Industrial and Wind Certificates

Industrial Control Certificate (WIE4)

This certificate is designed to give the student the skills to work in an industrial or commercial facility. The student would have the ability to install, integrate, and program industrial automation equipment such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Variable Frequency Drives (VFD), and Human Machine Interfaces (HMI).

Industrial Electricity Certificate (WIE2)

This certificate is designed to give the student the skills to work in an industrial or commercial facility. The student would have the ability to work safely preforming maintenance and repair of electrical equipment and motor control units.

Industrial Maintenance Certificate (WE7)

This certificate is designed to give the student the skills to work in an industrial or commercial facility. The student would have the ability to work safely while performing maintenance and repair of mechanical equipment.

Industrial Motor Control Certificate (WE8)

This certificate is designed to give the student the skills to work in an industrial or commercial facility. The student would have the ability to work safely while performing maintenance and repair of electrical systems.

Industrial Safety Certificate (WIE3)

This certificate is designed to give the student the skills to work safely in an industrial environment including working at height on wind turbines. Students will learn how to identify and mitigate hazards in their work environment. Students will also learn what to do if an emergency occurs on the work site.

Wind Technician Certificate (WET9)

The renewable energy field is a fast growing and sustainable industry. Eastern Colorado is host to the fastest growing renewable power generation technology-wind turbines. The Wind Energy Technician Program is designed to prepare students for entry level positions in the power generation and related industries.

Students will have the opportunity to build, troubleshoot, and repair combined electrical, mechanical-hydraulic systems that are found in wind turbines, but the same systems are also found in most industrial facilities that have automated equipment such as advanced manufacturing, building controls, and food processing.

There is a strong emphasis on safety throughout the program. The student will learn how to identify hazards in the work environment and take steps to eliminate or reduce the risk that exists. Wind Technicians typically work with heavy motors and gear drives in confined spaces, electrical systems up to 690 VAC, and automated electrical control systems in the heat of the summer or cold of the winter while working at heights approaching 300 feet.

Most technicians are required to work with limited supervision so a strong work ethic and technical competence are highly sought qualities of entry-level employees in the wind industry.

Essential Functions:

• Must be able to work outdoors in inclement weather, climb ladders without assistance, and work at heights greater than 80 meters (250 feet).
• While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand, use hands, reach with hands and arms, and hear.
• The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit, talk, smell, and lift and/or move up to 50 to 100 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to distinguish colors.
• Employee must meet specific weight requirements dictated by required safety equipment and weigh less than 260 to 310 pounds when fully equipped with tools and safety gear.
• Employees must possess a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and proof of insurance coverage.
• Employees must be able to follow written and spoken work instructions and procedures in English.

The certificate is part of the Industrial Automation AAS Degree with additional coursework. The additional training prepares students for careers in industries that range from automates bakeries to advance manufacturing with jobs that range from Quality Control Technician, Industrial Electrician, or PLC Technician.

Graduates of the Wind Energy Technician program are prepared for employment with wind farm developers, owners wind turbine manufactures, warranty service companies, and other specialty support companies.