Individuals interested in becoming wind generator technicians can complete certificate or two-year associate degree programs in wind turbine technology. For example, Pinnacle Career Institute offers an 11-month technician certificate program in Kansas and Missouri. This program teaches students the components that keep a wind generator functioning, as well as electromechanical and alternative energy concepts. At the end of the program, students actually complete a 12-day boot camp at one of the United States' largest wind farms in Sweetwater, Texas.
Lakeshore Technical College in Wisconsin offers an associate degree program that teaches how to install, test, service and repair wind generator components. This program also offers a wind farm internship. To get into some programs, students must complete prerequisites, such as a climbing workshop, along with a high school diploma or GED. To prepare for these programs, high school students should take classes in math, science and electronics. Other training options include workshops in wind technician work through organizations such as the Morrisville State College Renewable Energy Training Center.
In 2009, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), the national trade association of the wind industry, approved a wind turbine service technician set of basic skills, in an effort to give a seal of approval to college programs across the country. Columbia Gorge Community College in Oregon, which started a wind technician training program in 2007, hosted a 2008 meeting to initiate the AWEA skill set development process. AWEA plans to review wind technician training programs and establish an expert review board to grant approvals.
Classes in a wind generator technician training program cover topics such as hydraulics, safety theory, principles of wind, computer fundamentals and direct/alternating current circuit fundamentals. In addition, students study technical mathematics, applied wind physics, practical wiring applications, basic tools and measurement, programmable controllers, economics and even industrial codes troubleshooting. Internship opportunities also give students experience with working in confined spaces and at great heights at wind generator sites.
After completing a wind generator technician training program, individuals can find work at wind farms in about 34 wind-energy producing states, such as California and Texas. They can work in wind turbine construction and maintenance or even for utilities companies worldwide, which are investing in wind energy as a part of clean energy development. These professionals can assume titles such as wind turbine technician, mechanic or tower climber; installation technician; operation and maintenance technician; or wind farm maintenance manager.
The demand for wind generator technicians remains high, as wind power remains one of the most promising alternative fuel prospects. This is because wind turbines require little maintenance, can be placed in remote areas, such as out at sea or atop mountains, and are pollution free, according to AlgebraLab.org. The average salaries for wind turbine technicians in 2010 were $36,000, according to SimplyHired.com.