WIND TURBINE TECHNICIAN

Online Wind Turbine Technician Certificate Program Highlights

Pinnacle Career Institute’s online program integrates critical aspects of wind turbine technician training and safety to equip you for long-term success in the field. Once accepted to the program, students can expect to learn about:

• Fundamentals of Electricity
• Alternative Energy Systems
• Industrial Safety
• Fundamentals of Hydraulics
• Principles of Wind Energy
• Wind Physics Operations and Maintenance

This wind turbine technician training culminates in an exciting 10-day boot camp held in Kansas City, Missouri. The hands-on training combined with online coursework helps build new skills and gain confidence in your new career path. During boot camp, students practice wind safety, study basic electronics, and complete their OSHA 30 and First Aid/CPR Certifications.

Hands-on Career Training

While much of your Wind Turbine Technician training is completed online, your program also includes a 10-day, hands-on boot camp in Kansas City, Missouri. During boot camp, you’ll put what you’ve learned into practice through hands-on training designed to build your skills and confidence in a real-world training environment. 

Plan Ahead

Your 10-day boot camp is an important part of the Wind Turbine Technician program, so planning is key. As you get closer to the hands-on portion of your Wind Turbine Technician program, our Boot Camp Coordinator will reach out to help you prepare. They’ll work with you to identify available boot camp dates that align with your program and help coordinate your travel to Kansas City, Missouri. Air travel, lodging, program-related local transportation, and daytime meals during boot camp are included in tuition, so you’ll know what to expect before it’s time to make the trip. 

Program Length

The wind turbine technician course at PCI spans 40 weeks, assuming full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress. While primarily online, the program includes a required 10-day in-person session in Kansas City, Missouri. The cost of the 10-day stay in Kansas City is factored into the cost of the program, so there is no additional cost that students will be expected to pay to complete the course.

Salary and Job Outlook

After completion of the wind turbine technician program at PCI, there are various opportunities that individuals can take to start their career in the wind energy industry. As with any career, positions will vary from company to company. In the same way, salaries and benefits will also vary depending on the state and the company.

To get the most up-to-date information regarding the salary for certain positions in various states is to check the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment, and Wage Statistics, regarding wind turbine technician positions. Visit their website for more information on the wind turbine industry.

Who Hires PCI Grads

There are various employers that take on graduates of the PCI wind turbine technician program. If you’re ready to jump right into the next chapter of your career, the following are companies that have been known to hire on PCI graduates.

• Vestas
• Sky Climber Renewables
• Nordex USA, Inc.
• BHI Energy
• Aerones
• Fairwind
• Gemini Energy Services
• Run Energy
• Integrated Power Service
• Endiprev USA Inc.
• Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy
• Takkion

What to Expect As a Wind Turbine Technician

The online wind turbine technician course at PCI will provide you with a thorough understanding of what this job entails, but it’s always good to have a general idea of what to expect in a career choice before you commit to it. Below is a breakdown of what the average job description of a wind turbine technician looks like, as well as the tasks that are expected during the program and the skills that are beneficial to have when in that position.

Job Description

Wind technicians are involved in various parts of wind turbines and wind energy. From building new wind turbines to helping transport them, wind turbine technicians are expected to have a thorough understanding and overall knowledge of how wind turbines work. This knowledge is used in the construction and transportation aspects of the job, but it’s primarily used in routine maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of the wind turbines. In order to complete these jobs, wind turbine technicians must know how to utilize the equipment and inspect the wind tower to determine the issue at hand.

The Average Work Day

A typical day for a wind turbine technician often involves climbing towers for inspection, repairs, or maintenance. Comfort with heights is essential for this career.

Once at the top, the technician is responsible for a variety of tasks, including conducting detailed inspections to identify any potential issues such as wear and tear or mechanical failures. These inspections are critical as they help prevent breakdowns that could lead to costly repairs and downtime. Technicians also perform routine maintenance work, such as lubricating moving parts, replacing worn-out components, and updating software systems that control the turbine's operations.

Technicians are also often required to troubleshoot and resolve emergent issues. This could mean diagnosing and fixing sudden malfunctions or adjusting the turbine’s settings to optimize performance based on weather conditions and energy demands. The ability to make quick, informed decisions is crucial, especially when working at heights and dealing with the complexities of electrical and mechanical systems.

Safety is paramount in all these activities, requiring strict protocols to ensure not only the technician's safety but also the structural integrity of the turbine. The job demands physical stamina, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to safety standards, making each day both challenging and rewarding.

Opportunities to Rise

If you’re looking for a position that allows the opportunity to grow, a wind turbine technician is a fantastic option. There are various roles that additional education, training, and overall experience can open up.

Wind Site Manager

One of the most notable opportunities to grow is the role of Wind Site Manager. In this role, individuals oversee the various operations of a particular wind farm. This entails staying on top of all of the troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs that need to be completed, as well as managing the safety of the team of wind turbine technicians who are working at the farm. With some additional training and experience, successful wind turbine technicians have a real opportunity to shine in this role.

Tank Compliance Technician

A job as a tank compliance technician may not appear to be directly related to the wind energy industry, but the reality is that there are several ways that these career paths are similar. In this role, individuals are responsible for ensuring that all tanks are compliant. This career path is also very dedicated to the well-being of our planet and utilizes many of the same skills. If you discover that you’re not a fan of heights, diving into a career as a tank compliance technician is another opportunity.

Train at an Accredited Institution

Pinnacle Career Institute (PCI) is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), a recognized accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education. Learn more about PCI’s accreditation, approvals, and institutional information on our Accreditation page.

Apply to the Wind Turbine Technician Program Today

Pinnacle Career Institute takes great pride in the wind turbine technician program that we offer. Now that you have a better idea of what the wind turbine technician program at PCI entails and what the job opportunities available are, it’s time to invest in your future. Apply to the wind turbine technician program today. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to our team, and we would be happy to help.