Wind turbine technician jobs

Do you want to spend your typical day at work floating several hundred feet in the air? Then a career as a wind mechanic could be the perfect fit for you.

It was the profession with the highest growth rate of the decade in 2016, and it is anticipated that employment numbers would more than double during the following 10 years.

Therefore, what precisely does it mean to work on wind turbines? How does one come to be one? What prior experience and education do you require?

In order to provide answers to such queries, we conducted a comprehensive investigation into the topic. This ought to be of assistance to you as you get started.

What exactly does it mean to be a Wind Turbine Technician?

Installing, inspecting, maintaining, operating, and repairing wind turbines are the primary responsibilities of a wind turbine technician, often known as a windtech. They are able to identify and correct any issue that may result in the turbine abruptly turning off.

The yearly salary of a windtech is around $52,260 on average. The level of expertise and education required to do a job determines the salary, which may vary anywhere from $36,000 to more than $76,000.

Inspecting the exterior of the towers, climbing the towers to inspect, troubleshoot, or repair equipment, collecting data from turbines for the purpose of testing and analysis, performing routine maintenance, testing electrical components, systems, and mechanical and hydraulic systems, and replacing worn out or malfunctioning components are some of the duties involved in this job.

Look at it for yourself.

The Working Conditions

If you suffer from claustrophobia or are uncomfortable working in confined settings, you should probably look elsewhere for work.

The majority of the work that technicians conduct takes place in the nacelle, which is where critical electronics are stored. Because of its tiny design, technicians need to be able to operate freely even while working in tight quarters. In addition, they operate on top of the nacelles, where they may have to change devices that detect wind speed and direction or work with enormous cranes. In any case, they are responsible for these tasks. In order to do this, they must actually be standing hundreds of feet above the ground. They are equipped with fall protection, which consists of full body harnesses, which are fastened to the nacelle for their safety.

The Working Conditions

If you suffer from claustrophobia or are uncomfortable working in confined settings, you should probably look elsewhere for work.

The majority of the work that technicians conduct takes place in the nacelle, which is where critical electronics are stored. Because of its tiny design, technicians need to be able to operate freely even while working in tight quarters. In addition, they operate on top of the nacelles, where they may have to change devices that detect wind speed and direction or work with enormous cranes. In any case, they are responsible for these tasks. In order to do this, they must actually be standing hundreds of feet above the ground. They are equipped with fall protection, which consists of full body harnesses, which are fastened to the nacelle for their safety.

Job Skills

Windtechs are required to have mechanical aptitude and the ability to scale ladder systems that are often over 80 meters (260 feet) in height in order to reach the nacelle of the turbine. During this climb, they bring tools and equipment that weigh more than 45 pounds, and in most instances, they employ climb aid equipment to go up the turbine faster. During this climb, they bring tools and equipment that weigh more than 45 pounds. They are required to constantly use sound judgment and be able to record the results of their investigations.

Education

Attending technical institutions is how the vast majority of windtechs get their education. Programs leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree in wind turbine technology typically last for two years and may be found at both technical institutions and community colleges.

Placements in Apprenticeships and Internships

In addition to classroom instruction, windtechs are required to complete a period of on-the-job training that exceeds one year. A possible component of this is an internship with a company that specializes in maintaining wind turbines.

Apprenticeships are still another choice that may be made, and this one is made available by both unions and independent contractors. Apprentices are required to undergo at least 144 hours of relevant technical instruction and 2,200 hours of paid on-the-job training for each year of the program, in accordance with the guidelines established by the Department of Labor for apprenticeship training programs. These apprenticeships include instruction in a variety of areas, including but not limited to safety, first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical system repair, and more.

Workers need to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma, be in good bodily and mental health, and have completed at least one year of algebra at the high school or equivalent level with a grade of at least a C in order to participate in an apprenticeship training program.