While most of a wind turbine mechanic’s duties in Michigan involve inspecting, maintaining, and repairing wind turbine components, the field also involves a great deal of computer literacy, data collection, analysis, and other related activities.
Interested candidates must receive robust training to carry out all these duties at the very highest level. Along with highlighting potential destinations to receive such training, the article below also explores the steps in starting a wind turbine mechanic career in Michigan.
Candidates will also find the average annual salary figures for wind turbine technicians in Michigan, depending on which stage they are in their careers.
How to Become a Wind Turbine Mechanic in Michigan
Future wind turbine mechanics in Michigan are expected to follow the steps below to begin their careers on the best possible path.
Step 1: High School Diploma or GED
An aspiring wind turbine mechanic in Michigan usually needs a high school diploma or GED to secure admission into the best training programs in the area. This is because certain foundational topics in high school are crucial to understanding the more advanced concepts in wind turbine technology.
Additionally, candidates who don’t have a high school diploma are allowed to make use of a GED equivalent. Either of these credentials will also be very important when it’s time to secure employment.
Step 2: Completing a Training School
Most employers would like to hire wind turbine mechanics who have completed some form of training program at the post-secondary level. Currently, community colleges and technical schools in the area offer the most respected programs.
These programs last 2 years and cover various general topics in wind turbine technology and renewable energy.
Step 3: On-the-Job Training
While post-secondary training programs offer extensive classroom instructions and training regarding theoretical principles, graduates of these programs typically will need a year to become familiar with the actual real-world demands of the occupation.
For this reason, employers tend to set aside some time for additional training on the job.
Additional on-the-job training avenues can be arranged as apprenticeship programs offered by schools and private organizations.
Step 4: Certification
Even though this step isn’t mandatory, it will look good on a resume should a wind turbine mechanic in Michigan have additional professional credentials to verify their skills. We will be discussing more on possible certification options in the next section.
Step 5: Employment
Lastly, after completing the above process, candidates may create their resume and send it to appropriate companies. Some options to consider include companies in the communications industry, power generation industry, and manufacturing industry.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
As a fresh wind turbine mechanic in Michigan, you will be glad to know that you are not expected to earn a license or register with any state board/agency. You are not mandated to obtain certification either.
Those who obtain certification simply do so because it is their preference. In case you also fall into these shoes, Michigan’s most prominent certification bodies to consider as a wind turbine mechanic are the Electronics Technicians Association and the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
These professional organizations offer well-respected credentials valid anywhere in the state and the entire country.
Top Wind Turbine Mechanic Schools in Michigan
Candidates looking for high-quality wind turbine technology education in Michigan may consider any of the options below.
Delta College
Graduates of Delta College’s Wind Turbine Technology program will be able to secure entry-level employment in various renewable wind energy establishments. The program emphasizes safety, with various indoor climb safety and rescue facilities to teach students how to work at height and become familiar with rescue scenarios safely.
Lansing Community College
Lansing Community College offers an Alternative Energy Engineering Technologies program through which students can earn an associate of applied science degree.
Notable Mentions
Other notable destinations for top-quality wind turbine mechanic training in Michigan are:
- St. Clair Community College in Port Huron,
- Kalamazoo Valley Community College in Kalamazoo,
- Monroe County Community College in Monroe,
- Muskegon Community College in Muskegon, and
- MIAT/Universal Technical Institute in Canton.
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Salary & Career Outlook
While wind turbine mechanics in Michigan earn an annual average salary of $58,51, this figure is more pertinent to those in the midpoint of optimizable factors such as experience and location, among many others. Because it is possible to optimize these factors to scale yearly earnings, Michigan’s top 10% of wind turbine mechanics can earn up to as high as $71,778 every year.
On the other end, those who are among the bottom 10% typically earn an annual average salary of around $47,111.
For those who would like to optimize their location within the state, Detroit and Ann Arbor are two cities where wind turbine mechanics earn the most in Michigan. Professionals here take home annual average salaries of $67,667 and $64,766 respectively.
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