In most cases, the best way to become a wind technician is to complete an academic program in wind engineering or turbine maintenance, then begin applying for jobs in the field. Formal wind energy courses are usually available at community colleges or trade schools, though some larger universities offer them as well. Training will provide you with the skills needed to be marketable and can take as little as a year to complete. From there, all you need to do is look for work and apply to jobs that look promising.
Wind technician careers are in demand in many parts of the world. Jobs typically involve wind turbine support and maintenance, but they also include some aspects of turbine design and construction. Large-scale energy grid work and wind energy management can come within the job description, as well. Specialized education is usually the only requirement for beginning work, as most of what is needed to advance in the field is learned on the job.
While it is sometimes possible to become a wind technician without specialized training, this is rare. Most of the time, energy firms are looking for employees with some basic understanding of wind technology, energy harnessing, and the overall process of deriving useable power from nature. For this reason, it is usually a good idea to start by looking for formal training programs.
The education you will receive in a wind technician training program is likely to be more or less consistent no matter where you go. There are important differences between schools that you should think about before enrolling, however. Cost is one major consideration, but quality of the faculty, any special emphasis in the training, and proximity to jobs and internship opportunities are all things to consider. Many schools will arrange job placements or on-campus interviews with local wind technician companies, which is often an important part of landing a job once you graduate.
Wind technician training typically enables students to get to work right away. There are a number of different jobs from which to choose, however. The vast majority of opportunities for becoming a wind technician involve turbine or windmill maintenance. Specialists in this line of work spend a lot of time in the field actually servicing wind turbines. Wind technician duties in this sector usually start out as basic maintenance tasks.
It is also possible to become a wind technician who works in turbine planning or basic energy management. These jobs are often more specialized and often require a few years of in-field experience. Most wind technician requirements are graduated, meaning that they progressively build on themselves. With the right training and a bit of planning, you can become a wind technician.