News - Wind Turbine Technician Academy Celebrates Graduation June 20

Wind Turbine Technician Academy Celebrates Graduation June 20

KALAMAZOO, Mich — Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Wind Turbine Technician Academy (WTTA) will celebrate its 31st graduating class Friday, June 20 at 11 a.m. at the Groves Campus. The ceremony will be hosted by Ian Salo, director of energy and technical career training programs, and will include remarks from Terry Plemmons Jr. from NextEra Energy.

The academy's newest graduates include:

  • Ian (Mel) Coash - Gobles, MI
  • Evan Clark - Kalamazoo, MI
  • Alexander DeGraff - Berrien Springs, MI
  • Garin Farrell - Kalamazoo, MI
  • Lucas Lockner - Galesburg, MI
  • Benjamin Smeltzer - Galesburg, MI
  • Michael Van Duine - Kalamazoo, MI
  • Zachary Webb - Flint, MI
  • Anders Zimmerman - Savage, MN
  • Levi Zoller - Grand Rapids, MI

Developed with input from industry leaders, Kalamazoo Valley's nationally accredited program is one of the country's leading academies for aspiring wind turbine technicians. Over the years, the WTTA has attracted students from across the U.S. and around the world. Graduates experience active careers and travel internationally to accommodate employer needs.

Qualified wind turbine technicians are highly sought after employment prospects and often receive job offers prior to graduation. Many of the academy's recent graduates have already accepted or are considering employment with industry leaders.

Trainees interactively learn hands-on skills while enjoying an education constructed to simulate training in real-world environments. The curriculum develops career readiness for the competitive, in-demand industry within six months.

Students attend full time, eight hours per day Monday through Friday for 24 weeks. The training involves thorough applied competencies necessary for excelling in the rapidly growing industry. WTTA alumni are currently employed across North America by companies such as Consumers Energy, NextEra Energy, Vestas Wind Systems, General Electric and Nordex.

Applications are currently being accepted for the January and July 2026 academies. For more information, visit https://www.kvcc.edu/academics/wind/ or contact Program Coordinator Jason Meyle at or 269.353.1566.