The Wind Energy Center at Kalamazoo Valley Community College in Kalamazoo, Michigan, has launched the Wind Turbine Technician Academy for the purpose of providing a fast track to high demand/high pay jobs. It is estimated that between 1,000 and 2,000 new technicians will be needed, nationwide, to support the current pattern of industry growth. A Wind Turbine Technician is needed for every 10 turbines and can expect to earn $30,000 – $45,000 per year before overtime and benefits.
The Wind Turbine Technician Academy is an intensive 26 week full-time training program providing students with a combination of theory, hands-on lab practice on training turbines, and on-site work experience with major manufacturers and power producers. The Wind Turbine Technician Academy will consist of 23 weeks of wind turbine technologies and safety training. A minimum of 3 weeks of field work experience is required. This field experience may be completed anywhere in the world if proper arrangements can be made.
The Wind Turbine Technician Academy is designed to prepare students for a specific occupation. Unlike more generalized educational programs, this training opportunity is not likely to benefit students who do not intend to pursue employment as a Wind Turbine Technician.
Students applying for admission to this academy will be asked to demonstrate the necessary pre-requisite knowledge and present evidence of relevant experience and capabilities employers require.
Fifteen (15) seats are available in this academy. Applications will be date stamped upon receipt. In the event more than 15 candidates meet the provisional admission requirements, a waiting list will be created based on the date applications were received. There are several steps to the application process. The application packet contains directions and a full explanation of the requirements.
Initial applications will be reviewed within 20 working days to determine whether the candidate meets the minimum criteria for consideration. Candidates will receive additional instruction for the remaining steps in the application process after this initial screening.
The Wind Turbine Technician Academy participates with the Renewable Energy Education Center – BZEE (Bildungszentrum für Erneuerbare Energien). The BZEE is recognized internationally as the premier training provider for Wind Turbine Technicians in Europe and North America. The world’s leading wind turbine manufacturers, as well as logistics and maintenance firms developed the standards and provide on-going input and support. These relationships assure BZEE certified Wind Turbine Technicians have the skills and competencies required by employers.
Graduates of the Wind Turbine Technician Academy at Kalamazoo Valley Community College will be afforded the opportunity to earn a certification through the BZEE. They will become part of an international pool of certified technicians from which employers can find workers to hire. Students must pass 6 required written exams and 6 practical exams.
The cost of the program is $12,000. For more information on Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Wind Turbine Technician Academy, click here.
