Wind Turbine Technician

Program Overview

The Wind Turbine Technician Program at St. Lawrence College is a two-year program that prepares students for entry-level positions in the wind energy industry. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to safely and effectively install, maintain, and repair wind turbines. The program has a strong focus on safety and partnerships with industry leaders, providing students with access to job opportunities and internships.

Program Outline

Wind Turbine Technician Program at St. Lawrence College

Degree Overview:

The Wind Turbine Technician (WTT) program at St. Lawrence College is a two-year, full-time program designed to equip students with the knowledge and hands-on skills to work in the wind energy industry. The program objectives are to:

• Prepare graduates for entry-level positions as wind turbine technicians.
• Equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to safely and effectively install, maintain, and repair wind turbines.
• Provide graduates with a strong foundation in electrical and mechanical theory and practice.
• Develop graduates' critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Foster graduates' awareness of environmental sustainability and the role of wind energy in renewable energy production.

Program Outline:

Semester 1

• COMM 1007: Technical Communications: This course teaches students foundational technical communication skills, including writing, oral, and visual communication.
• MATH 1004: Technical Math: This course covers algebra, trigonometry, functions, graphs, equations, and applications.
• ELET 1000: Electrical Fundamentals 1: This course introduces students to fundamental electrical theory and principles.
• ELET 1001: Code and Drawing: This course teaches students how to read and interpret the Canadian Electrical Code and create precise technical drawings.
• ELET 1002: Installation Methods: This course teaches students how to safely install electrical devices, cables, and conduits.
• COMP 1024: Data Literacy and Communications: This course teaches students data literacy and network communication skills.

Semester 2

• ELET 1004: Electrical Fundamentals 2: This course expands on the knowledge gained in Electrical Fundamentals 1, focusing on power generation, magnetic induction, capacitance, voltage, current, and semiconductors.
• ELET 1006: Electro-Mechanical Systems: This course introduces students to the principles, components, and applications of electro-mechanical systems.
• ELET 1007: Instrumentation: This course introduces students to instrumentation systems, including pressure and temperature measurement, calibration, and data collection.
• ELET 1008: Electronics: This course teaches students basic electronics, including logic gates, transistors, and amplifiers.
• ELET 1009: Workplace Practices: This course teaches students safety requirements and proper tool usage in the workplace.
• ELET 1010: Wind Power in Canada: This course introduces students to wind energy systems, including design, operation, and maintenance.
• GENE: General Education Course: Students take a general education course in this semester.

Semester 3

• ELET 403: Programmable Logic Controllers: This course teaches students how to program and troubleshoot Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
• WTEC 2007: Electrical Theory Advanced: This course covers advanced electrical theory, including three-phase circuits, transformers, motors, and power conversion.
• WTEC 2008: Fluid Power: This course teaches students about hydraulic systems and their components.
• WTEC 2000: Advanced Drawings and Specifications: This course teaches students how to read and interpret drawings and specifications for electrical systems.
• WTEC 2001: Power Distribution And Connections: This course teaches students about power distribution, transformers, and electrical code.
• WTEC 2002: Mechanical Systems: This course teaches students about mechanical systems, including gears, bearings, shafts, and tools.
• WTEC 2003: Variable Frequency Drives: This course teaches students about variable frequency drives and their operation, installation, and programming.
• GENE: General Education Course: Students take another general education course in this semester.

Semester 4

• ELET 405: Canadian Electrical Code 3: This course explores trade-specific sections of the Canadian Electrical Code.
• WTEC 402: Wind Turbine Construction: Mechanical: This course teaches students how to disassemble and assemble wind turbine nacelle components.
• WTEC 2009: Composite Blade Repair: This course teaches students about composite blade repair techniques.
• WTEC 408: Wind Turbine Hydraulics: This course teaches students about wind turbine hydraulic systems and their maintenance.
• WTEC 2010: Wind Turbine Safety: This course teaches students about wind turbine safety regulations and practices.
• WTEC 2004: Wind Turbine Electrical: This course teaches students about wind turbine electrical systems and their components.
• WTEC 2005: Maintenance Techniques: This course teaches students predictive, preventative, and reactive maintenance techniques for wind turbines.
• WTEC 2006: Turbine Technician Roles: This course teaches students about the roles and responsibilities of wind turbine technicians.
• GENE Online: General Education Online Course: Students take an online general education course in this semester.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through various methods, including:

• Assignments
• Quizzes
• Exams
• Practical demonstrations
• Projects
• Portfolio
The specific assessment methods and criteria vary depending on the course and module.

Teaching:

The program is taught by experienced faculty with industry experience. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, labs, tutorials, and field trips. The program also emphasizes hands-on learning through practical exercises and projects.

Careers:

Graduates of the WTT program are prepared for entry-level positions as wind turbine technicians. Career opportunities include:

• Wind turbine technician
• Wind turbine inspector
• Wind turbine maintenance technician
• Field service technician
• Blade technician
• Project manager
• Health and safety officer
The job outlook for wind turbine technicians is positive, with a high demand for skilled technicians in Canada and worldwide.

Other:

• The program is offered at the Kingston campus of St. Lawrence College.
• The program is open to domestic and international students.
• The program has a strong focus on safety, with students receiving safety training throughout the program.
• The program has partnerships with industry leaders, providing students with access to job opportunities and internships.
• The program has a dedicated career services team to assist students with job search and career development.