OSU-OKC Plans Program Based on Growing “Wind Tech” Demand
The growth of the wind turbine industry has subsequently spawned the demand for trained turbine technicians within the industry. Demand for “turbine technicians” or “wind techs” – the technicians who repair the mammoth turbine towers – has grown exponentially.
With the decreasing cost of wind energy production and increase in demand for environmentally friendly power sources, wind farms have popped up all over the nation, including in Weatherford, Lawton, Woodward and Tulsa.
According to OSU-OKC President, Dr. Jerry Carroll, the obvious question is where can utility and energy companies find the technicians to repair the equipment?
“We spoke with OG&E and other energy industry partners to evaluate their needs. They kept coming back to us with this one growing need – to train a local work force as wind techs,” said Carroll.
Initiating a wind turbine technology program was OSU-OKC’s reaction to the growing demand for wind techs. “We have filed our letter of intent with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to start a program in 2009,” said Carroll. However, he added that classes such as Introduction to Wind Turbine Technology could begin as early as this fall.
Job search websites list job openings across the nation for Wind Turbine Engineers, Turbine Technologists, Wind Technicians and a multitude of similar careers. “The industry hasn’t quite defined these positions yet, they are growing at such an exponential rate,” said Carroll.
These websites list $35,000-$40,000 as starting pay for a technician with a few years experience.
Companies in need of wind techs are getting creative in attracting new workers, explained Evelyn Bollenbach, OSU-OKC Public Relations Director.
“Some companies describe job benefits by saying ‘watch the sunrise from 300 feet in the air’ while others advertise working in extreme weather conditions, 20 F below to 120 F above with high winds, blowing dust and snow,” said Bollenbach. “It’s the law of supply and demand in a diverse job market. Right now demand is high. That puts potential employees at an advantage.”
The proposed OSU-OKC program is a two-year associate in applied science degree focusing training in two types of wind turbine facilities: utility-scale and facilities-scale. Utility-scale turbines are designed to produce electricity to be sold to consumers; facilities-scale turbines provide electricity for a specific facility.
Wind Turbine Technology programs consist of classes in electrical, mechanical and hydraulic malfunctions, scheduled maintenance and general service.
For more information about the OSU-OKC Wind Turbine Technology program, contact Dr. Jerry Nielsen, Science and Engineering Technology Division Head, at (405) 945-3222 or email njerry@osuokc.edu.
For more information on OSU-OKC's wind turbine technology degree program, click here.
