The world is becoming increasingly technologically advanced, and the power generation system is no different. The days of finding electrical energy from just one source have almost completely vanished, and today, we have power that comes from solar energy, kinetic energy, and gas. The world is consistently seeking ways to go "off the grid," and one of the ways in which the world has succeeded in doing this is through the establishment of wind turbines.

In certain parts of the world, parts that are particularly windy, you may be met with the sight of near-endless windmills scattered all across large open fields. However, these are not generic windmills that provide a source of water. Instead, these are wind turbines which are used to convert kinetic energy from the wind turning the turbines into electrical energy. This electrical energy can be used to power towns and cities, or it can be used to feed power back into the grid.

When you consider the intricate workings of wind turbines, you realize that it is based on high-tech applications that require unique and specialized expertise to install, use, maintain, and understand the operationality of these turbines. To carry out these very specific and specialized tasks, wind turbine technicians are needed because they have the skills to conduct these energy-related duties.

Considering how niche this career path is, containing elements of engineering and technology, to become a wind turbine technician, you would need to first attend a technical school where you would obtain a certificate in wind energy technology (or complete an associate degree) and gain hands-on experience.

Let us take a closer look at this career path, what it entails, and what steps you would need to take to become a wind turbine technician.

What Are Wind Turbine Technicians

When you consider the importance of wind turbines and the role it plays in electrical power generation, the stakes are high to ensure that a power supply is not interrupted by a faulty turbine. As with all great technological inventions and advancements, wind turbine technicians hold a lot of responsibility in ensuring that the turbines operate at optimal functionality.

It is for that reason that wind turbine technicians are in control of the initial installation of the wind turbine (they aren't the ones designing and manufacturing or enhancing the turbines as these duties will fall to wind turbine engineers), and they oversee all maintenance and repair work on any damage that may have been sustained to the turbine.

As a wind turbine technician, you would need to have the ability to closely inspect wind turbines which are extremely large. This means, your eyes would need to be trained to see faults and flaws from a distance.

From doing physical repairs and maintenance to doing technological repairs and maintenance, and even enhancing the internal workings of a turbine, a wind turbine technician needs to inspect the turbines regularly, they need to assess and diagnose any flaws or issues that the turbine is experiencing, and they need to fix those issues. Additionally, wind turbine technicians are also responsible for dealing with electrical and mechanical issues that may arise on the turbine.

Steps To Become A Wind Turbine Technician

Step One: Obtain A Qualification

Once you finish high school, you would need to obtain a certificate in wind energy technology before you can be eligible to work as a technician. You can obtain this certificate either from a community college, a technical school or by completing an associate degree.

Step Two: Gain Direct Experience

Next, you would need to consider an apprenticeship whereby you can gain direct experience as a wind turbine technician. In many cases, college courses offer a practical element to the theoretical coursework with operational turbines on the college site.

Step Three: Gain Licenses

Since you will be working with high-tech components, and most importantly, since you will be working with electrical components, it is important to be licensed as an electrical safety officer, to have a work-at-heights certification, and to have basic self-rescue training.

Step Four: Seek Employment

Once you are equipped with the skills and qualifications, you can then pursue employment opportunities as a wind turbine technician.

What Are The Salary And Job Outlook For Wind Turbine Technicians?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), wind turbine technicians earn a median annual salary of $56,260, and they earn a median hourly rate of about $27,05 per hour. Additionally, this career path expects to see exponential growth with employment expecting to see a projected growth of 44% over the next ten years.

FAQs

What Skills Are Needed To Be A Wind Turbine Technician?

In addition to not being afraid of heights (as maintenance work on turbines requires you to climb up the turbine), you are also required to have superior mechanical skills, an understanding of electrical, technological, and mechanical components, keen attention to detail, superior coordination, physical strength, and stamina (because on every windfarm, hundreds of turbines are present and need to be maintained), and you would need to work well in a team.

Is Being A Wind Turbine Technician Hard?

In many cases, most people don't complain about this career path is hard on your mind, but rather, they state that it is grueling on your body. As a wind turbine technician, you are required to work long hours, you are required to climb to the top of the turbines, and because of these heights, you will be exposed to extreme heat in the summer and extreme cold in the winter.

Is Becoming A Wind Turbine Technician A Good Career?

If you consider that this is a growing industry, not only in the US but all around the world as well, being a wind turbine technician is an illustrious career path to follow.

Conclusion

In a unique blend of technology, electricity, and physical work, being a wind turbine technician is an interesting career path, to say the least. If you have always found yourself intrigued by power generation, and if you are not afraid of heights, this may be a viable career path for you to follow.