Students are introduced to the correct climbing techniques in accordance with OSHA and standard industry practices. The students will learn the definition of ''100% tie off'' and understand tower rescue.

An overview of major and minor components in the construction of a wind turbine. This includes the function of the bottom control cabinet, top control cabinet and hub control panel or hydraulic system. The different types of generators, gearboxes and gear reduction drives used in yawing the nacelle and pitching of the blades are explained. Students will also study the characteristics of different types of air foils when dealing with blade designs.

Students are given an in-depth look at the tools and the types of mechanical systems that are typically encountered on a wind turbine. Students will learn the safe usage of large tools as well as their proper use. They will gain an understanding of documenting gear, shaft and bearing failure concepts as well as what to look for when performing general inspections.

Students will be taught wiring diagram symbols. They will be able to identify both parallel and series circuits; draw pictorial and ladder diagrams; identify abbreviations for common electrical components; and be able to read the legend of a wiring schematic.

Students learn 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 student will learn to correctly identify and inspect the necessary lanyards, hardware and harnesses used in tower work and complete a job safety analysis worksheet prior to climbing. The student will then properly put on the climb safety harness and perform a safe tower climb on the ladder in the ETC lab.

An 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.

This course will teach students to recognize an emergency, the appropriate action to take when facing an emergency situation and how to sustain life until professional help arrives. Topics covered include basic life support and AED use; heart attacks and chest pains; serious injuries; poisoning and allergic reactions; rescuing and moving victims and more. Students will also learn techniques for preventing disease transmission. This class is offered for credit as a Pass/No Pass course.

Provides 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.

Students will learn industry relevant skills related to accumulators, DCVs, cylinder types, check valves and remote pressure control. Operation, installation and performance analysis. Also introduces electro-fluid concepts and applications.

The study of alternating current (AC) circuits begins with the generation of a sine wave and review of trigonometric functions and continues through resonance and filter circuits. In-depth look at inductors and capacitors and how they affect an AC and DC circuit differently. Introduction to the components of electronics, both passive and active. Subjects studied include power supplies, solid state components, frequency, resistance, capacitance, modulation, wave theory, testing devices and electronic systems as they are used in the control of a wind turbine.

Fundamentals of motor controls, including start stop stations, time delay circuits, sequence starting, synchronized starting, auto starting via pressure switch, etc. are taught. Students will use the knowledge they obtain to efficiently negotiate the different control devices as well as implement the information received from schematic reading.

The student will learn how to properly perform a tower rescue of a mannequin who is suspended from the lab ladder with a ladsafe and harness. The student will learn how to use a tractel lifting device to safely lift the mannequin from his connection to the tower and correctly lower the mannequin to the ground. The student will also climb the 300-foot GE tower at Crow Lake and gain an understanding of the requirements of climbing to that height.

Provides a solid understanding of how PCs and networks function. The aspects of networking computer systems and peripherals with an emphasis on serial communication will be addressed. The installation and configuration of hardware and software components to facilitate network operation and basic troubleshooting skills will be covered. Introduction to the concepts and components involved with networking computers for hardware and software sharing will be explored.

Students learn the theory of power supplies in this introduction to the components of electronics, both passive and active. Subjects studied include power supplies, solid state components, frequency, resistance, capacitance, modulation, wave theory, testing devices and electronic systems as they are used in the control of a wind turbine.

Applications of control devices are reviewed. Photoelectric controls, logic modules, sequential motor starting, troubleshooting, acceleration and deceleration methods are studied.

Specific OSHA, APPA and NESC rules that apply to operating and maintaining wind turbines.

The student will perform climbs on the 300-foot GE tower at Crow Lake and perform a hub entry. The student will perform a mannequin rescue inside the tower and satisfactorily remove the mannequin to the area outside the tower.

The theory of generators and typical uses. Students will gain an understanding of generator construction and the operational theories which can be applied toward generator troubleshooting. Construction, function and logic of power regulators and power converters is discussed.

Students learn about composite materials and the different manufacturing processes of composite components. Students learn the basics of the materials and resins used in the components and how they work together to make a high strength, lightweight, corrosion-resistant and durable product. Materials used in the manufacturing of wind blades will be used and students will gain an understanding of repairing a wind turbine blade. A Certified Composites Technician Certificate will be issued to those completing the course and passing the American Composites Manufacturing Association’s tests with endorsements in Vacuum Infusion Process Manufacturing and Wind Blade Repair.

The student will continue in climbs on the 300-foot GE tower and perform checks on the system. The student will continue to gain confidence in climbing and performing rescues.

Students are introduced to the fundamentals of supervisory controls and data acquisition (SCADA) as those concepts relate to the operation of wind turbines and the generation and transmission of power.

Detailed instruction on the use of Microsoft Excel covering beginning, intermediate, and advanced concepts. Concepts covered include working with formulas and functions; creating and formatting charts graphs and pivot tables/pivot charts; sorting and filtering lists; data consolidation between multiple worksheets and workbooks; and importing and exporting of data.