Students in the Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician program explore the theory supporting wind turbines and the practical maintenance procedures required to maintain turbine output. Safe work practices are stressed throughout the training. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to enter the field as wind turbine technicians and to progress to higher levels of certification within the industry.
The program starts with the Electrician Foundation training, Wind Turbine specific job site safety, and Electrician level 1 training. Students then go on a six-week practicum through the summer months and return in the fall for Millwright Foundation training, and a final two-week practicum.
Career Prospects
Wind Turbine Maintenance Technicians can specialize in wind turbine maintenance, wind farm construction, wind turbine manufacturing, blade inspection and repair, and wind turbine electrical, mechanical and hydraulics systems. Demand is strong not only in North America, but in Europe as well.
Intakes
| Location | Starting | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Fort St John* | January | Cohort |
* Cohort is in Fort St John for year one and Dawson Creek for year two.
Length
1576 hours in total.
This is a two year program; each year is approximately 30 weeks long.
Estimated Program Fees
Program fee type: Trades/Apprenticeship
Costs indicated are estimates for a full-time course load.
Book, instruments, supplies, uniforms/clothing and third-party fees are additional.
Domestic Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees (includes GST) | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 2,653.92 | $ 152.56 | $ 885.77 | $ 3,692.25 |
| Year 2 (estimated) | $ 2,790.00 | $ 156.84 | $ 0.00 | $ 2,947.56 |
International Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees (includes GST) | International Medical Insurance | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 9,537.04 | $ 152.56 | $ 885.77 | $ 828.00 | $ 11,403.37 |
| Year 2 (estimated) | $ 10,616.00 | $ 156.83 | $ 0.00 | $ 828.00 | $ 11,600.83 |
Still have questions?
Contact:
- info@nlc.bc.ca if you are in Canada
- info@international.nlc.bc.ca if you are outside of Canada
- trades@nlc.bc.ca if you are currently an NLC student
Admission Requirements
Complete either A, B, or C:
A. English, Math, and Science
English Requirement
One of the following:
- BC Language Arts 11 Courses – 4 credits earned, minimum individual grade of C+, or equivalent.
- BC Language Arts 12 Courses – 4 credits earned, minimum individual grade of C+, or equivalent.
- ENGL 040 or higher, with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.
- IELTS score of 5.5 overall with no band less than 5.0 or equivalent English placement test and score.
Math Requirement
One of the following:
- Pre-Calculus 11 with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent
- Pre-Calculus 12 with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent
- MATH 040 or higher, with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.
Science Requirement
One of the following:
- Physics 11 with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.
- Physics 12 with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.
- PHYS 040 or higher with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.
B. ESTR 047
Complete:
- ESTR 047 – Essential Skills for Trades Advanced-Level with a minimum final grade of 67%.
C. Placement testing
Complete the Canadian Adult Achievement Test (CAAT) with:
- Reading Comprehension: 12.0 grade equivalent or higher
- Number Operations: 12.0 grade equivalent or higher
- Problem Solving: 12.0 grade equivalent or higher
- Mechanical Reasoning: 51/70 (6th Stanine) or higher
And complete the Trades Math Assessment with:
- a score of 70% or higher
Important Notes
- The program is eligible for Canada Student Loans. Visit Student Aid BC to apply for financial assistance online. Note that dual credit students are not eligible for Student Aid.
- Students must provide personal protective equipment (CSA approved steel toe boots and glasses). Students are required to have a computer (laptop or other mobile device) with minimum computer requirements.
- The program is affiliated with SkilledTradesBC, Lethbridge College, Vestas America, and Great Plains College.
Program Requirements
| Residency Requirement | 100% of each level must be completed at Northern Lights College or by approval of the Dean |
|---|---|
| Minimum Grade Requirements | 70% minimum in all courses and a passing grade in MILL 161, WTMT 150 and WTMT 151 |
First-year courses:
- ELFT 101 – Electrician Foundation Trades Training (240 contact hours)
- ELFT 102 – Electrician Foundation Level 1 (300 contact hours)
- WTMT 150 – Jobsite Safety (36 contact hours)
- WTMT 151 – Practicum (200 contact hours)
Second-year courses:
- MILL 101 – Millwright Foundation (720 contact hours)
- MILL 161 – Practicum (80 contact hours)
Credential
Advanced Certificate in Wind Turbine Maintenance