 |
|
|
|
Home :
Educational Programs : Career and Technical : Wind energy technician
Wind energy technician
Need for technicians
By the end of 2008 North Dakota alone had 480 wind turbines with the capacity to produce 714 megawatts.
The N.D. Public Service Commission is projecting a need for at least 180 wind energy technicians by 2012 to maintain the turbines.
Wages for these wind energy technicians range from $16 to $25 per hour.
|
Becoming a wind turbine technician is a wonderful career opportunity for men and women.
Although a high percentage of technicians are men, more women are entering the profession.
If you'd like more information on the program, contact our admissions office.
Click here to view the wind energy technician program.
|
What does a wind energy technician do?
A turbine technician combines working knowledge of mechanics, hydraulics, meteorology, composites, and computer science when servicing and maintaining large, commercial-scale turbines.
Maintenance is conducted on-the-ground and at substantial heights, exceeding 200 feet.
Technicians work in pairs for safety reasons.
|
Hands-on learning
To learn how to fix and maintain wind turbines, students will work in an actual turbine to conduct their labs and hands-on educational experience.
Wind energy technicians must be comfortable with heights, have the ability to climb, and have good manual dexterity. Technicians also must be able to work in confined spaces. Work is done indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
|
Preparing to become a wind energy tech
High school students looking to become a wind energy technician should take advantage of electronics, math, science, and other technology courses.
|
Enrolling in the program
- Wind energy technician program applicants must meet prerequisites, such as a climbing workshop, before entering the program.
- Since wind energy technicians is an emerging field and is related to renewable energy initiatives, funding for training in this field may be available. Prospective students should check with a local Job Service office for more information.
- Students must fill out the general admission application to Lake Region State College and provide required documents (proof of high school graduation/GED, immunizations, etc...)
- Students also are encouraged to complete the scholarship application as many scholarships are available for students in this specific program.
|
Meet your instructor
Jay Johnson is the wind energy technician coordinator at LRSC. He has been very involved in working closely with students already set to enroll in the program.
Because wind turbine can be a dangerous and challenging environment in which to work, the goal of our program here is to train students how to work safe and smart, Johnson says.
Johnson was a technician at Langdon Wind, the NextEra Energy wind near Langdon, ND. Johnson earned a BS in Industrial Technology and a MA in Communications from the University of North Dakota. Prior to joining NextEra Energy, Johnson worked at the Rochester Post Bullentin in Rochester, Minn., as the paper’s editorial page writer. Before working at the Post Bullentin he worked at the Minot Daily News as the Editorial Page Editor.
Email Jay about what it takes to be a wind turbine technician.
|
Class locations
The first year of courses will be offered on-campus at Lake Region State College in Devils Lake. Some training pieces likely will occur at the wind farm near Langdon, ND and other area wind farms.
After the first year of study, students will earn a certificate of completion. At this point, certificate completers can enter the workforce. They also can choose to stay and complete an associate in applied science degree. The second year of coursework will be offered online and other formats to accommodate working students.
Lake Region State College plans to install a utility-scale turbine to both power the campus and serve as a training tool for students. The turbine also will help the college reduce the carbon footprint of Lake Region State College as well as provide power for heating the entire college campus.
|
Additional Related Information
Documents
Wind Energy Technician curriculum guide
File Size: 67.68 kb
|
|
|
|
