Wind Turbine Technician Academy

Start Date: January 3, 2019 - Applications now being accepted!

Join the nation's leading training program for wind turbine technicians. Focused on specific, hands-on competencies, our unique training model moves students from the classroom to the learning labs and into the field quickly.

Trainee success requires a self-directed learning style, a desire to learn through hands-on practice, and a dedication to become a world-class technician in the wind industry.

Our graduates work all across North America for these leading companies:

The Wind Turbine Technician Academy provides a fast track to jobs that are in demand and pay high wages. Kalamazoo Valley Community College offers this course as a non-credit full time program allowing men and women the chance to be job ready in less than 6 months. Students attend Monday through Friday, 8 hours each day for 24 weeks.

Program Eligibility

Kalamazoo Valley Community College created the Wind Turbine Technician Academy to meet workforce challenges of the wind industry and support students interested in launching careers as wind turbine technicians. The program meets the expectations of our students and their employer through our staffs close attention to the details, including:

• Skills and competencies required by employers are constantly monitored and incorporated so that graduates have the skills needed to hit the ground running.
• Incorporating trends related to employability factors into the program application process.

Pre-Requisites for Success in the Academy

Instructors will provide complete instruction in the technologies used in a modern wind turbine. Students must bring these fundamental skills with them to the course:

• ability to work at height
• mechanical aptitude
• ability to follow instruction
• analytical skills
• ability to work effectively in small teams
• self-motivated/directed
• ability to apply fundamental algebra skills to plan work and solve work related problems

Employability in the Wind Industry

Kalamazoo Valley Community College does not guarantee employment for graduates. Based on industry trends we have identified specific background characteristics that will seriously limit job opportunities in this industry.

• Ability to relocate and travel based on the needs of their employer
• No driving offenses, arrest and/or convictions that involve driving under the influence of alcohol within three years of admission
• No arrests for violent crimes or crimes against a person within the last 10 years
• Body weight of 260 pounds or less. (Personal protective equipment is rated for a maximum of 310 pounds. Technicians routinely carry equipment up to 50 pounds.)
• Work ethic that includes commitment to on-time attendance, attention to detail, pride in a job well done, and a sense of urgency

Industry Support

Kalamazoo Valley Community College offers the Wind Turbine Technician Academy as a national program. We actively seek advice and feedback from employers across the country. We pursue relationships with company leaders in the human resources, health and safety, training and operation divisions.

We serve on the American Wind Energy Association Education Committee with industry partners and educational providers. The following companies provide ongoing advisement and feedback:
Crystal Flash Renewable Energy LLC
The Grainger Foundation
Miller by Sperian
True-Tech Industries Co.
Nordex USA, Inc.
Windemuller Electric
Repower USA Corporation
Gemini Services
Availon
CC Jensen