1. Demonstrate OSHA-required safety while ascending and descending a 60’ lattice tower.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the mechanical, electrical, and control systems and sub-systems common to modern wind turbines.
3. Demonstrate basic troubleshooting skills required to maintain a wind turbine.
4. Demonstrate and understand basic rigging required to maintain a wind turbine.
5. Identify major components associated with a modern wind turbine.
6. Demonstrate the concept of tower rescue.
7. Complete OSHA 10-hour training.
8. Obtain First Aid / CPR certification.

Since this program began in Fall 2009, placement data will not be collected until December 2010.

Wind energy is a burgeoning industry. In 2007, according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), 3,200 new wind turbines were installed across the nation as power companies responded to the push for more green energy. That translates to a 45% growth in the nation’s total wind power generating capacity in a single calendar year.  In South Dakota, the MinnDakota Wind Farm, operated by PPM Energy, was completed last year, more than doubling the state’s wind energy output. Other projects are in various stages of development including the ACCIONA Energy Tatanka Wind Farm, to be located in McPherson County, the Buffalo Ridge Wind Farm to be located in White, and a Wessington Springs regional project.

New turbines mean new jobs for skilled South Dakotans. A general rule is that a two-person operation and maintenance team is needed for every 10 turbines. That means that trained wind turbine technicians are in big demand—in South Dakota and throughout the Midwest.