Five Ways to Secure Wind Technician Roles
The wind power industry is having a transformative effect here in Scotland. Since the launch of Hywind, the world's first commercial floating wind farm, even more offshore projects have either been completed or are underway.
In early 2022, a further 17 offshore wind projects in Scotland were given the green light (Offshorewind.biz).
With so many opportunities in the sector, now is an ideal time to move into renewables. Becoming a wind turbine technician could be a lucrative and rewarding prospect.
If you're looking for guidance on how to become a wind turbine technician, these five tips on securing wind turbine technician roles are an excellent place to start.
1. Get the right training
Several offshore wind companies are willing to provide wind turbine technician training. That's true whether you're an experienced technician wanting to change industries or seeking your first position.
That said, securing wind turbine technician jobs is easier when you have at least some degree of relevant insight. For that reason, pursuing training independently can be a significant benefit.
In Scotland, several academic institutions can support a trainee wind turbine technician.
Fife College
Fife College offers a one-year multidisciplinary renewable engineering technician course.
Ayrshire College
Ayrshire College offers a City and Guild's one-year wind turbine technician qualification.
Both of the institutions provide training that is suitable for aspiring technicians with any level of non-renewables experience. You'll be better prepared for a job as a wind turbine technician.
If a year of studying isn't for you and you want to get stuck right in, there are quick courses that provide industry and technical insight to add to your existing skill set.
The European Energy Centre
ECT offers an SQA-accredited two-day Wind Power Qualification that can be taken online or at Napier University.
2. Get the right certification
Academic courses are beneficial but not essential to securing wind turbine technician roles.
However, specific licences and certificates are key requirements.
These include:
Driving licence
You'll be expected to travel to different sites across the country as a wind turbine technician, so a valid driving licence is essential. Having your own car isn't always necessary, as some organisations will allow you to use company vehicles.
Specific turbine certifications
Employers frequently look for Wind Turbine Safety Rules (WTSR) and/or Global Wind Organisation certifications. When applying for roles, the job description will plainly state which certifications are required, but these are good places to start.
Specialist certifications
You can also find a niche and take training courses in specific types of turbines or blades. Although this limits the variety of positions you'd be qualified for, targeting a particular area can give you a stronger chance when opportunities arise.
Inevitably, many courses come with financial implications. You may need to pay for certifications yourself, but some companies will pay for training on your behalf.
If you don't yet have the right certifications, express your desire to acquire them - this will at least show your commitment to the industry and your understanding of the need for training.
3. Get climbing
Scared of heights? Unfortunately, being a wind turbine technician is probably not suitable for you.
Working at height is an integral part of being a wind turbine technician. You'll need to be comfortable working at great heights, and you'll also need to be physically fit.
For that reason, taking up climbing as a hobby is an excellent step for would-be wind turbine technicians. Enquire about classes and certificates at your local rock climbing centre.
You can also build up some experience of working at height by taking up odd jobs in unrelated industries. For example, window cleaning or gutter clearing would demonstrate your ability to work at height.
Employers generally require a CSCS Work at Heights Card, which can be taken by Construction Support at various UK locations. Some employers can put you through this course for free, but if you have the means to obtain them yourself, you'll be at a substantial advantage when applying for positions.
Additionally, you can pick up industry qualifications in rope use - particularly helpful if you've previously held more office-based than site-based roles.
Check out the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association for Level 1 training in your area.
4. Learn the lingo
When applying or interviewing for wind turbine technician roles, it goes without saying that some background research into the job and the company is a necessary step.
This is particularly important if you're looking for entry-level jobs or come from a science or engineering background outside of renewables.
Showing you know what's involved in wind turbine technician roles, including the names given wind turbines and how they work, will show you're a knowledgeable candidate who is prepared to learn to progress. Make sure you learn the correct lingo to reflect your knowledge and interest in the industry; think turbines and blades, not windmills and fans!
There are a wide variety of easy-to-understand guides online explaining the ins and outs of turbines. Check out the Good Energy website as a starting point.
There are also of plenty wind power and renewable organisations you can follow on Twitter and LinkedIn, such as Scottish Renewables, which regularly posts updates and articles about the industry.
The fresher and more profound your knowledge, the more appealing you are to hiring managers.
5. Show off your skills
Make sure the right skills and keywords are on your CV. This is particularly true for service engineers or technicians looking to move into renewables from another industry.
Many companies are willing to train you in the sector on the job but will be looking to ensure the base skills are there.
Does the role look for knowledge of hydraulics or maintenance? Demonstrate your relevant skills in this area.
Make sure all your technical experience is included, even if it's not related to the wind industry.
Don't just focus on your STEM experience; more and more roles are looking for demonstrable experience in basic IT. Generally, this includes Microsoft office programs such as Word and Excel, so it's worth indicating that you have experience with this software.
If your tech skills could use an update, there are plenty of excellent tutorials on YouTube. Or, if there's someone quite tech-savvy among your friends or family, ask them for a quick refresher course before your interview.
Next steps
Now you know how to become a wind turbine technician. But what should you do next?
Get in touch. We'll review your CV and advise you of what opportunities are available to you now - and how to enhance them.
We can help match your skills and experience to suitable wind turbine technician roles.
Take the first step: get in touch today!
