Are you interested in training to become a wind turbine technician? The global energy sector is growing, and there are many opportunities that weren’t available even a decade ago. If you’re interested in technology and energy, then becoming a wind turbine technician may be a good fit.
Are Wind Turbine Technicians In Demand?
The demand for wind turbine technicians is growing — employment is projected to grow 68% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.1 This means there’s a need for highly skilled and knowledgeable wind turbine technicians.
There are several reasons why wind turbine technician job growth is on the rise. The increase in renewable energy usage has raised the demand for renewable energy. Plus, people are living “greener” and making every effort to reduce their carbon footprints. Efforts are being made at local, state, and federal levels to reduce fossil fuel emissions, lower our carbon footprint and slow the effects of climate change.
As wind energy becomes more affordable, wind turbine technology will likely continue to expand, creating opportunities for wind turbine technicians.
What Does a Wind Turbine Technician Do?
Wind turbine technicians install, maintain and repair wind turbines. They typically perform the following duties:
- Inspect the interior and exterior elements of wind turbine towers.
- Inspect or repair wind turbine equipment, including blades, gearboxes and generators.
- Perform regular routine maintenance.
- Use equipment and devices to diagnose electrical malfunctions.
- Troubleshoot and test electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic components and systems.
- Repair and replace worn or malfunctioning parts.
- Monitor and collect data for testing or research and analysis.
How Do You Train to Become a Wind Turbine Technician?
A great way to train to become a wind turbine technician is by attending a trade school like MIAT College of Technology. With this type of education, you’ll be prepared for an entry-level career in the wind energy industry.2
During MIAT’s Wind Turbine Technician program, students take courses in mechanical, electrical, sales and safety. They also learn how to use hand and power tools to troubleshoot problems. Although some technicians are involved in building new wind turbines, most maintain existing ones.
How Long Is a Wind Turbine Technician Program?
You can graduate from MIAT’s Wind Turbine Technician program in as little as 7 months, attending full time. MIAT accomplishes this by focusing only on the curriculum that helps prepare students for careers. No need for extraneous electives, just training on the wind turbine technician skills students need to succeed, including:
- Tools and Professional Skills
- Precision Measuring and Rigging
- Materials, Processes and Welding
- Inspection
- DC Electrical Theory
- AC Electrical Theory
- Climb and Rescue
- Wind Operation and Renewable Energy Sources
- Hydraulics and Gears
- PLC and SCADA
What Are the Benefits of a Formal Education?
There are many benefits to a formal education from MIAT. Here are a few:
A Quick Start
One of the best benefits of attending MIAT is that you can train to become a wind turbine technician in just 7 months. If you have other responsibilities and don’t want to spend 2 to 4 years in a traditional college, attending MIAT may be the right option for you.
A Formal Curriculum
Some choose to start with an apprenticeship rather than a formal education. However, a formal education offers a well-thought-out curriculum, presented so you can build upon your knowledge as you progress through the curriculum. You also may be able to fill any knowledge gaps you may develop if you participate only in an apprenticeship. Getting a formal education as a wind turbine technician can help ensure you have a thorough knowledge of the wind energy sector.
Industry-Experienced Instructors
Another great benefit is learning from industry-experienced instructors. They have been in your shoes and know what you need to prepare for a future as a wind turbine technician. They are available to guide you through the curriculum and offer mentorship to lay a solid foundation that you can build upon. At MIAT, class sizes are smaller, so you aren’t lost in a sea of students and you receive one-on-one attention from instructors.
Hands-On Experience
Although you get a lot of experience as an apprentice, working in a classroom environment can allow you to learn without consequences. You can start from the most basic tasks and build to the advanced duties of the role, while working in a workshop under strict supervision from an instructor. Practice makes perfect, and you get a lot of practice in MIAT’s Wind Turbine Technician program.
Career Services
Another great benefit of a formal education is career placement. MIAT’s Career Services staff can help you create a résumé and help prepare you for interviews. They can even hear about opportunities before the general public and help match you with a job you’re passionate about.2
Final Thoughts
Now that you know that wind turbine technicians are in demand, it’s time to learn more about MIAT College of Technology. Enjoy a complete curriculum, hands-on training and Career Services that can help prepare you for an exciting future as a wind turbine technician. Get started on a new path today!
Want to Learn More?
Does a career as a wind turbine technician interest you? The Wind Turbine Technician program from MIAT College of Technology can provide the hands-on training, practical experience and industry support it takes to pursue a career in just 7 months.
To learn more about the Wind Turbine Technician program and to explore if MIAT is right for you, fill out the form on this page. Contact us if you are interested in training to become a wind turbine technician today.
1Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Wind Turbine Technicians, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/wind-turbine-technicians.htm (visited 4-13-22). BLS projects total employment for Wind Turbine Technicians will increase from 6,900 in 2020 to 11,700 in 2030. The Universal Technical Institute family of schools, including UTI and MIAT, are educational institutions and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2MIAT is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit miat.edu/disclosures.