How to become a wind turbine technician
The wind sector is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy worldwide over the past years therefore, the need for wind turbine technicians (also sometimes referred to as wind energy technicians) is becoming even more relevant( in 2017 was the second fastest-growing profession in the USA).
On this page you will find all you ned to know on how to become a wind turbine technician: the main requirements for the job, and the most important soft skills to be a top performer. Also, we will highlight the main myths of the industry and the vast wide possibilities not only for employment but also from a career development perspective being employed at Global Wind Service.
What is a wind turbine technician?
First of all, let’s explain what a wind turbine technician is. Wind Turbine Technicians are the ones responsible not only for the installation, but also for the inspection, as well as planned and unplanned maintenance of wind turbines.
The projects vary from being responsible for or participating in the pre-installation and installation of wind turbines to checking and supervising that quality measures and safety instructions are being respected. Projects could also include commissioning and troubleshooting tasks as well as various service or blade repair tasks.
Compared to the average of all occupations, it is projected that the number of new technicians grow much quicker than the average, around 36% from 2021 to 2026 worldwide.
Challenging and rewarding, are the words that define this work for many wind turbine technicians.
Since wind turbines are installed in remote areas, on land and at the sea, it is expected technicians work in unfavored weather conditions, with long rotations. Not forgetting that physical fitness is vital for this role.
Profile and general requirements for a wind turbine technician
Making a career as wind turbine technician you need have a high team spirit and work ethic. Having technical skills and interests is also relevant (e.g., In mechanics, electrics, automotive, energy, and construction).
Working as a wind turbine technician most often requires working abroad, normally in rotations: 6 weeks on site x 2 weeks off for onshore projects and 2 weeks on site x 2 weeks off for offshore projects. So, if you love to travel and discover new places, this might be just right for you.
The ability to speak English is crucial. The technicians should be able to communicate effectively in professional and day-to-day situations in English. This is because you will meet many different nationalities on site.
Requirements-wise, it can vary from projects onshore to offshore and to the different Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). As an experienced technician and/or someone with a relevant education but without experience we expect you to have a valid driving license, GWO BST (Basic Safety Training) training and GWO BTT (Basic Technical Training).
How to become a Global Wind Service technician?
Ever wonder what it takes to become part of the Global Wind Service family? We gathered some info for you, depending on your background and level of experience.
If you have a mechanical or electrical background and relevant experience from the industry, go to our open positions page, find a relevant position, or use the unsolicited one and send us your application online by following the steps. This refers to candidates, who already had at least one project in the wind industry – from Service, Installation, or Blades.
For some specific roles, we will be looking for very specific requirements, platform experience, trainings etc. Once we have received your application, our recruitment team asses the application and get back to you.
If you don’t have any experience in the wind industry, but you do have a relevant background and maybe some trainings, you can still apply for a job at Global Wind Service.
This is the type of profile that we also consider for our Entry Program. It is important however, to have some kind of practical experience such as an internship through electrical/mechanical school, summer jobs, etc
If you have a technical background from another industry, it still possible to get a job at Global Wind Service.
We established our own GWS Entry Program, specifically for candidates with no experience and candidates who do not necessarily have a wind-relevant technical background.
You could have worked as a car mechanic, with hydraulics, in the electrical industry, oil and gas, the military and so on. Common for all is, that you need to be ready to learn a new profession.
If you are selected for the program, we will make sure you get all the trainings you need at our very own training academy – Global Wind Service Academy. You can further develop your skills or keep them up to date, aligning with our industry and the newest technological solutions.
Being a wind turbine technician at Global Wind Service
A crucial factor not only to enter but also to excel in this occupation is soft skills. Our more than 15 years of experience in the industry and more than 1,700 employees tells us that motivation and willingness to learn plays a crucial role together with the “right” attitude and proactiveness.
At GWS teamwork is key, and communication plays a big role in the entire organization, not least because of our multicultural nature - GWS employ 39 nationalities.
Working as a technician at GWS you are not alone. Our strong back-office team of resources managers, project coordinators, project managers, workwear coordinators and much more have your back.
We work tirelessly to make sure that everything around the project, travels, contracts etc. are taken care of. In that way, all you need to focus on is your task.
Career prospects within Global Wind Service
At GWS, we assure that the average salary is adapted to your performance and experience as technician. With follow-up, assessments, and 1v1 meetings, we can ensure that the career path, goals and expectations are clear for both parties. Adding to this comes the consideration of where you as a technician have your residence and the costs of living in that country.
At GWS we care about people and long-term cooperation. The starting point might be the same, but the possibilities are wide.
Technicians with high performance can expect a rising career path. We have several examples of workers who started as technicians and developed their careers on site (as supervisors, site manager assistants or even site managers) and some even transferred to back office positions.
Why Global Wind Service?
One of our core values is to focus on people. This means that we care about people, and we acknowledge that our employees are the very heart of our business, and work hard to make sure GWS is a great place to work – now and in the future.
We also recognize the industry we are in, and that’s why safety is a non-negotiable key value in our company.
We take great pride in our multicultural and global nature counting 39 different nationalities, working across 12 business units on 4 continents, and that’s why we focus on integration and equality across all countries and nationalities.
In the US roughly 97% of all wind turbine technicians are men and gender perspective report published by IRENA in 2020, Women represent only 21% of the wind energy workforce worldwide, being only 8% in senior management positions. We recognize this imbalance and actively look to increase the number of female technicians. You can read about a few of them here.
Global Wind Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or disability, and according to all local laws protecting different statuses. So, if you think you’re ready to enter this exciting industry and fit all the requirements, see our open positions here.
FAQs
What is a Wind Turbine Technician?
A wind turbine technician is responsible for the assembly, installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of wind turbines both onshore and offshore. There are different kinds of technicians with specialty in either installation, maintenance or blades as well as offshore/onshore. Some technicians have skills within more areas.
Find out more at: https://globalwindservice.com/careers/how-to-become-a-wind-turbine-technician/
What do wind turbine technicians do?
There are different types of wind turbine technicians; Installation technicians are involved in tasks like pre-assembly, preparation of towers, nacelles, electrical systems, hubs, and blades as well as installation of them. Service/maintenance or Blade technicians perform various service, maintenance or blade related tasks such as 500-hour service, retrofit, major component exchange, blade repairs and exchange.
What skills do wind turbine technicians need?
To be able to work as a wind turbine technician you should have:
- Be fit to work and not afraid of heights.
- Have attention to detail.
- Have great collaboration and teamwork skills.
- Have the right technical skills from an education within mechanics, electric systems, energy, construction.
- Valid wind industry courses.
- Good English Skills.
- Valid Driver’s License and passport.
Do wind turbine technicians have to travel?
As a wind turbine technician, you will travel much. As most often, wind turbines are located in more remote areas both onshore and offshore, is an essential that you are willing to travel to different countries and parts of the world.
What are the benefits of being a wind turbine technician?
At Global Wind Service, the benefits of being a wind technician are a salary with many components and allowances, long-term contracts, working in a multinational company, a stable working environment with work throughout the year, full equipment and protective clothing necessary for your daily tasks, accommodation and hotel are also taken care by us.
What are the job opportunities and progression for a Wind Turbine Technician?
With the right attitude and skills, starting as a Wind Turbine Technician you can be promoted to a Team Leader or Site Administrator, you can also move on to other fields such as HSEQ and take on the role as HSE Field Officer or QA.
Example: An Onshore profile transfers to Offshore or Service.
What is the job outlook for Wind Turbine Technicians?
According to different studies, between 2021-2031 it is expected to grow by 44%. Much faster than average, which shows how favourable the job outlook is for this profession. The industry is expected to need additional 1900 technicians every year from 2021 to 2031.
How long does it take to become a wind turbine technician?
Although the majority of wind turbine technicians learn their craft through technical courses, if you already have a technical background from another industry: (mechanic, renewable energies, electrician, military, oil, gas, etc.), with our GWS Entry Level Program, you can become a Wind Turbine Technician in 2 weeks, which is the length of the training program. After this you go to site to learn more.
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