Education & Skills
WFWE EXCLUSIVE
- The wind energy industry is new and evolving; research suggests there is no set standard or consistent use of occupational titles or specific required education and skills.
- Information found suggests that depending on the occupation and available workers more or less education and skills could be required.
- Types of educational requirements can include university degree, college diploma or trade certification.
- Types of knowledge or skills requirements can include project management, aerodynamics, power systems, electrical, mechanical and trouble shooting
- Some wind energy related occupations offering employment opportunity require education and skills which are traditional to the occupation. Work related to wind energy is simply a different application of existing knowledge and skills demonstrated by a qualified journeyperson, technician, technologist or engineer. Examples include many of the occupations involved in the construction phase of producing electricity.
- Some wind energy related occupations offering employment opportunity require education and skills which are traditional to the occupation but also require additional knowledge or skills primarily related to wind or renewable energy. An example would be a mechanical engineer with a focus on aerodynamics and some extra university level course in wind project specific areas or an electrical engineer with a focus on power systems and some extra university level course in wind project specific areas.
Producing Electricity
The Canadian Wind Energy Association – Detailed Labour Forecast – 2015 provides information about required training and skills for occupations involved in producing electricity. This information can provide insights into what education and skills may be required. See Appendix 1 at the end of this document.
An often talked about new type of occupation offering employment opportunity is the wind turbine technician. Research suggests this is a good example of an occupation that could be classified as open in its required education and skills. To view a summary of information learned about this occupation, see Appendix 2 at the end of this document.
A recent employment posting for an operations manager provides good insights into the operations environment in general and into the education and skills potentially required for the occupation. To view highlights of the posting, see Appendix 3 at the end of this document.
Manufacturing Equipment
The Canadian Wind Energy Association – Detailed Labour Forecast – 2015 provides information about required training and skills for occupations involved in manufacturing equipment. This information can provide insights into what education and skills may be required. See Appendix 4 at the end of this document for more information.
Appendix 1
Management, Administration and Sales
Business Planning Specialist
- Involved in the financing and business planning of wind projects
Required Training:
- Graduate degree in business
- Experience with wind project development and financing
Technical Management and Administration
- Involved in the management and administration of mechanical and electrical technicians performing maintenance and repair services
Required Training:
- Work experience in management and technical services
Experienced Wind Farm Project Construction Supervisor
- Involved in the supervision and management of wind project construction
Required Training:
- Experience in power, especially wind project, construction
Wind Farm Operation Management and Administration
- Involved in the management of day-to-day operation of installed wind projects
Required Training:
- Operations management experience in power generation sector
- College degree or experience in administrative roles
Electricity Sales and Marketing
- Involved in the marketing and sale of electricity generated from active wind projects
Required Training:
- Experience in electricity sales
Mechanical Engineers
Wind Project Engineer
- Involved in the design, layout and planning of wind projects
Required Training:
- University degree in mechanical engineering with a focus on aerodynamics or electrical engineering with a focus on power systems
- Some extra university level course in wind project specific areas
- Relevant work experience would be an asset
Wind Resource Assessment/Specialist
- Involved in characterization and validation of the wind resource at a project site
Required Training:
- University degree in mechanical engineering
- University level courses in wind resource assessment
- Field experience would be an asset
Project Due Diligence Specialist
- Involved in due diligence evaluation of proposed wind projects on behalf of project financers
Required Training:
- University degree in mechanical engineering
- University level courses in wind resource assessment
- Due diligence experience and wind experience would be an asset
Electrical Engineers – with electrical and control system design skills
Power Engineer
- Involved in the planning, design and certification of wind project power transmission and conditioning systems
Required Training:
- University degree in electrical engineering with a focus on power systems
- Work experience in the power sector, especially in wind, would also be an asset
Wind Measurement Equipment Designer
- Involved in the design, testing and certification of anemometric equipment
Required Training:
- University degree in electrical engineering with control systems focus
- University courses in wind resource assessment
- Field measurement system work experience would be an asset
Civil/and Geological Engineers
Civil Engineer
- Involved in the planning and design of foundations, roads, buildings and other support infrastructure of wind farm projects
Required Training:
- University degree in civil engineering
- Work experience with remote and large construction projects would be an asset
Civil/Geological Engineer
- Involved in the testing and characterization of ground conditions for wind turbine foundation planning
Required Training:
- University degree in civil or geological engineering
- Work experience with soil testing for large construction projects would be an asset
Mechanical Trades and Technologists
Wind Turbine Technician (mechanical)
- Involved in assembly, commissioning, maintenance and repair of wind turbines mechanical systems and components for existing wind projects
Required Training:
- College mechanical trade or technologist training programs
- Some experience with aeronautical and gear box systems would be an asset
- Large wind turbine specific training would be an asset
Measurement Tower Installer/Technician/Builder
- Involved in the construction, installation and maintenance of anemometric equipment
Required Training:
- College technologist training program
- Some experience with field testing equipment would be an asset
- Specialized on-the-job training would also likely be required
Electrical Trades
Wind Turbine Electrical and Systems Technicians
- Involved in assembly, commissioning, maintenance and repair of wind turbine electrical and control systems and components for existing wind projects
Required Training:
- College electrical or electronics trade or technologist training programs
- Some experience with power and control systems would be an asset
- Large wind turbine specific training would be an asset
Power Technician/Tradesmen
- Involved in the maintenance and repair of power transmission and conditioning equipment for existing wind projects
Required Training:
- College electrical (power) trade training programs
- Some experience with power systems and transmission would be an asset
Construction Labour and Tradesman
- Involved in general construction activities such as road, foundation and transmission corridor building
Required Training:
- College construction trades programs
- High school diploma
- Construction work experience
Transport and Installation Trades
Large Equipment Transportation Specialist
- Involved in the transport of large wind turbine components such as tower segments, rotor blades and assemble nacelles
Required Training:
- Heavy equipment operation certificate
- Large equipment assembly experience
Large Equipment Craning Specialist
- Involved in the craning, assembly and installation of large wind turbine components
Required Training:
- Large crane operator certification programs
- Experience in large-scale component construction projects
Other Specialized Professions
Community Communications Specialist
- Involved in communicating with community stakeholders during project permitting and throughout the operation of wind projects
Required Training:
- A college or university level degree in public relations
- Experience with wind project related issues
Wind Experienced Lawyers
- Involved in drafting of legal agreements for various aspects of wind farm projects such as power purchase agreements, land leases etc
Required Training:
- Law degree programs
- Experience related to power sector would be an asset
Civil Engineering Technician
- Involved in surveying and field measurements for infrastructure planning
Required Training:
- College degree in civil or geological surveying
- Work experience in geological field studies would be an asset
Civil/Geological Technician
- Involved in drilling for field tests for characterizing ground conditions for turbine foundation planning
Required Training:
- College civil engineering technician degree
- Work experience in large scale construction would be an asset
Environmental Scientist
- Involved in completion of wind project environmental impact assessment
Required Training:
- University environmental science programs
- Experience in environmental impact assessment would be an asset
Environmental Technician
- Involved in gathering data for conducting field studies for environmental impact assessments
Required Training:
- College programs in environmental field testing
- Environmental impact assessment field experience would be an asset
Biologist (Flight Path and Habitat Specialization)
- Involved in wildlife impact assessment for overall wind project environmental impact assessment
Required Training:
- University biology programs with focus on ornithology and wild life habitat
- Experience in wildlife impact assessment would be an asset
The complete Canadian Wind Energy Association – Detailed Labour Forecast – 2015 is available for viewing – Click here to view.
Appendix 2
After the installed wind turbines are commissioned, the operation and maintenance phase begins. Wind turbine technicians play an important role in this phase. The wind turbine technician works with other occupations as part of the operations team. The operations team commonly works from the control room facility located on the wind farm. The operations team can include the following occupations:
- Operations manager
- Senior electrical engineer
- Financial analyst
- Turbine technicians
- Operator (s)
- Administrative Assistant
When the wind farm developer purchases wind turbines, they also engage in an operations agreement with the wind turbine manufacture. This operations agreement covers planned maintenance and trouble shooting work. These service contracts can range in time from 2 – 5 years. Usually, the wind turbine manufacture hires technicians to fill this initial service contract. The technicians, manufactures hire, could be people who may not normally live in the area of the wind farm or could be people who do live in the area of the wind farm. After the operations agreement ends, the wind farm developer hires its own technicians (some could be from those who worked on the wind farm during the operations agreement) or contracts a service provider to perform maintenance and trouble shooting services.
Technician Team
- Wind turbine technicians commonly work in pairs
- Some occupational title resources identify wind turbine technicians specializing as either electrical or mechanical
- Information provided by an Ontario based wind farm operations manager suggested there is more of a mix in skill profile (electrical & mechanical) for an individual technician – technicians who are multi-skilled vs. one skill set; but if a technician demonstrates a specific aptitude then that technician may take the lead on specific issues
- It is a reasonable generalization to say there is 1 technician needed for every 10 megawatts, but it depends on how the developer manages its annual or 2-3 year maintenance requirements vs. trouble shooting requirements
Beneficial Backgrounds
- Types of beneficial occupational experience includes industrial millwright, electrical/electrician, electronics instrumentation, heavy duty mechanic
- Types of beneficial skills/experience/knowledge includes trouble shooting skills (noted as very important), technical (electrical/mechanical) skills, electrical technology, mechanical technology, read electrical schematics, hydraulics, PLC
Other Beneficial Characteristics
- Strong focus on safety
- A person who gets along well with other people
- Physically fit
- No issue with heights
- Willingness to travel
Training/Certification
- The wind farm developer will most likely provide training for turbine specific knowledge and skills addressing safety, first aid, rescue and environmental issues
- Wind turbine manufactures also make available equipment specific training courses, for example – braking system
- Different types of renewable energy college training programs can provide benefit
- College programs specific to wind turbine technicians have an extensive admissions process
- The labour market for wind turbine technicians in Europe has developed a certification call BZEE, information gathered during research suggests the current labour market for wind turbine technicians in Ontario does not require the BZEE certification
Other Notes
- Wind turbine technicians can participate in regular morning meetings with the operations manager and other technicians to review supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) information for planning trouble shooting and repair activities
- Technicians can be responsible for parts inventory and environmental reporting
- Wind turbine technicians can be involved in the commissioning of the installed wind turbines
Appendix 3
Note: information specific to the employer posting this opportunity has been removed.
Objectives of Position
The purpose of this position is to oversee and manage the efficient and safe operations of the wind farm facilities and includes assuring and documenting compliance with all codes, regulations and contracts.
Position Overview
Site Operations Manager to assume the following responsibilities:
- Responsible for implementation and adherence to wind farm health, safety and environmental programs. This would include monitoring of environmental issues and permit related requirements as well as ensuring that all necessary reporting and compliance documentation is received by the governing and monitoring authorities.
- Cost control of site operations, and adherence to approved vendor maintenance programs.
- Responsible for critical equipment procurement and deliveries.
- Management of turbine suppliers, subcontractors and various vendors, ensuring compliance with respective contracts.
- Onsite interface with local government interface, landowners and community relations.
- Provide technical and onsite management for maintenance program implementation, including, contractor evaluation, engineering, new construction, performance monitoring & testing.
- Oversight of operations field and office staff.
- Daily and SCADA monitoring and appropriate corrective actions during upset conditions
- Coordinate, liaise and manage the relationships and interface with contract counterparties/3rd party providers including Hydro One, Ontario Power Authority, Ministry of Environment, and other regulating bodies.
- Weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reporting on performance and operation of wind farm sites.
- Preparation of annual operations and maintenance budgets, in consultation with owners, independent engineers and lenders.
In short, the Site Manager will be responsible for all site operations related activities.
Position Requirements
The successful candidate will need to have significant experience in the management of infrastructure projects. Major qualifications would include:
- 5 plus years of relevant power industry experience.
- Experience and understanding of wind power generation and wind power technologies.
- Experience with wind analysis and forecasting.
- Experience in wind SCADA and protection systems.
- Knowledge of the operations of substations, high voltage and medium voltage protection systems is preferred.
- Experience with the management of contractors and vendors of power generation systems preferably wind systems, services contracts, and equipment and materials procurement.
- Scheduling and budget estimation of operations facilities in previous positions is desirable.
- A diploma or degree in a relevant technology or engineering discipline, formal management training and wind turbine operations and maintenance certification is preferred.
- Proficient Computer and Software Skills (MS Office and Microsoft Project)
- People management experience including ability to work in both team and individual work environments, and coordinating work with internal and external parties
- Excellent communication, presentation and report writing skills.
- Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize activities.
- Language skills: English mandatory.
- Must be able to legally work in Canada.
Appendix 4
Management, Administration and Sales
- Involved in supervision and business administration of manufacturing operations and marketing of wind turbines and turbine components
Required Training:
- Management experience in a manufacturing environment
- College degree or experience in administrative roles
- Experience in technical sales and marketing
Mechanical Engineers – with design skills
- Involved in the design, testing and certification of mechanical components of wind turbines including towers, gearboxes, nacelles blades, etc
Required Training:
- University degree in mechanical engineering
- Specialization or experience in aeronautical and gear box component and system design would be an asset
- Experience in manufacturing environments would be an asset
Electrical Engineers – with electrical and control system design skills
- Involved in the design, testing and certification of turbine electrical systems including controllers, generators, grid interconnection systems, substation design, etc
Required Training:
- University degree in electrical engineering
- Specialization or experience in electrical and control systems design would be an asset
- Experience in manufacturing environments would be an asset
Mechanical Trades and Technologists
- Involved in manufacturing of mechanical component of wind turbines including towers, gearboxes, nacelles, blades, etc
Required Training:
- College mechanical trade or technologist training programs
- Some experience in manufacturing environments would be an asset
- Some experience in large scale machining and composite materials would be an asset
- Some experience in aeronautical and gear box systems would be an asset
Electrical Trades
- Involved in manufacturing and assembly of turbine electrical systems including controllers, generators, grid interconnection systems, substation design etc
Required Training:
- College electrical and electronics trade training programs
- Some experience in manufacturing environments would be an asset
General Labor – with on the job training
- Involved in general preparation, assembly and inventory management of manufactured electrical and mechanical wind turbine components
Required Training:
- High school education
- Some basic hands-on training
The complete Canadian Wind Energy Association – Detailed Labour Forecast – 2015 is available for viewing – Click here to view.
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