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It can be challenging for many people to decide what to do after high school. You know you want a good-paying job; are there any growing industries? Wind turbine technicians require some schooling with loads of hands-on experience. There are plenty of job openings, so if this interests you, read on to explore the responsibilities of a turbine technician.
Job Description and Duties
A turbine technician installs and repairs different turbine components and performs processes that involve troubleshooting and testing hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical systems. Technicians will also inspect the turbine’s exterior and interior condition.
If you don’t feel comfortable at high heights, a wind turbine technician may not be the right job for you. Repairs and maintenance require the turbine technician to climb several stories. Sometimes, techs will have to travel to a centrally-located office that monitors the wind turbines.
Another responsibility of a turbine technician is building and setting turbines in places that receive high wind gusts. Technicians should be detail-oriented and mechanically skilled. They’ll keep a stock of spare parts ready for replacement, installation, or repair services.
A turbine technician will perform routine maintenance on the turbines, wind field substations, fiber optic sensing, control systems, or underground transmission systems. Technicians will perform blade repairs and carry specific tools to handle turbine blade maintenance. Lastly, they’ll train any newcomers on the job.
Becoming a Turbine Technician
Most turbine technicians attend a technical school to learn about the profession. You can also obtain an associate’s degree from a community college to become a technician. These programs take around two years to complete.
Students receive onsite training from an experienced technician, and the studies will focus on mechanical and braking systems, safety training, electrical and hydraulic skills, and programmable logic control systems.
The programs usually require students to be 18 or older, have good mental and physical health, and hold a high school diploma or the equivalent.
Job Outlook
Turbine technician employment continues to grow. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects it to grow 44 percent over the next ten years. As people retire from the workforce, more and more jobs continue to open up.
If you’d like to become a turbine technician, look for the best technical school and program in your area. The industry continues to grow, and you’ll have ample job opportunities!
