Advanced Certificate in Wind Turbine Maintenance

Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician

Program Description

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. 

Details

Location: Dawson Creek and Fort St. John campuses

Length: Approx. 51 weeks, 1576 hours (includes 8 weeks practicum)

Start: February

Fees: Current Fee Schedule

Admission Prerequisites

Math – one of the following:
Pre-Calculus Math 11 or Pre-Calculus Math 12 with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.
MATH 040 or higher, with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.

English – one of the following:
Language Arts 11 Courses – 4 credits earned, minimum individual grade of C+, or equivalent.
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.

Science – one of the following:
Grade 11 Physics or Grade 12 Physics with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.
Physics 040 or higher with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.

OR

ESTR 047 (Advanced-Level Essential Skills for Trades) with a minimum final grade of 67%.

OR

Canadian Adult Achievement Test (CAAT):
•           Reading Comprehension: 12.0 grade equivalent or higher
•           Number Operations: 12.0 grade equivalent or higher
•           Problem Solving: 12.0 grade equivalent or higher
•           An above average score (51/70; 6th Stanine) required for Mechanical Reasoning
and the NLC Trades Math Assessment with a score of 70% or higher

Post-Admission Requirements:
None

Important Notes

  1. The program is eligible for Canada Student Loans. Visit StudentAid BC to apply for financial assistance online.  Note that dual credit students are not eligible for Student Aid.
  2. Safety equipment (CSA approved steel toe boots and glasses) must be provided by the student.
  3. Instruction Related Fees for Electrician, Millwright and Wind Turbine cover supplies used in the program.
  4. The program is affiliated with the following:  Lethbridge College, Vestas America, Great Plains College, and the Industry Training Authority.
  5.  Students are required to have a computer (laptop or other mobile device) with minimum computer requirements as listed on the NLC website (www.nlc.bc.ca/Services/Information-Technology/minPC).
  6. The information on this program page is a summary of the official Program Completion Guide approved by NLC’s Education Council. Download a PDF of the Program Completion Guide.

APPLY NOW for the Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician program

Do you need more information?
Program Contact: trades@nlc.bc.ca

Courses

ELFT 101 Electrician Foundation Trades Training 
ELFT 102 Electrician Foundation Level 1 
MILL 101 Millwright Foundation 
MILL 161 Millwright Practicum 
WTMT 150 Jobsite Safety 
WTMT 151 Practicum