Are you interested in starting a new job in the renewable energy industry? There are many different opportunities such as becoming a wind turbine technician or a green power plant operator to name a few. With the growth in this job sector, you have the opportunity to start a new adventure in renewable energy. So, how do you get a job in renewable energy?
How Do I Get a Job in Renewable Energy?
The best way to get a job in renewable energy is to graduate from a trade school that offers programs in renewable energy such as wind turbine technician and solar panel installation programs. You will also have the opportunity to find a job as a green power plant operator, maintenance worker, industrial mechanic, control operator, field service technician, or boiler operator. The renewable energy industry supports all of these job titles whether it is in wind, solar, hydroelectric, nuclear, or biomass. Here is what some of these jobs entail.
Wind Turbine Technician
A wind turbine technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, monitoring, and repairing wind turbine components and systems. Monitoring and maintenance happen both on-site and off-site. The wind turbine technician has the ability to monitor wind turbines from a remote location and get alerts when maintenance or repairs are needed. Remote monitoring also gives them the ability to collect turbine data for additional research and analysis. They will test and troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic turbine components. They may also service transmission systems, wind field substations, and fiber optic sensing and control systems.
Green Power Plant Operator
Power plant operators in green energy control operate systems that generate electric power. They maintain, repair, and replace these green energy systems as needed. Whether the power plant is using turbines, generators, or boilers, the power plant operator will inspect and coordinate operations of power plants, dams, and steam generation.
What You Learn in an Energy Technology Degree Program
During this degree program, you will learn about power generation, power plant operations, wind power, compression technology, and process systems. This program offers a combination of lectures and hands-on assignments in the real world.
Classes will focus on energy industry fundamentals, safety compliance, OSHA, and first aid training. Courses will also include physics, electrical theory, wind technology, materials processing, advanced troubleshooting programmable logic controllers, and industrial heating and cooling. A set of courses will focus specifically on renewable energy sources. This energy technology degree program will prepare you for an entry-level position in renewable energy.
Increased Growth for Jobs in Renewable Energy
The renewable energy industry is continuing to grow, According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), renewable energy consumption surpassed coal for the first time in 2019. This renewable energy is made up of solar, wind, geothermal, biofuel, and hydroelectric energy. Two sectors of renewable energy are projected to grow in the next decade.
Wind Energy Job Growth
The demand for wind turbine technicians is projected to grow 61 percent in the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number of wind turbines being installed is increasing and there is a need for technicians to monitor, maintain and repair these wind turbines.
Wind turbines generated over 300 billion megawatt hours of energy in 2020, according to the EIA. Advances in wind technology have reduced the cost of producing electricity from wind. This has fueled the growth for wind turbine technicians to maintain and repair the growing wind energy infrastructure.
Final Thoughts
Now that you are interested in a job in renewable energy, it is time to learn more about the energy technology degree program at MIAT College of Technology. The renewable energy industry is expanding, and job opportunities continue to present themselves. Getting an energy technology degree will open up doors to different energy companies. Graduates of MIAT will also receive help to find that entry-level position. There is no better time to train in renewable energy and enter the job market.
Do you have 16 months to start a new career? The Energy Technology AAS Degree Program is a combination of classroom, hands-on assignments and critical thinking skills that train you to become a well-rounded technician in a dynamic industry. Energy Technology employers who answered surveys from the MIAT Career Services Department stated they are looking for applicants who possess critical communication, problem solving, and analytical skills that can be acquired completing a college degree.
Getting trade school training is a great investment in your future and opens doors to a career in a variety of industries! Inquire today to learn more about MIAT’s Energy Technology Degree program.