Overview
careers
Windsmith
Installer
Turbine Technician
Eligible Program
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 allow the system to communicate. 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 graduate of the program 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
First Semester
Direct Current (DC) theory and the fundamentals of series and parallel DC circuits. An introduction to the concept of electricity and its behavior with respect to conductors and resistance devices. The study of Alternating Current (AC) circuits begins with the generation of a sine wave and review of trigonometric functions and continues through resonance.
3 creditsThis course trains participants to provide first aid, CPR, and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Students must complete the hands-on skill session. This class is offered for credit as a Pass/No Pass course.
0.5 creditsAn overview of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards focusing on hazard recognition and injury and illness prevention. The 10-hour construction program is intended to provide entry-level construction workers with awareness of hazards in and around the construction work site. Emphasis is placed on recognition and prevention and helps create a culture of safety. Upon successful completion the student will receive OSHA 10 certification.
1 creditProvides a foundation for gaining the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for college success. Students will learn to make a successful transition to higher education by setting up a pattern of success that will last the rest of their lives. Students will define goals and develop thinking skills, learning strategies and personal qualities essential to both academic and career success. Please note: Students who have served active military duty (excluding basic training and AIT) may be exempt from the Student Success course. Student must provide a copy of DD214 or other official military documentation to the registrar for verification.
1 creditSecond Semester
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 2021-22 Annual Program Review for information on how this program assures that its students are attaining learning outcomes.
Faculty
Cost
Other Required Costs
Books / Tools (estimated) $371
Scholarships
$500
4 AVAIL.
Women for Success @ Tech Scholarship
Women for Success at Tech Group
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
$1000
8 AVAIL.
Otter Tail Power Company
Otter Tail Power Company Foundation
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
$1000
7 AVAIL.
Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Natural Gas Technology
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Wind Turbine Technology
$1000
1 AVAIL.
South Dakota Assoc. of Cooperatives Scholarship
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
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
$1000
4 AVAIL.
Osterhaus Endowed Scholarships
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
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 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
$1000
5 AVAIL.
Northwestern Energy Scholarships
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Natural Gas Technology
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Wind Turbine Technology