Applications being accepted for the June 1, 2010 Academy

The Wind Energy Center at Kalamazoo Valley Community College has launched the Wind Turbine Technician Academy for the purpose of providing a fast track to high demand/high pay jobs. Wind Turbine Technicians support construction and play key roles in the safe and effective operation and maintenance of wind farms. 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.

Operators of wind farms and wind turbine manufacturers report that there are more job openings than there are technicians available to fill them. With the push in this country to generate 20% of our energy with wind by 2030, the demand for highly trained technicians will only increase. Because of the shortage, most companies require overtime of up to 30 hours per week. Technicians start out in a range from $30,000 to $45,000 annually before overtime and benefits. General contractors hire technicians for the work of setting up and commissioning new turbines. Operation and maintenance firms hire technicians for predictive maintenance and troubleshooting.

Kalamazoo Valley Community College in Kalamazoo, Michigan has established a competency based program which will provide graduates credentials that are highly sought after by the wind power industry for the construction, operation and maintenance of utility size wind turbines.

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.