Wind turbine technician

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• problem-solving skills
• the ability to use, repair and maintain tools and equipment
• 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:

• pass background checks
• have a full driving licence

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.

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Physics - Wind turbine technicians need to understand electricity, circuits, magnetism, and the principles behind how turbines convert kinetic energy from wind into electrical power. This knowledge is essential when testing control systems, diagnosing electrical faults, and working safely with high-voltage equipment.
• Engineering - Wind turbine technicians install, maintain, and repair complex mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems inside turbines. Understanding engineering principles helps them diagnose faults, carry out repairs, and keep turbines running efficiently in demanding environments.
• Mathematics - Wind turbine technicians use maths to calculate electrical loads, interpret technical data, and measure component tolerances. They also need to work with measurements and readings when testing systems and recording performance data.
• Design and Technology - Wind turbine technicians work hands-on with tools, materials, and technical drawings every day. Understanding how mechanical components fit together and how to use equipment safely is central to installing and maintaining turbine systems.

Also relevant

• Electronics - Wind turbine technicians work with electronic control systems, sensors, and monitoring equipment that regulate how turbines operate. Understanding electronic circuits and components helps when diagnosing faults and configuring these systems.
• Environmental Science - Wind turbine technicians work in the renewable energy sector, which exists to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. Understanding environmental issues like energy sustainability and the impact of fossil fuels gives useful context for why this work matters.
• Computer Science - Wind turbine technicians use computer-based diagnostic tools and software to monitor turbine performance and identify faults. Modern turbines rely on networked control systems, and understanding how these digital systems work helps technicians configure and troubleshoot them.
• Geography - Wind turbine technicians work on sites chosen for their wind patterns, terrain, and proximity to the grid – all factors studied in geography. Understanding weather systems, coastal environments, and land use helps them appreciate the conditions they work in, both onshore and offshore.