Wind Power Jobs

Find a Career in the Wind Power Industry

The growth in the demand for wind power jobs is due to the increasing number of specialist employment in the wind energy sector. Aside from the technical training that is required, many vacancies also require an engineering background. There are also other companies that offer opportunities for people who may lack the experience but have the enthusiasm and useful skills.

california wind worker

Careers in wind power include – turbine manufacturers, component subcontractors, transportation logistics, project management, legal and finance expertise, site testing, tower manufacturers, grid connection, green electricity sales, and many others. The demand for wind power jobs is expected to at least double in the next decade and there is scarcity in training and education for specialized employment in the wind power industry.

In the U.S.,Oregon Governor Kulongoski is pushing for positioning Oregon as a player by means of state policies, cash incentives and tax credits.The governor talks about green jobs and a green economy,but as yet there are no ongoing programs for wind technician training. However, it is believed that it is very important to expand the programs of the community college, especially if the state wants to be recognized in the green industry.

Columbia Gorge had received fundings for its classrooms and labs, but these were no longer supplemented in recent months. There is a shortfall in the state budget based on income expectations and it will probably get worse. Last year’s proposed budget is no longer applicable because the state income has declined. The college will have 72 graduates this spring with jobs waiting to maintain wind turbines growing up in number in the Cascades. Demands for jobs which pay $22-$23 per hour based on experience, is more than the college or other schools can provide. There are conservative estimates that wind farms in Oregon and Montana may require more than 600 technicians for wind power jobs in the next few years.

Shortage in Training and Graduates

At Portland General Electric, one technician is needed to preserve nine wind turbines, and currently they are constructing a wind farm on Biglow Canyon which will be operating 217 wind turbines in 2010.

Currently, big companies running wind turbines are looking at community colleges and schools for their manpower. With the expansion and construction of wind farms to supplement the growing demand for renewable energy sources, many companies are worrying over the scarcity of training and graduates that they need to fill their needs in the coming future.

worker measuring wind vibration

Big wind power companies such as Portland General Electric, Vestas, Suzlon and Iberdola Renewables have provided Columbia Gorge as well as other colleges with funds, equipment,and scholarships as well as technical assistance. Most schools offering technical courses for wind power jobs have also been given grants for expansion over the next years, however the graduates for 2010 are still not going to be able to meet the demand for wind power workers.

Many states are having high hopes for the federal stimulus package that will be given to them, yet no one is sure about the amount that they will receive until the day the funds arrive. You can stay in touch with information about wind power jobs on our Wind Power News page.

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