As the wind industry experiences a huge boom, trained technicians are in high demand. Wind techs must have smarts in mechanics, hydraulics, computers, and meteorology — and, of course, not be afraid of heights. The relatively new industry’s oldest independent training programs aren’t even five years old, and the industry is hustling to support training programs at community and technical colleges. “It’s a career that has a good future in it and it’ll help the environment because it doesn’t pollute,” says one Kansas wind-energy student. “I figured there’d be a lot of job opportunities when I graduated.” That seems highly likely: some 800 techs are needed to serve the turbines expected to be erected in 2008 alone. The industry offers entry-level wages of up to $25 an hour. What are you waiting for, green-job seekers?
