The Wind Technician Boom is Here
Looking for a job? Don’t want to do much in the way of training? Want to help out the environment? You may be the perfect person to become a wind technician! At least, that would definitely seem to be the way of things if the latest news is to be believed.
Apparently, community colleges in North Dakota, among other states, are beginning to train wind turbine technicians; those who are trained in maintaining and repairing those giant wind turbines that make us all that lovely energy.
“The demand (for wind technicians) is such that some (colleges) have been trying to keep companies away from the program because they want everybody to graduate first,” said Christine Real de Azua, a spokeswoman for the American Wind Energy Association. “In some cases, students are being picked up after only a couple of months.”
According to that same association, there are now more than 25,000 wind turbines out there, with nowhere near enough people to service them.
And apparently, the biggest challenge for the community colleges is getting their students to stay around for the whole course. No, they don’t get tired of it. They get hired!
But beware if you choose the life of a wind technician. It isn’t for everyone, says Dwaine Higgins, who recently graduated from a college training program in Iowa Lakes. “You never know what you may have to deal with,” he said. “When you are 300 feet in the air, it is not always easy to get a hand from another person.”
It comes as no surprise to many of us that new jobs are being created through the use of environmentally friendly processes. And in a day and age where the unemployment rate is crashing through the roof, one would imagine – or at least hope – that such other trends will become evident as the months and years go by, and advances and steps forward are made.
Quotes thanks to MSNBC article ‘Community colleges tap into wind energy boom.’
credit: EdTarwinski at Flickr under a Creative Commons license
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July 31st, 2008 at 6:38 pm
I think this is awesome. It really gives me a positive feeling about what the future holds.
July 31st, 2008 at 6:52 pm
On challenge that all booming businesses have, especially those with some inherent risks, is ensuring that workers get enough training to save their lives.
It is not only difficult to obtain assistance from others if you are on a crane 300 feet in the air, but it is also a very long way to fall.
The industry is taking steps to ensure that the industry is safe, but the workers have to do their share. Staying in school long enough to ensure they learn all of the safety rules would be a great investment in their future.
http://www.bwea.com/media/news/060404wtsr.html
August 5th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Obama and Democrat’s in general have always been backers of renewable and alternative forms of energy. Government incentives, policy and laws must be in place to support the transistion.
The present Bush admin has been about lining the pockets of big business, using old technology and old ways of making money for the rich, supporting polluting failed, inefficient technology which there buddies have invested in.
Bush and Cheney are fossil fools.
August 18th, 2008 at 11:29 am
Where would I go to submit a new idea in the design if a wind turbine? Any help would be appreciated.
March 16th, 2009 at 12:09 am
what is the salary range for a wind technician??
March 30th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
From the information i have gathered thru out my search i have become very interested in this program! i would like to know how to get involved and where i could start the classes.
April 27th, 2009 at 3:07 am
in texas if you finish the wind energy associates degree, they start you out at about 25 an hour, with a 100 dollar meal per diem. and an average of 50 hours a week.
May 11th, 2009 at 5:09 am
Ive been looking up different aspects of Wind/Energy Technician salaries and lifestyles. Average, technicians with a degree make roughly $40,000 a year. I personally live in Texas and beggining rates have been about 20-25 dollars an hour. As for one person bringing in 40K a year, life is managable and survivable. With the added income of my spouse, I found myself living happily with my work and family. Bills are paid, and we all remain in good health/shape. Yes working on the mills can be dangerous, but thanks to the safety protocols, I haven’t seen or witnessed any accidents.
Oh and also..
Great View XD
June 11th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
I have been climbing towers for many years. From building cell sites to installing municipal antennas for state and local communications. I also have a background in the electrical field. My question is how difficult would the transition be from communications to Wind Technician, and is this field booming in the Northeast part of the U.S
June 30th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
With the new energy bill just passing the House and now going before the Senate, it appears as though the wind industry is really going to take off. If you were thinking about getting into the wind industry, you should do it now, because it going only going to get more crowded.
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:27 am
Does anyone know if the companies will still hire you if you have a felony charge against you like dwi. i was laid off from the oilfield after 7 years and clearly there is a future for this industry, however if companies wont hire someone who has a felony such as myself sadly i dont want to spend the money on the associates course they offer and find a good mcdonalds or maybe a walmart greeter job. thanks ahead tg
August 7th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
Please can anyone tell me who or where to go or contact about wind turbine training, school,864-346-3438 or kennethbickle@yahoo.com
September 23rd, 2009 at 12:49 pm
I am bout to graduate high school in december and i have been looking into the wind turbine technician degree. you can find school at http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/schools_training.asp..
October 27th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
In response to Brad’s question about a wind technician salary and such, this is what I found;
A wind technician’s job can range from construction to maintenance and repairs on wind turbines. Some sources on AWEA’s web site say that for every 10 wind turbines that are built, 1 new wind tech is needed for maintenance and repair. Reports of what they make vary. Some now report a high hourly salary with a low per diem that totals around $65,000 per year on average in places with higher costs of living. Others report a medium salary with a high per diem that can total north of $75,000 a year. Many employers also issue a company truck for work related duties. As with everything compensation depends on supply and demand from employers, which right now appears to be pretty high and in employee’s favor. If you would like more information you can go to AWEA’s website or look up a good wind technician training program like California Wind Tech or AEI. It looks like there are other jobs in the wind industry in demand now too.
January 7th, 2010 at 9:09 pm
Out where I am those that are working in the wind industry are making around $60,000 to $75,000 per year with benefits. Looks like Texas is paying a little low there Anthony. Maybe the Techs should shop themselves around a little after they get their foot in the door if pay is that low.
February 25th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
I graduated at a wind tech school in california called airstreams and took an internship when I graduated. I am from oregon and would like to get going in the field here but I have found it very difficult to get hired. I keep hearing everybody is waiting on the economy to start hiring. Is anybody else seeing this as well? Also, does anybody know of anybody that is hiring? I am willing to travel.