Wind turbine mechanics perform a handful of crucial duties, including inspecting the physical integrity of wind towers and troubleshooting components for malfunctions. Performing these duties at the highest level includes great physical agility and technical know-how.
Candidates are expected to enroll in a top-class training program for the latter. Thankfully, several high-quality options are available in and around the city.
Finding these options can be challenging, so below, we have highlighted only the top wind turbine technology programs in and around Chicago, Illinois, sorted by a handful of quality criteria, including coursework comprehensiveness and instructor quality, among others.
How to Become a Wind Turbine Mechanic in Chicago
The first consideration to make while pursuing a wind turbine mechanic career in Chicago, Illinois, is the basic educational prerequisites. Currently, this includes having a high school diploma or GED.
The second consideration is the actual wind turbine technology training, which can be obtained from an academic program offered by community colleges and technical schools. Technically, candidates can pursue employment after completing a training program, but many choose to complete additional training “on the job” for a year.
They do so to become familiar with the actual requirements of the job in the real world.
Lastly, a wind turbine mechanic in Chicago may also choose to become certified even though the government does not require it. Those seeking certification may apply for professional credentials from NABCEP.
Explore detailed steps and certification requirements:
Top Wind Turbine Mechanic Schools in Chicago, Illinois
Below are some top schools where you can receive comprehensive training as an aspiring wind turbine mechanic in Chicago, Illinois.
Illinois Institute of Technology
Illinois Institute of Technology’s Wanger Institute for Sustainable Energy Research in Chicago is one of the state’s top wind energy research destinations. The institute also provides training initiatives to bring up the future with turbine technicians and mechanics in the area.
Officially known as the Sustainability Program, the initiative includes courses in wind-related areas and will ultimately see graduates leave with a certificate in Alternative Energy Technologies.
Elgin Community College
Elgin Community College offers an Energy Management program through which candidates can learn how to evaluate energy management and renewable energy systems. It includes training in residential and commercial applications and has a suitable wind component for aspiring wind turbine technicians.
The program boasts top-quality instructors, state-of-the-art facilities, and provisions for hands-on training and safety-related programs.
Illinois Valley College
Illinois Valley College is home to a basic and advanced renewable wind energy technician program that will see graduates leave with a certificate and an in-depth understanding of the field.
The knowledge acquired here will be enough to secure employment in some of the top establishments in the area. The program also boasts high-quality instructors and enough facilities and resources for complementary hands-on learning.
Illinois State University
Illinois State University is another destination offering top-class wind energy technology training for interested candidates in the area. The wind energy courses are offered as components of the larger renewable energy program organized by the Department of Technology.
Not only will graduates be able to work as veritable wind energy experts and wind turbine mechanics, but they will also be able to work in managerial and administrative roles in relevant companies and establishments.
College of Lake County
College of Lake County in Grayslake offers a sustainability program to which students can apply and focus on wind technology.
The wind-related curriculum part of the program deals with important topics such as introduction to wind turbine components, troubleshooting and operation techniques, and safety at height, among others.
Graduates of this program will leave with a certificate in alternative energy technologies. They can secure employment or on-the-job training opportunities with several respectable companies.
Danville Area Community College
Danville Area Community College in Danville has a full-fledged Wind Energy Technology program known to bring up successful state wind energy mechanics and technicians.
With a strict focus on Wind Energy Technology throughout, candidates can acquire an in-depth understanding of the field and thrive in real-world scenarios.
Focus topics include industrial electricity programmable logic controllers, individual and collective wind turbine systems, problem-solving, machine repair, and climb safety.
Notable Mentions
Other notable mentions include Heartland Community College in Normal, Kankakee Community College in Kankakee, Lake Land College in Mattoon, Richland Community College in Decatur, and Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, IL.
Consider nearby states for training:
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