How To Get A Job On Wind Turbines Uk?

The wind energy industry in the UK has seen rapid growth in recent years. According to a report by Greenmatch, the UK wind energy market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of over 6% between 2022-2027. [Source: https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/green-energy/wind]

With over 2,500 wind turbines across the UK generating nearly 25% of the country’s electricity, the industry requires skilled technicians to install, maintain, and repair these complex systems. As more wind farms are built to meet renewable energy targets, demand for wind turbine technicians is projected to rise significantly.

This growing need has created many exciting career opportunities in the field. By learning the key skills and qualifications, those interested can position themselves for a stable, high-paying job maintaining and operating wind turbines across the UK.

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Wind Turbine Technician Job Description

Wind turbine technicians install, maintain, and repair wind turbines. They are responsible for keeping turbines operational and maximizing energy production. Main responsibilities include:

Installing and assembling wind turbine components according to design specifications
Inspecting wind turbine equipment for defects and diagnosing mechanical, hydraulic or electrical malfunctions

Performing routine maintenance on wind turbines like repairing or replacing worn or damaged components
Testing and troubleshooting control circuits, motors, pumps and mechanical systems
Maintaining maintenance reports and documenting work activities

Technicians need to have basic mechanical skills and be comfortable working at heights. Key qualifications include:

Mechanical aptitude and technical skills
Physical stamina and strength to climb towers and work in confined spaces

Ability to troubleshoot complex electromechanical systems and perform repairs
Willingness to work outdoors in remote locations in varying weather conditions
Strong communication skills to coordinate with other technicians and engineers

Most positions require an associate’s degree in wind energy technology or related field. Relevant experience maintaining mechanical, electrical or hydraulic systems is also preferred.

Education and Training

There are several paths to gain the necessary education and training to become a wind turbine technician in the UK.

Many complete a vocational qualification or apprenticeship that combines classroom learning with on-the-job training. For example, City & Guilds offers a Level 3 Diploma in Wind Turbine Maintenance (Onshore) that covers skills like turbine systems, health and safety, inspection, and maintenance (City & Guilds, 2023). Another option is a wind turbine apprenticeship with training providers like TTE that include installer and service technician programs.

Some companies provide their own intensive paid training for new hires to become certified wind techs. Hands-on practice is critical, so look for programs that offer ample time training on actual turbines in the field.

Many wind turbine techs obtain degrees in a relevant field like electrical engineering, electro-mechanical engineering, or renewable energy. While not always required, an associate’s or bachelor’s degree can make you more competitive for jobs.

It’s important to get certified in turbine safety and maintenance procedures. The Global Wind Organisation (GWO) offers globally recognized certifications like Basic Technical Training, Basic Safety Training, and turbine-specific training that are required by many employers.

Getting Experience

Gaining relevant experience is crucial for landing an entry-level job as a wind turbine technician. Many employers require some prior hands-on experience working with electrical, mechanical, or industrial systems. While you likely won’t have experience specifically working on wind turbines, there are several ways to build up your skills and get your foot in the door:

Entry-Level Roles: Consider applying for entry-level jobs as an electrical or mechanical technician to gain broader experience working with generators, motors, wiring, and hydraulic systems. Relevant entry-level roles can include wind turbine trainee, electrical technician assistant, mechanical technician assistant, and preventative maintenance technician. Check job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn for openings.

Volunteering and Internships: Look for opportunities to volunteer or intern with renewable energy companies and wind farms. Hands-on experience will help you learn essential skills and make connections within the industry. Reach out to local wind farms and turbine manufacturers to inquire about volunteer positions or internship programs they may offer.

Gaining real-world experience, even in an entry-level role, goes a long way in preparing you for a career as a wind turbine technician. Developing your technical skills and making industry connections will help qualify you for more advanced roles over time.

Key Skills to Develop

Wind turbine technicians need a strong foundation of technical skills to maintain and repair wind turbines. Some of the key skills to develop include:

Mechanical aptitude – Wind turbines have many complex mechanical systems and components. Technicians need to understand mechanics and have strong troubleshooting abilities to identify and fix mechanical issues (Career Map: Wind Technician).

Physical fitness – The job involves climbing wind turbines, which can be over 300 feet tall. Technicians need to be able to climb towers, work at heights, lift heavy equipment, and perform physically demanding tasks (15 Wind Turbine Technician Skills For Your Resume).
Working at heights – Overcoming fear of heights and developing comfort working at elevation is crucial. Proper safety training for climbing wind turbines and tower access is a must.
Technical knowledge – Understanding electrical systems, hydraulics, generators, braking systems, and computer diagnostics is required. Knowledge of mechanics, electronics, and physics provides a strong foundation.

Finding Job Openings

There are several main ways to find open wind turbine technician positions in the UK:

Online job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn frequently post wind turbine technician job listings. These are good sites to search for openings and apply directly to companies. You can filter for location, salary, job type, and other criteria.

Visiting the career pages of major wind energy companies is another option. Firms like Ørsted, SSE, Siemens Gamesa, and others regularly hire wind techs. Check their websites for current openings and application instructions.

Finally, recruiting agencies and headhunters specialize in placing workers in renewable energy jobs. Registering with recruiters and staffing agencies that focus on wind and green energy can help connect you to unadvertised roles.

Preparing Your Resume

When applying for wind turbine technician jobs, your resume needs to highlight your relevant skills and experience. Mention any training programs or certifications you have completed, such as an electrical technician program or certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Specifically highlight skills like electrical maintenance, hydraulic systems, mechanical systems, heights and confined spaces, and computer systems. Any experience working on wind turbines, even as an intern, should be highlighted. Make sure to tailor your resume’s skills and experience to match the specific job posting.

It’s also important to get feedback on your resume from wind turbine technicians or other professionals in the renewable energy industry. They can provide valuable insights into the key skills and qualifications that employers are looking for. Consider joining industry associations like the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) to build connections. Attend industry events and conferences when possible. Networking is a great way to get resume advice from those already working in wind energy.

When applying, carefully read the job description and match your resume bullets to the desired qualifications listed. With a strong resume tailored to each application, you’ll put yourself in a great position to land an interview.

Acing the Interview

To ace the interview for a wind turbine technician role, you need to be prepared to answer common interview questions and make a strong impression on the hiring manager.

Some common interview questions you may encounter include:

Why are you interested in working on wind turbines? (InterviewPrep)
What qualifications and experience do you have in this field? (InterviewPrep)
How would you troubleshoot [specific technical issue]? (InterviewPrep)

How do you handle working at heights? (InterviewPrep)
What safety procedures would you follow when working on a turbine? (Vskills)

To make a strong impression during the wind turbine technician interview:

Highlight your technical skills, certification, and hands-on experience.
Demonstrate safety consciousness and commitment to following proper procedures.
Show enthusiasm for working in the renewable energy sector.

Emphasize your ability to troubleshoot issues and think critically.
Discuss fitness, physical capability, and comfort working at heights.
Ask insightful questions that show your interest in the company and role.

With preparation and practicing responses to likely questions, you can put your best foot forward and stand out during the wind turbine technician interview process.

Getting Certified

Getting certified as a wind turbine technician will make you significantly more employable and can lead to higher pay. There are several major certifications that are recognized by the wind industry:

The Global Wind Organisation (GWO) offers several modules that cover all aspects of working safely on wind turbines (GWO, 2022). These modules focus on first aid, fire awareness, working at heights, and more. To get the full GWO certification, you must complete training and pass exams for all modules.

The RenewableUK Wind Turbine Technician Diploma is another important certification for wind techs in the UK (RenewableUK, 2022). This intensive program covers inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair procedures. Graduates will be qualified to work on onshore and offshore turbines.

Loughborough College offers a Level 3 Diploma in Wind Turbine Operations and Maintenance. This qualification is recognised across the wind industry and meets the skills standards set by EU Skills (Loughborough College, 2022).

Most companies will provide on-the-job training as well. But having recognized certifications shows you have comprehensive training and makes you much more hireable. The certification process typically involves attending training courses, getting work experience, and passing exams.

Starting Your Career

The entry point for a wind turbine technician career is often an apprenticeship or trainee position. These roles allow you to gain hands-on experience while studying for qualifications like EAL Level 3 Diploma in Wind Turbine Maintenance. Expect to start by assisting with basic maintenance tasks and repairs under supervision of experienced technicians.

Initially, you’ll likely work on smaller turbines on land before progressing to larger, more complex offshore wind turbines. With a few years of experience, you can become a fully-qualified wind turbine technician. This allows you to carry out maintenance, inspections and repairs independently.

Long-term, there is room for career progression to senior or supervisory roles. Some wind turbine technicians also move into turbine design, consultancy or training. With additional qualifications, you could also specialize in areas like blade repair, gearbox maintenance or electrical systems. Your career prospects remain strong as the wind energy industry continues rapid expansion.