About The Career

More power generation facilities and renewable energy sources are being developed or renovated every day to keep up with the energy demand the world needs. We get up in the morning and flip on the light switch taking for granted where this energy comes from. This continued demand, coupled with upcoming retirements, has created a shortage for technicians who engineer, build, monitor, test, and maintain this equipment to keep the world powered up.

Training / Job Requirements

The Power Technology Institute (PTI) was created in response to the energy industry asking for more qualified technicians. PTI training provides the building blocks for basic technical knowledge, terminology, equipment, tools, safety procedures, and professionalism needed in the power industry. Upon completing the Power Technician program, graduates will continue to receive training from their employers on their specific company requirements and equipment. The goal of PTI is for graduates to be in the top echelon of their initial required training due to the foundation of knowledge they receive at MIAT.

The energy industry is asking for candidates that have a strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to troubleshoot complex equipment. Additionally, they hire for attitude and flexibility. Most technicians in the industry must be able to work a variety of hours including holidays and weekends including extensive overtime. Technicians must also work in confined or elevated spaces, and be able to keep up with the physical demand of the position. To be chosen for positions candidates may have to pass psychological tests, complete thorough background checks, pass drug tests and take written knowledge exams.

Career Options

The spectrum of power technology divisions is broad, and therefore, produces a vast array of career options. Most entry-level technicians will start out as part of a team of hands-on technicians. Top performers may be promoted to leads, supervisors, and managers. As more employees start retiring, this will allow for an accelerated career path for those who want to grow and expand their knowledge in the industry. With additional training and experience, technicians can advance into senior technician roles, engineers, regional managers, and department executives in a short period of time.

Benefits and Compensation

Due to the supply and demand for qualified technicians in the energy industry and the amount of overtime or travel required to and from sites, technicians will start out with above average compensation packages. Traveling technicians may also be given daily per diems in addition to base pay. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2009, Power Plant Operators, including Maintenance Technicians, earned from $39,520 to $82,770 annually (Non-Reactor Operators). Survey data from payscale.com on June 29, 2010 listed annual pay for Power Plant Technicians as $46,343 to $81,298 nationally. Annual pay for wind turbine technicians nationally was $41,160 to $57,747 - 86% of which had four years or less experience.