Wind Turbine Technician Academy

Next Academy: January 4, 2024 - June 14, 2024

Accepting applications for the January and July Wind Turbine Technician Academies!

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.

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. Training is held at Kalamazoo Valley Groves Campus.

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

Program Eligibility For Wind Turbine Technician Training

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 staff's 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 Wind Turbine Technician Training

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
• aptitude to learn mechanical and/or electrical concepts
• 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

Wind Energy 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.

Kalamazoo Valley serves on several committees in the American Clean Power Association where we actively participate in developing training standards, micro-credentials, health and safety guidelines. The following companies provide ongoing advisement and feedback:
Crystal Flash Renewable Energy LLC
The Grainger Foundation
True-Tech Industries Co.
Nordex USA, Inc.
Windemuller Electric
Gemini Services
CC Jensen
MSA Safety
ENSA North America
Mallory Safety and Supply
NextEra Energy Resources
FieldCore, a GE Company
Vestas Wind Systems
DTE Energy