Wind Turbine Technology

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Overview

Job Placement Rate ⓘ
0 %
Average Salary ⓘ
$ 0
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Eligible Program

Career Ready in 1 Year Badge
careers
  • Windsmith

  • Installer

  • Turbine Technician

The power of the wind to generate electricity for today’s consumer is only as reliable as the technicians who install and service the giant turbines. Today, wind is one of the fastest-growing energy technologies. Wind turbine technicians are needed around the world to support the demand for clean, efficient energy.

The Wind Turbine Technology program at Mitchell Tech will allow students to learn about the basics of turbines, mechanics, hydraulics, electronics, and the computer networks that enable the system to communicate. A unique hands-on experience will be available to students as they climb Mitchell Tech’s wind turbine located at the Crow Lake Wind Farm near White Lake, SD. Mitchell Tech is one of the few schools nationwide with its own operational 1.5 MW wind turbine.

A program graduate will find employment opportunities in turbine construction, maintenance, and troubleshooting, power distribution, controls, and other areas that move the power through the grid.

Curriculum

Award: Diploma

Semesters
0
First Semester
EC112 > Electrical Circuits3 credits
WTT103 > Introduction to Wind Energy3 credits
WTT106 > Electronics and Schematic Reading3 credits
WTT109 > Turbine Safety and Rescue2 credits
CPR100 > First Aid, CPR AED0.5 credits
OSHA101 > OSHA 10 Construction1 credit
SSS100 > Student Success1 credit
> Math Elective3 credits
Total Semester Hours16.5 credits
Second Semester
WTT108 > Hydraulics3 credits
WTT130 > Field Training I2 credits
WTT150 > Mechanical Systems3 credits
WTT214 > Theory of Power Generation3 credits
WTT225 > Utility Safety3 credits
> Communications Elective3 credits
Total Semester Hours17 credits

Requirements

Drug/Alcohol Screening Requirements

Students are expected to conform to Rules for Programs with Required Drug and Alcohol Testing while enrolled in this program. See the MTC Catalog and Student Handbook for details.

Program Requirements

Students must complete all technical courses with a minimum grade of C.  Students who do not achieve a C grade will be prevented from enrolling in the subsequent semester due to prerequisite requirements.

Computer Requirements

This program allows you to bring your own laptop as long as it meets these minimum specifications:

Processor – Intel Core i Series (i3, i5, i7) or AMD Ryzen
Operating System – Windows 10
Webcam Recommended
Memory – 4 GB or more
Internal Storage – 64 GB or more
Microsoft Office is available at no charge as long as enrolled at Mitchell Tech
NO APPLE/MAC COMPUTERS

Outcomes

At the completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Apply OSHA-required safety procedures, including fall protection, tower climbing, Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO), and tower rescue techniques during wind turbine maintenance and operation.
  • Explain the function and integration of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and control systems commonly found in modern wind turbines.
  • Use handheld test equipment and electrical theory to assess, troubleshoot, and maintain turbine electrical circuits and components.
  • Diagnose and repair malfunctions in turbine mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems through systematic troubleshooting and part replacement.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot turbine control systems, including programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and variable pitch systems.
  • Apply problem-solving strategies to safely and efficiently perform routine and complex maintenance tasks on wind turbine systems.
Annual Program Review

Check out the 2025-26 Annual Program Review for information on how this program assures that its students are attaining learning outcomes.

Faculty

Program Coordinator / Instructor

Cost

Program Tuition & Fees ⓘ
$ 4000

Other Required Costs

Books / Tools (estimated) $371

Scholarships

$1000

Otter Tail Power Company

Must be enrolled full time in the Powerline Construction & Maintenance, Electrical Construction & Substation or Wind Turbine Technology program Must maintain a GPA 2.0 or higher Must complete the MTC Foundation Online scholarship application Must be from an Otter Tail Power Company Service Area
$1000

Xcel Energy

The scholarships will be awarded in January and applied to Power Line and Electrical Utilities and Substation recipients on their second semester account, and for Automation Controls/SCADA recipients accounts the following Fall semester.
Automation Controls/SCADA
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicants must be first or second year students currently enrolled full-time in the following programs: Power Line Electrical Utilities and Substation Automation Controls/SCADA Wind Turbine Technology Applicant must complete the MTC Current student online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship.
$1000

South Dakota Assoc. of Cooperatives Scholarship

The scholarship was established in 2013.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Business Management
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be an accepted full-time student enrolled at MTC in one of the programs mentioned Applicant must complete the MTC scholarship application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship First priority will be given to students with ties to a SDAC member cooperative Essay responses will be a large part of the recipient decision
$1000

Osterhaus Endowed Scholarships

Martin and Maude Osterhaus established this endowed scholarship in 1995 to provide financial support for at least four deserving Mitchell Tech students each year. The scholarships will be awarded in January each year and applied to the recipient’s account the following Fall semester.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Heating & Cooling Technology
Information Systems Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Social Services
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be a currently enrolled first year full-time student in any two year program Applicant must demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA (universal financial aid application form) Applicant must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher Applicant must complete the MTC online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship Applicant must have good leadership skills
$1000

Northwestern Energy Scholarships

NorthWestern Energy has been an active supporter of Mitchell Tech through donations of scholarship funds and equipment since 2003. The scholarships will be awarded in January and applied to PL accounts the Spring semester and the following Fall semester for ECM, SCADA and WTT two-year program recipients.
Automation Controls/SCADA
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Natural Gas Technology
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicants can be first or second year students currently enrolled full-time in the following programs: Electrical Construction and Maintenance Power Line Construction and Maintenance SCADA Wind Turbine Technology – 2 year Natural Gas Technology Applicant must complete the MTC online application and submit references if required during the open application periods as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship Applicant must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above
$1000

Mitchell Tech Retiree Endowed Scholarship

The scholarship was established by the former faculty and staff of Mitchell Tech.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Information Systems Technology
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Natural Gas Technology
Office Technology Specialist
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Social Services
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be enrolled full time at MTC. Applicant must have a GPA of 2.5 or greater. Applicant must complete the MTC Online application during the open application period to be eligible to receive this scholarship.
$500

Mark And Kathy Hofer Endowed Wind Turbine Technology Scholarship

Mark and Kathy Hofer began their scholarship support of the Wind Turbine Technology program in 2010. Mark has served on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association board and has realized the importance of education to young people. The scholarship will be awarded in January each year and applied to the recipient’s account the following Fall semester.
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be currently enrolled full-time as a first year student in the WTT 2-year program at MTC Applicant must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or above Applicant/parent/guardian must be a member of a SD Electric Cooperative Applicant must complete the MTC online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship
$1000

Laverne & Nell Tollefson Memorial Scholarship

The LaVerne and Nell Tollefson Memorial Scholarship is eligible for any program at Mitchell Technical College. Also the recipient must have a current GPA of 2.5 or higher and be a current student.
Accounting
Administrative Office Specialist
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Engineering Technology
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Diesel Power – Light Truck Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Information Systems Technology
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Natural Gas Technology
On Campus
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Progressive Welding Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Registered Nursing (LPN to RN)
Small Business Management
Social Services
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be accepted or currently enrolled as a full-time student in any program at Mitchell Technical College. Applicant must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher Applicant must complete the MTC online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship
$1000

John And Diane Weber “Career Change” Endowed Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2015 by the daughters of Diane Weber. Diane’s early adult years were spent in the Peace Corp, working at Bell Telephone and teaching German and English after college. The scholarship honors Diane’s desire in 1974 to change her career and her enrollment at Mitchell Tech to become a Clinical Lab Technician. The scholarships will be awarded in January each year and applied to the recipient’s account the following Fall semester.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Information Systems Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Social Services
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
• Full-time enrollment in a program at Mitchell Technical College to prepare for a career change. • Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher • Program instructor recommendation. • Veterans pursuing new training as they enter the civilian sector are encouraged to apply. • Complete the MTC online application during open application periods.
$500

Daniel Roy Todd Memorial Scholarship

Daniel Roy Todd, son of native Letcher, SD parents, returned to his family roots in 1998 to care for his father and in August, 2001 he accepted the position of Executive Director of the recently-established Mitchell Technical College Foundation. Dan’s varied experiences in research, planning, consulting, and community development allowed him to focus on strategic planning for the Mitchell Technical College Foundation. In a very short time he had established the Mitchell Technical College Alumni Association and provided an excellent base upon which the Foundation was built. Dan passed away in 2005 after a brief illness but the Mitchell Technical College Foundation still credits him with the early success of the organization. The Daniel Roy Todd Fund began providing scholarships in 2016.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be a currently enrolled first year full-time student in any two year program Applicant must demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA (universal financial aid application form) Applicant must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher Applicant must complete the MTC online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship First priority of scholarship recipient is a graduate of Sanborn Central or Artesian/Letcher High School. In the event there is not an application from Sanborn County the award will be given to a Davison County resident The award will be announced in January each year and applied to the recipient’s account the following Fall semester
$1000

BPO Elks #1059 Endowed Scholarship

The Endowment was established in 2010 with the first scholarship provided in the 2011/12 school year. The scholarship will be awarded in January each year and applied to the recipient’s account the following Fall semester.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be a U.S. citizen and have attended school in the Mitchell area Applicant must be involved with student leadership Applicant must be currently enrolled full-time at Mitchell Technical College and be within two years of MTC graduation Applicant must complete the MTC online application form during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for the scholarship Applicant must maintain a GPA of 2.6 Applicant must demonstrate financial need according to FAFSA Scholarship award may be retained for 4 semesters or put on hold for military service Applicant must permit selection committee to solicit oral or written recommendation from instructor or administrator Applicant must live within 50 miles of Mitchell
$1000

Thomsen Family Endowed Scholarships

The first endowed fund for scholarships at Mitchell Technical College, the GF Thomsen Family Scholarship has been awarded annually since 1995. This scholarship for Incoming Mitchell Tech students in any program will be awarded by April 1 each year and applied to the recipient’s accounts the following Fall semester.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be an accepted Incoming full-time student in any program at MTC. Applicant must complete the MTC Incoming Student online application between January 1 and March 31 to be eligible for this scholarship Recipient selection will be based on essay responses
$500

MTC Freshmen Scholarship

These scholarships are provided to full-time Incoming students enrolled at Mitchell Tech. The funding for this scholarship is provided by the contributions to the Mitchell Technical College Foundation by the staff and faculty of Mitchell Technical College. Recipients will be notified of awards mid-summer. All awards will be credited to student accounts for the Fall semester.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must complete the MTC Incoming student online application to be eligible for the scholarship Applicant must demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA (universal financial aid application form)

Contact Admissions

For information about any of our programs, application, or any of our other student services please contact us:

Admissions Office
Mitchell Technical College
1800 E. Spruce St.
Mitchell, SD 57301

800.684.1969
605.995.3025
fax: 605.995.3067
[email protected]

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