Wind Energy Technology

Call and talk with one of the instructors before registering for classes.

Charles Guernsey
970-521-6740
charles.guernsey@njc.edu

Jason Winter
970-521-6737
jason.winter@njc.edu

Our approach is simple; put the industry components, operating systems, and tools in the student’s hands and make sure they know how to solve problems. We use industry tooling such as Fluke meters and E-RADs to perform the same jobs that will be performed in the field. We believe that students must be able to apply what they have learned in the classroom to the real world. Our training approach accomplishes two things; it gives the students firsthand knowledge of the equipment they will be using and it teaches them how to safely and efficiently use the equipment. We have a strong safety culture and that is the single most important thing to take away from the program. 

Wind Tech Freshman build the Christmas Float with the help of Auto, Diesel, and Welding students for the Parade of Lights.

Xcel Energy Colorado provides funding to support students starting the Wind & Industrial program. Xcel Energy Colorado funding provides personal protective equipment such as hard hats, Lineman gloves, and insulated hand tools.

Students are required to purchase steel-toe or composite-toe boots, work gloves, and safety glasses. Students are allowed bring their own hard hats if they prefer.

Wind technicians, on average start at $18-$22 an hour. The average work week is 50 hours and with overtime, it will average to $50,000 or more a year. The wind industry is growing and the demand for quality technicians is on the rise. In 2014, Colorado added over 400 wind turbines. The skills taught in the NJC Wind Program aren't just wind specific they will easily apply to any industrial maintenance or electrical profession. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of wind turbine technicians is projected to grow 45 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 1,800 openings for wind turbine technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Development of taller towers with larger blades has reduced the cost of wind power generation, making it more competitive with coal, natural gas, and other forms of power generation. As additional wind turbines are erected, more windtechs will be needed to install and maintain turbines.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median annual wage for wind turbine technicians was $57,320 in May 2022. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $45,150, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $80,170.

In May 2022, the median annual wages for wind turbine technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Most wind turbine service technicians, also known as windtechs, work full time, and they also may be on call in the evening or on weekends.

Northeastern is one of the 10 Best Schools For Becoming a Wind Turbine Technician

Renewable Energy Non-Profit

1. Analyze and interpret codes, standards, prints, and schematics.
2. Demonstrate safe work practices while working with equipment and tools.
3. Demonstrate the ability to earn industry certifications.
4. Integrate problem solving skills to perform physical tasks.