General | Electrical | Mechanical | Hydraulics
Renewable Energy
Wind Turbine Technician Program
Orientation and Career Opportunities
Students will survey a broad range of career tracks and receive an overview of renewable energy technical training and the program as a whole. Students will be expected to learn the rules and regulations that pertain to the Northwest Renewable Energy Institute. Topics will include but are not limited to: teamwork, attendance, student services, conduct, dress and grooming guidelines, and employment assistance.
Introduction to Wind Energy
In this introductory renewable energy training course, students will examine various areas of wind energy. Students will become familiar with the history and development of wind as an energy resource, the terminology used in the wind energy industry, environmental concerns and economic issues. Students will also explore the future of wind as a resource and the many opportunities available in one of today’s fastest growing industries.
Wind Industry Overview
Develop an understanding of the mechanics of wind, the local effect on wind flow, and the skills to assess wind at a potential site. Students will become familiar with the system design of a wind turbine: aerodynamics, power control, grid integration, how wind is converted to energy, and energy generation. Study the many factors associated with wind farms and wind development: financial costs and obligations, land suitability, site design, planning, and contract preparation. Understand the operation and how to manage the wind turbine site. Learn the significance of monitoring the site, safety, proper maintenance procedures, and the importance of troubleshooting problems.
OSHA – 10 Hour Safety Renewable Energy Certificate
Prepare yourself for a career in wind technology by obtaining the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) 10 hour safety certificate. Learn the requirements for rigging, basic inventory techniques, drug and alcohol awareness, employment requirements, and technical writing.
Wind Turbine Safety Practices
Wind Energy Technicians are a unique and proud group. Developing an understanding of the day-to-day potential of field hazards and wind industry practices is paramount. Important elements include: driving and vehicle safety, proper tools and safety equipment, and necessary documentation requirements which makes this a vital part of renewable energy technical training. Students will learn to perform safely while climbing ladders at least 280 feet high and to work at this elevation. Students will prepare for and learn to work safely in confined spaces, work in adverse weather conditions, properly lift up to 75 pounds, and work with electrical hazards.
Rigging 1
Rigging skills are required in many industries and are used daily in the wind energy industry. Students will learn rigging concepts, load weight calculations, balancing, components inspections, hoists, slings and lifts, wire ropes and slings, chain slings, fiber ropes, industrial cranes, special lifting applications, and safe load turning using a variety of methods. Students will move and lift loads while following required standard safety practices.
Inventory
Maintaining proper tool inventory and personal protective equipment in an industrial environment is an important responsibility of any technician. An efficient wind energy technician works in a unique environment where conducting and maintaining a proper inventory is paramount. Students will be provided with tools, lab tools and equipment, and personal protective equipment. Students will demonstrate the purpose, importance, and procedures of maintaining a proper inventory.
Drug and Alcohol Awareness
The wind energy industry enforces strict drug and alcohol policies. Learn about these policies and procedures through guest speakers, videos, handouts and classroom discussion.
Employment Preparation and the Internet
The ultimate objective of this course is to achieve employment as a technician in the wind turbine industry. Learn how to write an effective cover letter, resume, interviewing practices and techniques, complete employment applications. Focus on career goals to help advance and move beyond entry level positions. Use the Internet to explore career opportunities, find housing and research potential employers in the wind turbine field.
Introduction to Computers
Study and review the basics of computer technology. Special attention will be paid to the applications used in the wind energy industry. Major topics include basic computer networking, software relevant to the wind energy industry, operating systems, basic Window skills, multi-task computer operations, and file management. Students will become familiar with the basic tools of word processing including, spreadsheet designs, presentation skills, use of graphics, the Internet and Internet communication skills and concepts.
Technical Writing
As a Technician, working with technical documentation is a daily occurrence. Whether a Technician is conducting periodic maintenance, major component replacements, or system retrofits, understanding and demonstrating basic technical writing knowledge, skills and abilities in valuable asset to a wind turbine manufacturer and wind farm owner. Students will learn and demonstrate basic technical writing skills.
