who repairs wind turbines. They are required to fix wind turbines by replacing worn-out parts and restoring damaged ones.
A wind turbine engineer is a person who designs and builds wind turbines. They can develop new types of wind turbines or modify existing ones.
A wind turbine operator is a person who controls a wind turbine. They do this by controlling its speed and direction.
A wind turbine installer is a person who installs wind turbines. They place wind turbines in their proper locations.
A wind turbine inspector is a person who checks wind turbines before they are installed. They make sure that they meet safety standards.
A good turbine technician has a number of qualities that can help them thrive in their work. Here are just a few of those traits.
Wind turbine technicians need to have strong mechanical skills. One should have the necessary mechanical skills needed to fix any wind turbine problem that pops up. Wind turbine technicians should also be able to keep all kinds of heating and cooling systems in good shape through routine maintenance.
Wind turbine technicians should be able to communicate well with others and explain technical ideas to them. This role may require technicians to answer questions and provide explanations regarding the function of a wind turbine. As a result, technicians should be able to answer questions from clients and coworkers.
As a wind turbine technician, customer service skills are fundamental. This is yet another area where strong communication skills can be extremely important.
Wind turbine technicians often need to lift heavy equipment. For example, you may need to lift tools and equipment onto trucks. You may also need to climb ladders to reach high places. Wind turbine technicians also need to be able to stand for long periods of time.
Wind turbine technicians should have some serious stamina. This role requires individuals to complete manual labor and challenging tasks throughout the day. In addition, some wind turbine technicians may need to work extra long hours at times.
With physical and mental stamina, wind turbine technicians can take on anything the work day brings their way.
Wind turbine technician jobs require troubleshooting skills. You should know how to identify problems in wind turbines. You should also be able to repair wind turbines if such a problem arises.
When troubleshooting, wind turbine technicians should be able use their knowledge of mechanics to figure out what might be wrong. Technicians should also be able to work through a variety of causes in the case that their first assumption is not actually the root of the problem.
For example, when there is a problem with a generator, wind turbine technicians might look at the generator's bearings, brushes, and other moving parts. They might also check the generator's voltage output and current flow.
If the problem cannot be identified after examining these things, then wind turbine technicians may need to examine the generator's wiring diagram. This way, they can determine if the problem lies within the generator itself or elsewhere.
The ability to work through a problem and find various possibilities is a trait that can help a technician thrive in the wind energy industry.
Wind turbine technicians will sometimes have to climb and work on some extremely tall structures. Because of this, it’s ideal for individuals pursuing a career as a wind turbine technician to not have a fear of heights.
Wind turbine technicians should be able not only to climb but also to work comfortably while standing on top of a wind turbine for hours on end. If you are afraid of heights, the GWO Working at Heights course can help you gain additional knowledge on how to work safely at great heights and handle any emergency situations that may arise.
A wind turbine technician needs to posess some level of coordination to do their job well. The ability to move quickly and accurately while working is essential. One should also be able to coordinate movements with those of other workers.
If you want to become a wind turbine technician, then enrolling in the Wind Turbines Training program at PCI is a great first step to take. In this program, students learn the fundamentals needed to become a qualified technician for wind turbines.
Enrolling in this program can provide individuals with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience by completing practical assignments. In addition, students will receive certificates upon completion of each module.
Another benefit to participating in a wind turbine technician program is the possibility of gaining hands-on and on-the-job training that will help you thrive as a wind turbine service technician.
Take a moment and learn more about the Wind Turbine Technician Program at PCI and visit our admissions page for additional information.