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Wind turbine technician

Alternative titles for this job include Renewable energy technician

Wind turbine technicians maintain and repair wind farm turbines on land and at sea.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£47,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

on call occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a wind turbine technician

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

  • renewable energy engineering
  • electrical or mechanical engineering
  • electrical power engineering

It might give you an advantage if your course includes the opportunity to get work experience through summer internships or a year in industry. 

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

You could do a college course, which could help you to get a trainee job with a wind turbine engineering company.

Courses include:

  • Level 3 Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Level 3 Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do an Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or a Maintenance Operations Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

These can take between 3 and 4 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got qualifications and experience in electrical or mechanical engineering from another industry, or from the armed forces.

More Information

Career tips

Companies are predicted to need more wind turbine technicians in the future as they move to renewable energy sources.

Further information

You can find out more about a career as a wind turbine technician from RenewableUK.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to use, repair and maintain tools and equipment
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • problem-solving skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to repair machines or systems
  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • knowledge of maths
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

You'll also need safety training to work on wind turbines. This could include sea survival if you're working offshore. Your employer will let you know what's required.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a wind turbine technician, you could:

  • install wind turbine towers on land or at sea
  • fit electrical, mechanical and hydraulic equipment
  • test turbine blades and control systems
  • carry out maintenance, find faults and fix them
  • run safety checks on electrical substations and cables 
  • complete safety reports and record job details

Working environment

You could work in remote rural areas or at sea.

Your working environment may be at height and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could become an authorised technician, with responsibility for supervising a technical team, and dealing with health and safety.

With further training, you could also work as:

  • an operations and maintenance manager
  • a control systems engineer
  • an energy engineer

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Service & Maintenance Engineer

  • Wage: £14,994.72 Annually
  • Location: ST JOHNS INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, ELDER ROAD, LEES

Apprentice Maintenance and Operations Engineer - Mechanical

  • Wage: £12,480.00 Annually
  • Location: Off Whisby Road, North Hykeham, Lincoln
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Engineering – Mechanical and Electrical Maintenance Level 2/3

  • Provider: COLCHESTER INSTITUTE
  • Start date: 01 September 2024
  • Location: Colchester

Level 2 Diploma Engineering Operations (Electrical/Mechanical Maintenance)

  • Provider: NEW COLLEGE DURHAM
  • Start date: 02 September 2024
  • Location: Durham
Find courses near you

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