Wind Turbine Technician Schools in Virginia

Naturally, the steps involved in starting a successful career as a wind turbine technician in Virginia are quite direct and easy to follow. However, it is possible to make the entire process smoother by familiarizing with all the steps beforehand.

Luckily, that is exactly what we explore in detail below.

Along with the crucial steps, we have included a handful of sections dealing with other major considerations, such as the possible certification organizations, licensing requirements, and the best places to receive wind turbine technology training in Virginia.

Lastly, candidates will also become familiar with the state’s possible annual salary for wind turbine technicians and the factors that can influence these figures.

How to Become a Wind Turbine Technician in Virginia

Below is a step-by-step outline of how to start a wind turbine technician career in Virginia.

Basic Educational Requirements

It is rare to see a wind turbine technician in Virginia start their careers without a high school diploma or at least a GED equivalent. This is because training programs, apprenticeships, and employees all request it before admission can be given.

Formal Training

Candidates who successfully secure admission into a wind turbine technician training program will receive all the foundational knowledge they need to start their careers. Naturally, as with most academic programs, they will focus more on classroom instructions with a little hands-on training.

Training on the Job

After spending 2 years acquiring foundational education in an academic program, wind turbine technicians in Virginia are still expected to acquire an additional year of training “on the job.”

Some employers may even be willing to provide such training for candidates who still need an academic degree. The most popular route, however, is to complete academic training and then receive additional training on the job.

Certification

By becoming certified, aspiring wind turbine technicians in Virginia give themselves a better opportunity to secure high-quality employment in the best organizations. They will also have a platform through which they can network with other professionals in the field and improve themselves significantly.

The next section contains a detailed outline of the certification requirements and options for candidates in Virginia.

Employment & Continuing Education

Wind turbine technicians in Virginia may secure employment in wind turbine power generation and manufacturing companies. After securing employment, they must continue improving their expertise and acquiring more skills through continuing education.

Explore other trades with similar paths:

• Learn to become an aircraft mechanic in Virginia

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Like virtually every other state in the country, the state of Virginia does not have an agency responsible for issuing licenses to wind turbine technicians. For this reason, professionals in the state are not mandated to receive any license or certification.

However, to enjoy some of the benefits highlighted earlier, candidates may consider acquiring credentials from reputable organizations like the North American Wind Research and Training Center (NAWRTC) and the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) that has merged into ACP (American Clean Power Association).

Other options include the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA), and the National Society of Appraisers (tNSA North America, Inc. (ENSA).

In addition to these, OSHA 30-Hour Training, GWO BST, and GWO BTT certifications are highly recommended for wind turbine technicians. These equip them with foundational knowledge and hands-on skills for high-risk or internationally managed wind energy projects, making them valuable assets in Virginia’s growing renewable energy sector.

Top Wind Turbine Technician Schools in Virginia

Below are some of the top wind turbine technician schools in Virginia.

Notable Mentions

Other notable mentions include the Virginia Wind Application Center at James Madison University, offering an Integrated Science and Technology program, Dabney S Lancaster Community College, offering a certificate in Wind Turbine Service Technology, and George Mason University, offering high-quality Wind Energy Technology education.

Explore wind turbine technician schools by city:

• Wind turbine technician schools in Virginia Beach

Salary & Career Outlook

In Virginia, the average annual salary for a wind turbine technician is approximately $53,765, according to ZipRecruiter. Those among the state’s highest earners take home an annual average salary of $78,323, while those in the bottom 10% make an annual average salary of $33,708.

Factors such as experience, location, area of specialty, and company of employment significantly influence the salary of a wind turbine technician in Virginia.

Arlington, VA, is one of the highest-paying cities in Virginia for wind turbine technicians, with an annual average salary of $62,389. Wind turbine technicians in Bailey’s Crossroads earn an annual average salary of $61,534, while wind turbine technicians in Alexandria earn an annual average salary of $58,043.

Many Virginia wind turbine technicians also earn per diem pay for off-site work, such as offshore wind farms or rural sites. This allowance varies by employer and is typically added to the overall yearly salary.