Naturally, the steps involved in starting a successful career as a wind turbine mechanic 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 mechanics and the factors that can influence these figures.
How to Become a Wind Turbine Mechanic in Virginia
Below is a step-by-step outline of how to start a wind turbine mechanic career in Virginia.
Basic Educational Requirements
It is rare to see a wind turbine mechanic 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 mechanic 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 mechanics 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 mechanics 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 mechanics 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.
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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 mechanics. 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).
Other options include the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA), and the ENSA North America, Inc. (ENSA).
Top Wind Turbine Mechanic Schools in Virginia
Below are some of the top wind turbine mechanic schools in Virginia.
Virginia Tech Center for Energy and the Global Environment
Virginia Tech Center for Energy and the Global Environment offers rigorous training in wind turbine technology thanks to educational resources made available by the institution. Candidates may apply for the Alternate Energy System courses and use this as the platform to launch their careers and secure employment with some of the best establishments in the state.
Centura College
At Centura College, candidates receive wind turbine technology training and certification offered by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).
The focus topics here are fundamentals of electrical power generation, wind turbine installation, repair, and maintenance.
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 mechanic schools by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
In Virginia, an average wind turbine mechanic makes around $50,339 annually. 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 and location significantly influence how much a wind turbine mechanic will make in Virginia, as do their area of specialty and company of employment.
Arlington, VA, is one of Virginia’s highest-paying cities to be a wind turbine technician, with an annual average salary of $65,330. Wind turbine mechanics in Fredericksburg earn an annual average salary of $56,114, while wind turbine technicians in Richmond earn an annual average salary of $50,336.
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