The demand for wind turbines and renewable energy systems is continuing to rise. Suppose predictions and projections from prominent organizations are to be trusted. In that case, this is just the beginning of the upward trajectory that will be sustained for the coming decades.
Candidates living in North Dakota can find all the necessary steps and considerations for starting a career as a wind turbine technician through the guide on this page. These steps are not only relevant during training, but also before and after.
A few sections are also dedicated to exploring career growth opportunities through license and certification, and to show candidates how to improve their yearly returns as wind turbine technicians in North Dakota.
How to Become a Wind Turbine Technician in North Dakota
Below is a step-by-step analysis of how to become a wind turbine technician in North Dakota.
Step 1: Getting Ready for Training
To prepare for training as a wind turbine technician in North Dakota, aspiring individuals are expected to be in good physical shape and hold a high school diploma or GED. Candidates with strong communication, teamwork, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills will also have an edge over their fellow students.
Step 2: Finishing a Wind Technology Program
Through wind turbine technology training programs offered by community colleges and technical institutions, candidates can acquire significant skills in wind turbine theories and renewable energy principles in general. Depending on the specific program, participants may be able to graduate with either a certificate or an associate’s degree.
The best programs also allow candidates to develop safety skills while working with actual wind turbine components on campus.
Step 3: On-the-Job Training
On-the-job training is ideal for wind turbine technicians who have completed an academic training program and wish to develop their skills in a work environment. Of course, it can also serve as a complete replacement for academic programs, especially when offered by a company that requires a high school diploma or GED as the basic educational qualification.
Step 4: Employment
Wind turbine technicians in North Dakota can work for power generation companies, equipment manufacturers, or operate independently as self-employed professionals. Professionals should be prepared to work outdoors in extreme temperatures or at offshore wind farms.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners offers credentials and professional certification for wind turbine technicians in North Dakota and throughout the United States. These credentials can be highly valuable when it comes to career opportunities, but they are not compulsory by law.
Professionals seeking certification in the field may also pursue credentials offered by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), the Global Wind Organisation (GWO), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Applicants are often required to complete a dedicated course and pass a professional exam to obtain certification.
Wind turbine technicians practicing in North Dakota are free to start their careers after completing training. No law requires them to become licensed in order to work in a professional capacity.
Top Wind Turbine Technician Schools in North Dakota
The following schools offer top-class wind turbine technician education for residents of North Dakota.
Lake Region State College
Devils Lake, ND Campus Only
Lake Region State College offers a focused and practical wind energy technician training program that allows students to earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in two years or opt for a one-year certificate.
Tuition
$187 per CreditContact
(701) 662-1600
Tucker.Salander@lrsc.edu
Bismarck State College
Bismarck, ND Campus Only
Bismarck State College’s Energy Services and Renewable Technician program delivers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in both conventional and renewable energy sectors.
Tuition
$225 - $395 per CreditContact
(701) 224-5651
bsc.energy@bismarckstate.edu
Explore wind turbine technician schools in North Dakota by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
Wind turbine technicians in North Dakota can make an annual average salary of $43,389 at the beginning of their careers. Those who do so usually have a lot of work to do to improve their earnings from the bottom 10% category to either the median or even the top 10% category.
In the median category, wind turbine technicians in North Dakota make an annual average salary of $59,920, according to Indeed. In the top 10% category, they make an annual average salary of $82,750.
Candidates in the top 10% category are those who have excelled in numerous factors, including skill level, professional credentials, experience, and other relevant criteria. Location can also be very critical.
Williston offers the highest average salary for wind turbine technicians in North Dakota, with an annual average salary of $110,017. Dickinson, with an annual average salary of $59,437, comes next, followed by Columbus, ND, which also has an annual average salary of $59,437.
Many North Dakota employers offer a per diem allowance for meals, lodging, and travel expenses on remote or rotating assignments, thereby increasing overall compensation.