If you’re a resident of Tennessee who is physically fit, has strong stamina, and has an affinity for sustainable energy, a career as a wind turbine mechanic has to be one of the top careers to consider. The field is growing significantly faster than the average for other occupations, and the potential for personal career growth is also enormous.
To get started, the first thing to do is become familiar with the steps involved in the process. And if that’s why you’re on this page, well, you have come to the right place.
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide containing the steps required to become a wind turbine mechanic in Tennessee, the certification requirements, salary projections, and, of course, the top training programs within the state.
How to Become a Wind Turbine Mechanic in Tennessee
The following is a step-by-step guide to becoming a wind turbine mechanic in Tennessee.
High School Qualifications
Individuals interested in pursuing a career as a wind turbine mechanic in Tennessee must possess a high school diploma or GED as the basic educational qualification. With this, enrolling in an apprenticeship or technical school for further training is possible.
Apprenticeships
Companies in Tennessee offer candidates the opportunity to receive hands-on training in wind turbine technology by enrolling as apprentices or interns. Some even offer the opportunity to “earn while you learn.”
The duration of apprenticeship programs varies depending on the company or organization in question, most lasting between a few months to a couple of years.
Technical School
Technical schools and community colleges in the state offer students the opportunity to receive classroom training before securing employment. Such programs usually last 6 months or 2 years, after which candidates receive a certificate or an associate degree.
It is also possible to contribute this degree to earn even more advanced ones, such as a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in renewable energy technology.
Either way, candidates who complete an academic program may go on to start working immediately or spend some time acquiring real-world experience through an “on-the-job” training program.
Certification
After completing a training program or an apprenticeship, graduates may start working. However, most choose to spend some time pursuing professional certification simply because there are numerous benefits to doing so. Among these are the opportunity to specialize, secure employment faster, and improve professionally.
Continuing Education
Speaking of professional improvements, wind turbine mechanics in Tennessee must dedicate part of their time to acquiring more skills through continuing education. The field continues to grow, and candidates must keep up with the various advancements.
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Licensure and Certification Requirements
A wind turbine mechanic in Tennessee is not expected to receive a license from the state. They are not expected to pursue certification either, but as mentioned above, many choose to do so anyway.
Some of the most notable certification bodies for candidates in Tennessee to consider include the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA), ENSA North America, Inc (ENSA), and the OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training Program.
These credentials are valid across the country and will contribute to professional growth and continuing education opportunities.
Top Wind Turbine Mechanic Schools in Tennessee
The following are some of the best destinations to receive quality training as an aspiring wind turbine mechanic in Tennessee.
Roane State Community College
Roane State Community College offers various workshops and training programs designed to bring up future wind turbine technicians and mechanics in the state. Attending these programs often serves as a veritable way to start a successful wind turbine mechanic career and secure employment with some of the best establishments in the state.
Candidates may also leverage their experience here to connect with professionals in the field, including experts from the Tennessee Economic and Community Development Energy Division.
DWPA Wind Power Intelligence
Candidates looking for online options may also consider the training program offered by DWPA Wind Power Intelligence. This program offers a flexible approach to becoming a wind turbine mechanic, seeing as most instructions can be completed online.
Candidates may then leverage the credentials acquired to secure employment and receive further hands-on training on the job.
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Salary and Career Outlook
An aspiring wind turbine mechanic in Tennessee may look forward to an annual average salary of $69,126, which is the figure given for the mid-range earners in the state.
Those among the highest-paid take home an annual average salary of $182,419, while those among the lowest earners still manage around $26,194 in average salary every year.
The factors determining where a wind turbine mechanic will fall in this salary range include experience, company of work, specialty area, and location.
Nashville is one of Tennessee’s highest-paying cities to be a wind turbine technician, with an annual average salary of $66,044. Wind turbine technicians in Knoxville earn an annual salary of $60,700, while wind turbine technicians in Memphis earn an annual average salary of $34,888.
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