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With the increase in demand for renewable energy, there has been an increased emphasis on wind farms. And that means a need for wind farm turbine technicians. Since the role is highly complex, it takes both a Diploma in a Wind Turbine Technician program and the certifications that the diploma program prepares you for. So, what can you expect from wind farm turbine technician courses? First, let’s look at what a wind farm turbine technician does. Then, we will review how you can become a wind farm turbine technician and the courses you will take during the Wind Turbine Technician program at Centura College.
What Does a Wind Farm Turbine Technician Do?
A Wind Farm Turbine Technician is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of wind turbines that generate electricity from wind energy. These professionals ensure the efficient and safe operation of wind farms, which are essential in renewable energy production. Here’s an overview of their day-to-day duties:
Installation of Wind Turbines
The wind farm technician Installs blades, nacelles, towers, and other turbine parts. They connect and test electrical systems, hydraulic systems, and mechanical components. The wind farm technician prepares and levels the ground for turbine installation and ensures proper foundation placement. Plus, they work with engineers and construction crews to ensure proper alignment and setup.
Routine Maintenance
The wind farm technician regularly inspects turbines for wear, damage, and potential malfunctions. They use tools and technology, such as drones or cameras, to inspect hard-to-reach areas. The wind farm technician maintains moving parts, such as gears and bearings, by applying lubricants to reduce wear. They also test voltage, current, and electrical connections to ensure systems are functioning properly, as well as update turbine control software and troubleshoot control system errors.
Troubleshooting and Repairs
The wind farm technician identifies and fixes mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic problems. They replace worn or damaged components, such as generators, gearboxes, or rotor blades, and respond quickly to breakdowns to minimize downtime and restore turbine operation.
Climbing and Working at Heights
The wind farm technician uses a harness and safety equipment to climb turbine towers, often reaching heights of 200–300 feet. They also work on turbine blades, sometimes requiring rope access or aerial platforms.
Ensuring Safety Compliance
An important part of the role of a wind farm technician is the adherence to strict safety regulations to prevent accidents while working with high voltages and at heights. They do this by inspecting climbing gear, tools, and protective equipment regularly. They also train for emergency situations, such as tower rescues or equipment malfunctions.
How Do You Become a Wind Farm Turbine Technician?
Becoming a Wind Farm Turbine Technician involves acquiring the necessary education, skills, and certifications to install, maintain, and repair wind turbines. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step #1: Complete High School or Equivalent
The first step to becoming a wind farm technician is to obtain a high school diploma or GED. The focus on Math, physics, and industrial arts will build a strong foundation in mechanical and electrical principles.
Step #2: Enroll the Wind Turbine Technician program at Centura College
Do you have 12 months to complete the Wind Farm Technician training program at Centura College? If so, you will prepare yourself for success in the wind power industry and get ready to take the certifications that will keep you safe on the job.
Gain Hands-On Experience
The Wind Farm Technician courses at Centura College will be accompanied by hundreds of hours of hands-on training to put theory to the test in real life scenarios. You will work with real wind turbines, fix gearboxes and maintain nacelles, generators and the brake assemblies.
Hands-on experience will not only help you prepare for certification but it will also serve you well on your resume when you start looking for your first job in the industry. Did you know that Centura College will help you find that job after graduation? We have strong ties with the community and employers know that graduates of Centura College are ready to start working with little on-the-job training. That will help you get your foot in the door.
Obtain Certifications
Certifications ensure you meet industry standards and increase your attractiveness to employers. Key certifications include:
- Global Wind Organization (GWO) Training: Covers essential safety protocols like working at heights, fire awareness, and first aid.
- Electrical Certifications: Examples include OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 for workplace safety, and specialized electrical safety training.
- Climbing and Rescue Certification: Required for working at heights on wind turbines.
- CPR and First Aid: Basic life-saving skills are often mandatory.
What Can You Expect from Wind Farm Turbine Technician Courses?
Some of the courses that you will complete during the Wind Turbine Technician program at Centura College include:
Introduction to Wind Energy and Safety
This course offers an introduction to wind energy and proper safety while installing, maintaining and repairing wind turbines. It focuses on the history of wind energy and the science behind the turbine. By the end of the course, you will gain knowledge of wind turbine safety, safe climbing guidelines, and proper equipment inspection protocols. You will also gain an understanding of environmental hazards, how the power industry and energy conversion process works, and how to properly signal a crane.
Wind Turbine Electricity
The wind turbine electricity course focuses on advanced AC power concepts, and the relationship between phases and how we use key components to refine AC power. By the end of the course, you will understand transformers, reactive power, power factor, overcurrent protection and common circuit breakers and various fuses.
Wind Power Controls & Distribution Systems
This course highlights switching devices and the role they play in power distribution and control of wind turbines. The curriculum focuses on mechanical and solid-state relay handling, wind turbine wiring diagrams, power generation basics and generators, an introduction to the animals that inhabit offshore wind turbines, and wind turbine systems including control devices and power distribution.
Wind Fasteners and Industrial Bearings
An important course that teaches you all about wind turbines. From torque theory and tensioning and torquing hydraulic equipment and tools, to taps and dies through to industrial bearings like plain, ball, guide and take-up bearing.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know what to expect from wind farm technician courses, it is time to learn more about Centura College. With the right training, you will be ready to start working in your new career. And Centura College is here to help. The Wind Power Training program at Centura College prepares you for a career as a wind power technician and the certifications that are required.Contact us now to learn more about the Wind Power Training program.
