In North Carolina, the average wind turbine mechanic climbs and inspects multiple turbines. They will also find themselves now and then using computers to carry out diagnostic and troubleshooting operations.
Candidates interested in pursuing this career in the state will be glad to know that the steps involved in the process are as smooth and straightforward as possible. Understanding the general requirements from the start makes it even easier to sail through with minimal hassles.
For this reason, we have provided a guide below, including all the steps involved in becoming a wind turbine mechanic in North Carolina, along with the certification requirements, top schools in the area, and potential salary to look forward to.
How to Become a Wind Turbine Mechanic in North Carolina
Below are some of the most important considerations in starting a successful wind turbine mechanic career in North Carolina.
Provide a High School Diploma or Equivalent
Candidates looking for admission into a solid wind turbine mechanic school in North Carolina may have to provide their high school diploma or GED as proof that they meet the basic educational requirements. They may also provide any equivalent alternative, such as their GED results.
Regarding relevant topics to know beforehand, basic knowledge of physics, mathematics, and chemistry comes in handy.
Choose a Training Route
Wind turbine technology training programs will prepare future wind turbine mechanics in North Carolina for key aspects of their duties. Candidates have a handful of alternatives regarding their exact educational structure. They include the following:
On-the-Job Route
On-the-job training offers a direct route to becoming a wind turbine mechanic by learning everything while working in a real-world environment. These kinds of training are most suitable for candidates with prior experience in renewable energy fields.
Apprenticeship programs offered by schools and private organizations also provide opportunities for learning on the job.
Academic Route
Enrolling in an academic program is the most popular approach to wind turbine mechanic education. Rather than focusing on real-world training from the start, academic programs provide classroom foundational training to prepare candidates for what the real world expects of them.
Hybrid Route - Academic Training + On-the-Job Training
In the end, candidates can choose their training path, and seeing as both training on the job and attending academic programs offer distinct benefits, the most common approach is to combine both methods. This way, candidates can receive foundational training in an academic program, giving themselves the best chance of securing employment in an organization willing to provide additional training on the job.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) are two of the most popular professional bodies offering highly respected and nationally recognized credentials for wind turbine mechanics in North Carolina.
Even though it is not compulsory, candidates in the state may apply for any of these credentials to make themselves more appealing to potential employers and have a bigger leverage in the employment market. They may also use it to improve themselves professionally and network with other established wind turbine mechanics.
Top Wind Turbine Mechanic Schools in North Carolina
The following are some of the best schools offering top-class wind turbine technology training in North Carolina:
Central Carolina Community College
Central Carolina Community College has Siler City and Pittsboro locations, offering training in sustainable/renewable energy technologies. The campus in Siler City offers a Renewable Energy certificate program, while the campus in Pittsboro offers an Alternative Energy program.
Duke University
Aspiring wind turbine mechanics in North Carolina may also receive training from Duke University in Durham. The school offers extensive training in renewable energy technology through its Energy Engineering minor.
Notable Mentions
Other notable mentions include:
- the College of the Albemarle,
- North Carolina Wind Energy Technology Center of North Carolina State University in Raleigh,
- Fayetteville Technical College and
- the North Carolina Wind Application Center of the Appalachian State University in Boone.
Explore wind turbine mechanic schools by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
As an aspiring wind turbine mechanic in North Carolina, you may look forward to an annual salary of around $44,949. This is the figure most pertinent for an average wind turbine mechanic in the state.
Naturally, it is possible to earn higher or lower than this figure depending on factors ranging from the area of specialty to the establishment of employment. The top earners take home an annual average salary of $107,474, while the lowest earn an annual average salary of $28,803.
Experience and location are two other important factors to consider in this regard.
Sorting by location alone, Charlotte is the highest-paying city for wind turbine mechanics in North Carolina. Professionals here earn an annual average salary of $66,732.
Wind turbine mechanics in Raleigh and Wilmington earn annual salaries of $66,507 and $63,146, respectively.
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