How to Become A Wind Turbine Technician
Should I Become a Wind Turbine Technician?
If you have an interest in mechanical repair work, then becoming a wind turbine technician can be a good career choice. They are responsible for the maintenance and repair of wind turbines used in generating electricity.
How to Become a Wind Turbine Technician 
As a wind turbine technician, your job would include installing new turbines (and other related equipment) while also maintaining the performance of existing units. You will also be carrying out regular problem identification analysis and repair work. Would you like to explore this field further? This guide has important basic information to help you.
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Education
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High School Diploma; GED Certificate.
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Major Requirement
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Should be at least 18; Obtain a Technical School Certificate or an Associate Degree
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License/Certification
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Licensing requirements for wind turbine technicians vary from state to state.
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Key Skills
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Equipment repairing and maintenance, critical thinking, troubleshooting, operation monitoring, problem sensitivity, communication, deductive reasoning, facilities management software, industrial control software, ERP (enterprise resource planning) software, electronic mail and spreadsheet software.
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Annual Mean Wage
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$58,000 (As of May, 2018)
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Job Outlook
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Projected job growth of 57% from 2018 to 2028.
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Sources: O*Net Online and US Bureau of Labor Statistics
First and foremost, wind turbine technicians must be physically fit. This is because the nature of work requires significant manual labor like lifting equipment, climbing up buildings, etc. They must also be comfortable with heights since a lot of the work will be done high above the ground. Moreover, excellent problem-solving ability is essential to successfully carry out mechanical repairs.
Career Requirements
To become a wind turbine technician, you will have to start off by completing a high school diploma or an equivalent GED (General Educational Development) certificate. After that, you must undergo postsecondary training. This is usually imparted by technician schools that offer certificate programs in the field. Some universities also provide associate degrees. The next step is to start an apprenticeship to gain experience or learn on the job to hone your craft.
Steps to Become a Wind Turbine Technician
To become a wind turbine technician in the US, you should follow the process described below.
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Complete a High School Diploma
This is a basic requirement to start training to become a wind turbine technician. If you do not have a High School Diploma, then the equivalent GED (General Educational Development) certificate is also acceptable.
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Obtain Post-Secondary Training
After finishing high school, you will be eligible to undergo wind turbine technician training. Different certificate programs are available in this regard. Some universities also offer associate degrees in the field.
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Gain Experience
When you have completed post-secondary technician education, the next step is to gain experience by either starting an apprenticeship or taking on a role that offers comprehensive on-the-job training in the first year. In case of an apprenticeship, you will have to complete 144 hours of training along with 2,000 hours of paid work a year.
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Start Your Career
With training and education completed, you can start looking for employment and formally begin your career as a wind turbine technician.