Wind turbine technicians are highly trained professionals capable of maintaining and installing various wind turbines. They can work at high altitudes to repair broken parts of wind turbines, provide routine diagnostics, and carry out complete replacements when called upon.
To start a career as a wind turbine technician in the state of Colorado, candidates must follow a few steps, some of which are common to interested individuals all over the country and some of which are only peculiar to the state of Colorado.
We look at all of these considerations below, including a few sections dedicated to other important subjects such as licensure, certification, top schools in the area, and career projections.
How to Become a Wind Turbine Tech in Colorado
The following are all steps involved in kick-starting a wind turbine technician career in Colorado.
Step 1: Carry Out Appropriate Research
By reading this article, you have already begun the first step of starting a successful wind turbine technician career. Along with becoming familiar with the overview and the duties involved in the occupation, candidates are also advised to research the different educational arrangements, including suitable technical schools and community colleges.
Step 2: Graduate from an Accredited Program
Wind turbine technicians have a lot to learn before they can become veritable professionals in the field. Thankfully, there are dedicated programs across the state created for such purposes. A lot of these programs can be found offered by community colleges and technical schools.
During the program, students will be taught all of the theoretical and classroom concepts they’ll need to know to understand how wind turbine technology works in the first place.
Step 3: On-the-Job Training
Along with understanding the theoretical concepts behind the technology, wind turbine technicians must also have real-world, hands-on skills to put into practice the concepts they have learned.
This is where training on the job comes in.
Many apprenticeship programs offer the opportunity to acquire experience at job sites. Candidates may also dedicate part of their training to working as technicians in training to earn this opportunity.
Step 4: Certification
Certification can go a long way in helping wind turbine technicians secure the best employment. This is because having a professional credential shows signs of seriousness and acts as a validator, proving to anyone interested that the technician possesses the required skills for the job.
We will be taking a more in-depth look at possible certifications for wind turbine technicians in Colorado in the upcoming section.
Step 5: Build a Resume and Secure Employment
Lastly, after going through all of the steps above, aspiring wind turbine technicians in Colorado can create a resume highlighting their skills and education before applying for job positions at relevant establishments.
Future wind turbine technicians in Colorado can secure employment in various companies and establishments, including power generation companies, equipment manufacturing companies, communication and power construction companies, and machinery and equipment merchant wholesalers, among others.
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Top Wind Turbine Technology Schools and Institutions in Colorado
The following are a few of the most prominent wind turbine technician schools in Colorado.
Redstone College
In Denver, Redstone College is one of the most popular schools to receive high-quality Wind Energy Technology training in the state. The program lasts for 15 months and includes 17 courses.
Participants get to graduate with an Associate of Occupational Studies degree.
Northeastern Junior College
Northeastern Junior College is right up there in terms of popularity regarding Wind Energy Technology training. Participants may choose between a certificate and an associate degree. They will also receive additional certifications, such as OSHA and CPA credentials.
Notable Options
Other notable options include the Wind Energy Technology program offered by Ecotech Institute in Aurora and the Renewable Energy Technologies program offered by Lamar Community College in Lamar, Colorado.
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State License and Certifications
It is currently optional for wind turbine technicians in Colorado to obtain certification. However, as mentioned earlier, it is usually beneficial to do so anyway.
Certification can be obtained from several professional organizations and associations. Some educational programs offered by colleges may also come with the opportunity to earn specific certifications as part of the curriculum.
Additionally, candidates are well advised to pursue specific safety certifications such as the one offered by the National Fire Protection Association and the OSHA 10-hour Safety Programs.
Wind Turbine Tech Salaries and Job Outlook in Colorado
The annual average salary for wind turbine technicians in Colorado is $67,178 — 16% higher than the national average. Those who fall into the bottom 10% take home an annual average salary of $45,200, while the highest-paid professionals in the state earn an average yearly salary of $99,842.
Naturally, candidates may optimize a few factors to increase their earnings. These include experience, location, and establishment of employment.
For those interested in knowing the highest paying cities to be a wind turbine technician in Colorado, they include Boulder, with an annual average salary of $77,555; Denver, with an average yearly salary of $67,549; and Colorado Springs, with an average annual wage of $64,993.
Golden and Broomfield also make the top five with annual average salaries of $61,201 and $54,310 respectively.
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