Wind Energy Technology

Wind Energy is "the fastest-growing source of power on the planet." Strategically situated at the geographic hub of a newly booming regional wind energy industry, Eastern's Wind Energy Technology program trains you to be market-ready for high-skill, high-demand jobs.

2 Year Degree

Associate in Applied Science • 60 Credit Hours

1 Year Certificate

Certificate in Applied Science • 30 Credit Hours

About the Program

The Department of Energy has stated that we can get 20 percent of our power from wind energy alone by 2030. West Virginia is a leader in the industry. Eastern has designed this program to comply with American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) certification standards; and has drawn on the work of other, vanguard Wind Energy Technology programs with track records of success from the western part of the nation — a region that, until now, has taken a lead in Wind Tech training.

Students in Eastern’s program will not only learn the skills necessary to service and troubleshoot modern wind power generation equipment anywhere in the world: they will also acquire the background and knowledge to advance their careers in the power generation field.

About the Industry

In the summer of 2008, the U.S. Department of Energy outlined a strategy that will produce 20 percent of U.S. power from wind energy alone by 2030. And over the next five years alone, industry representatives estimate that some 300 new technician jobs will come available in Eastern’s four-state region.

Within Eastern’s six-county service district (Grant, Hardy, Hampshire, Mineral, Tucker, and Pendleton), the industry currently operates 199 turbines (Grant: 132; Tucker: 44; Mineral 23), including:

  • The Pinnacle Wind Farm: NewPage on Green Mountain, near Keyser
  • The Criterion 28-turbine Wind Project atop Backbone Mountain near Eagle Rock and the 20-turbine Roth Rock Wind Farm in Garrett County, Maryland

Hundreds of more turbines, on dozens of wind farms, are operating, under construction, proposed, and/or in the permitting process in other neighboring counties (Laurel Mountain on the border between Randolph and Upshur, Greenbrier) and states.

Associate Degree Overview

The Wind Energy Technology (WTT) program provides a technical education at the Associate in Applied Science Level. This broad-based curriculum provides instruction and practical application of a variety of technical concepts and practices. The courses include industry-recognized maintenance practices in electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical systems, computer control, data acquisition, periodic and predictive maintenance program usages.

Successful completion of the Wind Energy program prepares graduates to enter the workforce with an AAS Degree in Wind Technology. They will be prepared to perform periodic maintenance on machinery and systems located, not only in the wind industry but in any industry utilizing machinery and electrical control systems and mechanical equipment.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program the student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and fluid power equipment and discuss how to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain them along with power generation and distribution systems specific to wind energy
  2. Develop an understanding of both general industry and wind specific OSHA safety standards and regulations and how they apply in the field using specific examples
  3. Use diagnostic tools and resources, including schematics and operating manuals, for wind system analysis, and troubleshooting
  4. Integrate environmental awareness and job hazard assessment and mitigation strategies into wind energy operations
  5. Employ computers and software applications for monitoring, troubleshooting, communicating/remote control, and report writing specific to the wind industry
  6. Demonstrate knowledge of various simple and complex electro-mechanical components pertaining to their function in a system with hands on course work
  7. Perform basic calculations in order to measure and calculate voltage, amperage, resistance, continuity, voltage drop, pressures, and temperatures using multimeters and other measuring tools. Demonstrate an understanding through discussion of what goes into routine wind turbine maintenance and repair along with the tooling needed to do so

Potential Careers

Employment opportunities for graduates include the expanding wind industry located across the United States, and more importantly, many organizations within Eastern’s service area. Sample job titles are:

  1. Wind Turbine Service Technician
  2. Wind Turbine Manufacturing Technician
  3. Wind Potential Technician (meteorological data collection)
  4. Wind Turbine Site Development Technician
  5. Wind Turbine Construction/Installation Technician
  6. Wind Turbine Commissioning Technician (initial start-up and synchronization with the grid)
  7. Industrial Maintenance Technician

Micro-Credentials

Micro-credentials are for those interested in acquiring or strengthening select skills for the workplace or job market.

  • Electronic Control Systems and Troubleshooting
  • Electromechanical Systems & Troubleshooting

Special Certifications

Students successfully completing WTT 100 Introduction to Wind Energy will receive an OSHA Certificate of Completion for General Industry Safety (10-hour).

Program Implementation

Full-time day, part-time evening. (Students should see advisor for recommended course sequencing.)

Certificate Overview

The Wind Energy Technology program also provides a technical education at the certificate level. This broad-based curriculum provides instruction and practical application of a variety of technical concepts and practices, including industry-recognized maintenance practices in electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical systems.

The Wind Energy Turbine Technology Certificate Program will meet the needs of regional employers in the wind energy industry, and provide graduates with job-ready skills for a productive career in the green industries. Successful completion of the WETT program prepares graduates to enter the workforce at the technician level, ready to perform maintenance on wind energy turbines, as well as on machinery and systems in any industry utilizing machinery and electrical control systems.

Employment opportunities for graduates include the expanding wind industry within Eastern’s service area, as well as across the United States. The program can also provide continuing education opportunities for currently employed technicians by awarding credit for college level learning acquired through existing credentialing programs or professional training.

Program Outcomes

The Wind Energy Technology certificate program prepares graduates to enter the workforce at the technician level and to perform periodic maintenance on machinery and systems located, not only in the wind industry but in any industry utilizing machinery and electrical control systems.

  • The program includes thorough instruction in:
    1. Safety Standards
    2. Introduction to the Wind Energy Field
    3. Fundamentals of Fluid Power
    4. Industrial Maintenance Fundamentals
    5. Electrical Circuits and Applications
    6. Principles of Power Generation and Transmission

Meet Your Instructor!

Isaiah B. Smith
Wind Energy/Advanced Technology Faculty

 

 

Isaiah Smith Landscape Pic

Estimate Your Costs

Eastern is one of the most affordable colleges in the United States!

Rates are for 2025-2026 and based on two full-time (12 credit hour) semesters. Rates are subject to change and do not include books, academic supplies, or student fees.

Tuition Rates Eastern WV 2-Year Colleges WV 4-Year Colleges
West Virginia Residents $4,512 $4,810 $6,672
Non-Residents $4,512 $9,886 $14,952

Program Is Eligible for West Virginia Invests

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Admissions Requirements

Eastern adheres to an open admission policy which means applications with a high school diploma or GED are eligible for admission.

Admissions

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