Wind Turbine Technician Schools in South Carolina

Wind turbine mechanics must receive much training to understand how wind turbines work. Other than the technical aspect of the job, individuals interested in becoming wind turbine mechanics must also be able to deal with the physical exertions of the job, which range from climbing, crouching, and standing.

The sections below look into the various requirements needed to become a wind turbine mechanic in South Carolina. Candidates will find an array of useful information, such as the basic educational requirements, licensing requirements, certification options, and the best training programs to enroll into

Anyone looking to know the potential salary and career outlook will also satisfy their curiosity in the concluding section.

How to Become a Wind Turbine Mechanic in South Carolina

Wind turbine mechanics in South Carolina are advised to follow the steps below to launch their careers on the right foundation.

Earn a High School Diploma or GED

The first step to becoming a wind turbine mechanic in South Carolina is to have a high school diploma or GED. Candidates will need either of these to enroll in a training program.

Employers who offer training on the job also ask for a high school diploma or equivalent as the basic requirement.

Training Routes

Aspiring wind turbine mechanics in South Carolina may consider either of the following options for their technical training:

  • Community College/Technical School - Candidates may begin their careers by earning a certificate or an associate degree from an academic training program.

These programs may be standalone programs that can be completed within 6 - 12 months or General Renewable Energy Technology programs that can be completed within 2 - 4 years.

  • On-the-Job Training - Those with prior experience in related fields may also be able to secure hands-on training positions through apprenticeship arrangements.

Combining Both Avenues

The best approach to becoming a wind turbine mechanic in South Carolina is to combine both academic and on-the-job training. Many academic training programs help candidates achieve this through internships.

Some also have wind turbines on campus that candidates can work on to acquire real-world experience.

Apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training opportunities offered by potential employers also tend to find a way to ensure that candidates get classroom training.

After completing the steps above, aspiring wind turbine mechanics in South Carolina may apply for professional credentials.

Explore trades with similar paths:

Licensure & Certification Requirements

As a newly graduated wind turbine mechanic in South Carolina, you are expected to obtain a license from somewhere other than the state. Candidates looking to acquire some extra credibility through professional certification anyway do so by considering the following alternatives:

  • The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP),
  • The Electronics Technicians Association (ETA),
  • ENSA North America, Inc (ENSA), and
  • The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA),

Some contracts also have stringent safety requirements, which may necessitate an OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training Program, among others.

These certification options give candidates the professional benefits one would expect, including better employment opportunities, continuing education resources, and career growth.

Top Wind Turbine Mechanic Schools in South Carolina

The programs below are some of the best for aspiring wind turbine mechanics in South Carolina.

#South Carolina

Clemson University

Clemson, SC Online + Campus

Clemson University offers a set of energy programs for aspiring wind turbine mechanics. They include a Renewable Energy certificate program consisting of three classes, a Power Systems Engineering Certificate program, and an Advanced Power Systems Engineering certificate program.

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Tuition
$15,558 - $39,502
Contact
  • (864) 656-2287

  • apply@admission.clemson.edu

#South Carolina

Upstate University of South Carolina

Spartanburg, SC Online + Campus

Upstate University of South Carolina in Spartanburg offers a NABCEP Solar PV Associate program for solar technicians. It also includes notable wind energy elements such as the wind power generation systems course.

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Tuition
$11,933 - $22,545 per Year
Contact
  • (864) 503-5246

  • admissions@uscupstate.edu

#South Carolina

Midlands Technical College

Columbia, SC Online + Campus

Midlands Tech offers a renewable energy technician certificate program incorporating training in several areas, including construction, OSHA training, and more.

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Tuition
$4,654 - $10,774
Contact
  • (803) 738-8324

  • admissions@midlandstech.edu

Explore wind turbine technician schools in South Carolina by city:

Salary & Career Outlook

As a wind turbine mechanic in South Carolina, you can expect to start your career with a yearly salary of around $34,114. This is the figure for the bottom 10%. When you progress in your career, you may increase this figure to an annual average salary of $57,007, which is relevant to those in the midpoint of wind turbine mechanics by salary.

Finally, at the upper end of the spectrum, there are wind turbine mechanics in South Carolina who take home an annual average salary of $95,263. These are the highest-paid top 10%.

To progress, candidates may acquire professional credentials, increase their advanced skills, and optimize their location.

Notable cities for wind turbine mechanics in South Carolina include Charleston, with an annual average salary of $64,323; Greenville, with an annual average salary of $62,132; and Conway, with an annual average salary of $55,628.