Most wind turbine manufacturers recommend annual maintenance involving visual inspections and troubleshooting activities. The professionals in charge of carrying out these maintenance activities are none other than wind turbine mechanics.
In Illinois, these professionals are in high demand and are very well rewarded for their efforts. Candidates looking to become wind turbine mechanics in Illinois will be glad to know that we have provided below every major consideration they need to be familiar with to start their careers on the right path.
By the time they are done with the article, they should have all the information they need to get started and enjoy a smooth and straightforward process.
How to Become a Wind Turbine Mechanic in Illinois
The following are the steps needed to become a wind turbine mechanic in Illinois.
Graduate High School
The basic educational requirements needed to become a wind turbine mechanic in Illinois are to graduate high school and have a diploma. Candidates with a GED equivalent may utilize that in the place of a diploma. In addition, it also helps to have some form of understanding of basic mathematics, physics, and chemistry.
Complete a Training Route
The most important step in becoming a wind turbine mechanic in Illinois is receiving the right training. However, the “right” training can vary depending on a handful of factors.
For instance, candidates can choose between several training routes and even specific degrees in sight. Generally, however, below are some of the most popular approaches to obtaining wind turbine technology training in Illinois.
- On-the-Job Training Program - The first approach is to receive training on the job. These kinds of opportunities are offered to people with experience in a related area who can secure a position as a trainee in a company with established wind turbine mechanics. Candidates can then begin to acquire knowledge of the job by going to the field and seeing how professionals carry out their duties.
- Academic Training Program - Rather than jump into real-world scenarios from the start, candidates are often advised to earn an associate degree from a technical school first. Not only can this lead to easier employment, but it can also lead to increased expertise thanks to extensive knowledge of the fundamentals.
- Hybrid - The best approach, however, is to combine both methods by first attending an academic training program, graduating after a few months or two years, and then completing an extra year of training on the job.
Certification & Employment
Lastly, candidates may obtain professional certification, assemble an impressive resume, and apply for open positions in relevant companies.
Explore other trades with similar paths:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
Like most states in the country, Illinois has no licensing requirements for wind turbine mechanics in the state. Formal training or training on the job is all a professional needs to secure employment and start working legally.
That said, the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) offers candidates the opportunity to get certified and enjoy all the benefits of doing so. For this reason, many wind turbine mechanics in the state are indeed certified.
Another popular organization offering a well-respected and nationally recognized credential for wind turbine mechanics is the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA).
Top Wind Turbine Mechanic Schools in Illinois
The following are some of the top wind turbine mechanic schools for interested candidates in Illinois to consider.
Illinois State University
Illinois State University’s Department of Technology offers a Renewable Energy degree program with a wind energy component suitable for future wind turbine mechanics in the state.
DeVry College
Located in Downers Grove, DeVry College offers a Renewable Energy degree program for future renewable energy experts in Illinois. Aspiring wind turbine mechanics are to focus on the wind-related curriculum offered as part of the program.
Notable Mentions
Other notable schools offering quality wind energy technology programs include:
- Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby,
- Heartland Community College in Normal,
- College of Lake County in Grayslake,
- Kankakee Community College in Kankakee,
- Lake Land College in Mattoon,
- Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago,
- Richland Community College in Decatur, and
- Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, IL.
Explore wind turbine mechanic schools by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
The annual average salary for a wind turbine mechanic in Illinois is $69,977, significantly higher than the national average. This figure is relevant to the average worker in the state.
Those well-established and have scaled their earnings to be among the highest-paid in the state earn an annual average salary of $112,066.
Those who are still starting or, for some other reasons, are among the lowest-paid in the state will earn an annual average salary of $23,091.
Some reasons for the disparity include experience, specialty, location, and establishment of employment. As for location, Chicago and Rockford are two of the highest-paying destinations to be a wind turbine mechanic in Illinois, with annual average salaries of $130,713 and $61,950, respectively.
Related Articles
Related Careers
Top Schools Near Me
