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2023-2024 Academic Calendar

Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician Advanced Certificate


Location(s): ​Fort St. John

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


LocationStartingType
Fort St John*JanuaryCohort(opens in a new tab)  

* 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

 TuitionStudent FeesInstruction-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

 TuitionStudent FeesInstruction-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

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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(opens in a new tab) 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(opens in a new tab) 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(opens in a new tab) or higher with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.

B. ESTR 047


Complete:

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


  1. The program is eligible for Canada Student Loans. Visit Student Aid BC(opens in a new tab) to apply for financial assistance online.  Note that dual credit students are not eligible for Student Aid.
  2. 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(opens in a new tab).
  3. The program is affiliated with SkilledTradesBC(opens in a new tab), Lethbridge College, Vestas America, and Great Plains College.

Program Requirements


Residency Requirement100% of each level must be completed at Northern Lights College or by approval of the Dean
Minimum Grade Requirements70% minimum in all courses and a passing grade in MILL 161(opens in a new tab)WTMT 150(opens in a new tab) and WTMT 151(opens in a new tab) 

Credential


Advanced Certificate in Wind Turbine Maintenance