Interested in an energy technology career? Looking to get a new and rewarding job in as little as 9 to 16 months? Individuals with Energy & Industrial Technician training pursue positions in a wide variety of energy industries, including wind, gas, coal, nuclear, solar, standby power, geothermal, hydroelectric, methane/landfill gas generation, power distribution and dispatch, water treatment, and more.
There are many different opportunities for graduates of the Energy & Industrial Technician program at MIAT. They include power plant operator, industrial mechanic, auxiliary operator, boiler operator, wind turbine construction technician, and solar installation technician. Most entry-level energy and industrial technicians will start out as part of a team of hands-on technicians. Top performers may be promoted to leads, supervisors, and managers.
Power Plant Operators
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, power plant operators control the systems that generate and distribute electric power. Power plant operators typically do the following:
- Control power-generating equipment
- Read charts, meters, and gauges to monitor voltage and electricity flows
- Check equipment and indicators to detect problems
- Adjust controls to regulate the flow of power
- Start or stop generators, turbines, and other equipment
Nuclear power plant operators control nuclear reactors. They adjust control rods that affect how much electricity a reactor generates. They monitor reactors, turbines, generators, and cooling systems. Nuclear power plant operators also start and stop equipment and record the data produced.
Industrial Mechanic
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, industrial mechanics maintain and repair factory equipment including conveying systems, production machinery, and packaging equipment. Industrial mechanics typically do the following:
- Read technical manuals to understand equipment and controls
- Disassemble machinery as needed
- Repair or replace broken or malfunctioning components
- Perform tests and run initial batches to make sure that the machine is running smoothly
- Adjust and calibrate machinery to optimal specifications
Auxiliary Operator
The auxiliary operator’s goal is to generate electrical power. Problem solving, listening skills, and attention to detail are needed to be effective. The auxiliary operator does the following:
- Control the machines and their processes
- Monitor and inspect the equipment for any errors
- Operate valves, rotating equipment, fly ash and lubricating systems
- Adhere to all safety and environmental protection protocols and procedures
Boiler Operator
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, boiler operators control stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for industrial purposes. Boiler operators typically do the following:
- Operate engines, boilers, and auxiliary equipment
- Read gauges, meters, and charts to track boiler operations
- Monitor boiler water, chemical, and fuel levels
- Activate valves to increase or decrease the amount of water, air, and fuel in boilers
- Inspect equipment to ensure that it is operating efficiently
- Check safety devices routinely
- Record data and keep logs of operation, maintenance, and safety activity
Wind Turbine Technician
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, wind turbine technicians install, maintain, and repair wind turbines. The turbine is made up of three major components: a tower, three blades, and a nacelle, which is composed of an outer case, generator, gearbox, and brakes. Wind turbine technicians install and repair the various components of these structures. Wind turbine technicians typically do the following:
- Inspect the exterior and physical integrity of wind turbine towers
- Climb towers to inspect or repair wind turbine equipment
- Perform routine maintenance on wind turbines
- Test and troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic components
- Replace worn or malfunctioning components
- Collect turbine data for research and analysis
Solar Installation Technician
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, solar installation technicians assemble, install, and maintain solar panel systems. Solar installation technicians typically do the following:
- Plan Photovoltaic system configuration based on customer needs and site conditions
- Install solar modules, panels, or support structures in accordance with building codes and standards
- Connect photovoltaic panels to the power grid
- Activate and test photovoltaic systems to verify performance
- Perform routine photovoltaic system maintenance
Does a career in Energy & Industrial Technology interest you? Want to have the power of an entire nation at your fingertips? The Energy & Industrial and Energy Technology Programs from MIAT College of Technology provide the hands-on training, practical experience, and industry support it takes to pursue a rewarding technical career. MIAT’s goal for its Energy programs is to produce graduates who are in the top echelon of their initial on-the-job training due to the foundation of knowledge they receive at MIAT. To learn more about Energy & Industrial career training and to explore if MIAT is right for you, fill out the form on this page. Contact us if you are interested in becoming an Energy and Industrial technician today.