More emphasis is being placed on generating energy with cost-efficient, environmentally friendly sources. One of those renewable energy sources is wind, which is an industry in need of technicians to install turbines and keep them running.

Enrolling in Wind Technician Training Classes

In order to be eligible to apply for the Wind Technician training program, students need to supply one of the following:

• Standards-based high school diploma
• State-issued GED certificate or state-authorized equivalent exam
• Successful completion of a degree program at the post-secondary level or evidence of having previously attended a Title IV-eligible program
• Completion of an officially recognized home-schooling program

For more information, head here. Talk with an Admissions Representative for more information on all Wind Technician program requirements.

Wind Technician Course Overview

Courses in our Wind Technician training program, which is coming to UTI, include relevant, real-world training with a curriculum developed hand-in-hand with employers.¹ Some of the courses that students will take, along with their descriptions, are listed below (course titles and descriptions are subject to change).

Energy Industry Fundamentals and Safety Compliance

This course reviews the history of the power technology industry through present day and the common terminology and definitions used in the industry. This introductory class will alert students to the many hazards encountered in the production and use of high- and low-voltage electrical equipment. Other topics explored in this class will be related to:

• Lifting and rigging
• Fire prevention
• Lock out tag out
• Confined space and hazmat safety

DC and AC Basic Electricity

In this course, students will learn direct current (DC) electrical theory and applications. This course is designed to teach students electrical circuit schematics and diagrams including charging and storage functions. Students will:

• Design, calculate, build and troubleshoot
• Learn single phase, alternating current, electrical theory and principles
• Learn AC electrical circuit schematics and design
• Demonstrate complete lab projects with the use of schematics

Renewable Energy Technology

In this course, students will learn about renewable energy systems. The course will provide students with knowledge of renewable energy sources and how they function in the energy industry. Students will:

• Demonstrate their acquired knowledge by conducting projects
• Gain hands-on experience with renewable energy systems
• Become familiar with the functions, operations, design, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of these systems

Wind Technology and Components

Inspection, mechanical purpose, maintenance procedures, and operational fundamentals of fluids, instrumentation, electrical and other components of a wind turbine will be taught through classroom and hands-on instruction. Topics include:

• Fluid types
• System inspection
• Component identification
• Function, maintenance and repair

Wind Turbine Operation

In this course, students will learn operations and design of wind turbines in the energy technology and power generation industries. With the use of the correct equipment manuals and electrical schematics, students will properly disassemble, test and/or inspect and reassemble wind turbine components and systems crucial to systems operation. They will also be taught:

• Proper torquing procedures
• Identification of and adherence to proper safety procedures
• Maintenance, troubleshooting, inspections and repairs
• Pre-job task meetings, documentation, hazard and safety analysis

Climb and Rescue

In this class, students will learn the hazards involved in working at heights. Students will learn the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) safety standards and regulations relating to safety protocols, accurate climbing and rescue operations. Students will demonstrate knowledge of:

• Use of the approved equipment
• Correct rescue techniques in compliance with standards
• Safe climbing practices
• Reflecting a culture of safety

Next Steps After the Program

Students in this program learn the skills they need to feel confident pursuing entry-level positions in the wind industry. Most of our grads start out working as entry-level technicians or in other entry-level roles. As with any industry, over time, you may be able to advance in your career with hard work. Some entry-level and advanced roles could include:⁷⁷

Entry-level

• Wind Turbine Technician
• Installation Technician
• Field Service Technician

Advanced

• Troubleshooting Technician
• LOTO I & II Specialist
• Wind Farm Support Specialist
• Electrical Engineer
• Environmental Engineer
• Materials Engineer

For more information on career paths and outlooks in the wind industry, head here.