120-hour course

A course designed to learn the fundamentals of basic electrical, variable frequency drives, power quality, wind turbines, and installing photovoltaic systems.  The high demand for installing and maintaining wind turbines is creating a shortage of trained and qualified wind energy technicians, or windsmiths, who provide maintenance on the turbines. Wind Turbine Technician component prepares individuals to work in the emerging wind power energy industry. The design and installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems, and involves actual hands-on work with PV systems and equipment. This component is designed to develop a "system-knowledgeable" professional to help ensure the safety and quality of PV system installations.

Basic Electrical Circuits

It is designed to give hands-on training, building and testing the most common electrical circuits used in residential and industrial applications. Theory and math are kept to a minimum, with emphasis placed on electrical safety, component usage, and the identification of circuit problems. The first part will cover standard residential circuits to allow the participant to get familiar with working around electrical circuits and taking standard measurements when testing an electrical circuit. The second part will cover standard industrial power and control circuits. (8 hours)

Digital Multimeter Certification

Fluke's 80 Series high performance meters will be used throughout the seminar. The Fluke 80 Series meters are one of the most common industrial digital multimeters in the industry, with several million meters in use. In addition to measuring AC and DC voltage and current, resistance and testing diodes, the 80 Series meters include MIN/MAX/AVERAGE recording mode, relative mode, frequency/duty cycle measurement and capacity measurement. All meter functions will be covered. (8 hours)

Understanding A.C. and D.C. Motors

This section will consist of a series of hands-on exercises, demonstrations, and lecture designed to help the participant learn through doing and observing. There is enough theory explained that someone with a very limited electrical background will be able to master the seminar material. (16 hours)

Electrical Practices:  Industrial Workplace Safety

This session is designed to train those who are responsible for operating and maintaining 600 volts or less electrical equipment on the requirements of the Electricity Act, Regulations and Codes of Practice. The workshop simplifies the OSHA Electrical standard and criteria and specifically addresses safe work practices to be used during the operation and maintenance of electrical equipment. Compliance is met for 29 CFR 1910.269 (Electrical Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution).  (8 hours)

Installing Photovoltaic Systems

This component covers the design and installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems, and involves actual hands-on work with PV systems and equipment. This program has an overall goal of developing "system-knowledgeable" professionals to help ensure the safety and quality of PV system installations.

The format includes a balance of classroom instruction and student-interactive exercises. These exercises include hands-on and demonstration laboratories that simulate the process of designing, installing and commissioning grid-connected PV systems, and are intended to develop the participant's working knowledge of PV systems and equipment. An emphasis is placed on code compliance and accepted state-of-the-art industry design and installation practice.  (40 hours)

Wind Turbine Technician

Wind Turbine Technician component prepares individuals to work in the emerging wind power energy industry. Students will complete an industry-derived curriculum as they learn about the electrical power generation industry, safety at the worksite, mechanical devices, as well as hydraulic and electrical systems. Courses take place in traditional classrooms, and at various lab settings on campus. Graduates enter the workforce needing further on the job training to become a wind turbine technician. They will, however, posses the basic skills needed to complete more advanced training and coursework. (40 hours)

Course Fee

The course fee is $3,900.  Check, Money Order, Master Card, Visa will be accepted.  There are no additional charges for books or supplies.

Financial Assistance

• Workforce Investment Act-Contact your local job service office to see if you qualify for Workforce Investment funds