The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is making significant strides in the renewable energy sector with the launch of its Wind Turbine Technician Certificate Program. This cutting-edge program is designed to meet the global demand for skilled technicians capable of servicing, diagnosing, repairing, and installing wind turbines and related equipment.

Advanced Learning at Your Own Pace

UHD's Wind Turbine Technician Certificate Program is offered online and asynchronously, allowing students the flexibility to learn at their own pace. This format ensures that aspiring wind turbine technicians can acquire the necessary skills to thrive in the wind power industry, regardless of their current schedule or location. The program is delivered in collaboration with George Brown College in Toronto, a global leader in distance learning, and features a state-of-the-art 3D interactive wind turbine simulator.

Industry Demand and Growth

"Wind energy is one of the fastest-growing energy sources globally, and Texas is the largest wind energy producer in the United States," said UHD President Loren J. Blanchard. "By partnering with George Brown College, we’re leveraging a unique online program to develop a skilled workforce for the wind energy sector both in Texas and beyond."

The urgency for skilled wind technicians is underscored by projections from the Global Wind Energy Council’s Global Wind Report 2023, which estimates that wind generation will more than double by 2030. This surge in capacity will require over half a million new wind technicians by 2026 to support and maintain this growth. Texas, producing 26% of all U.S. wind-sourced electricity, leads the nation, followed by Iowa, California, Oklahoma, and Illinois.

Innovative Curriculum and Simulation Technology

The on-demand format of UHD's Wind Turbine Technician program aligns with other successful online technical training programs offered by UHD, including courses in electric vehicles, electronics, robotics, and industrial automation. The average completion time for the wind turbine program is 32 weeks of part-time study, with students having up to two years to finish, allowing them to progress at a comfortable pace.

A highlight of the curriculum is the proprietary 3D wind turbine simulator developed by George Brown College. This first-of-its-kind simulator offers a real-world learning environment without the inherent risks of working on actual wind turbines. Key features include:

- Real-Time Visualization: Analyze wind patterns from every angle to understand the complex interactions between wind and turbine.

- Interactive Operation: Modify blade pitch, wind speed, wind direction, and other critical parameters to observe their effects on turbine efficiency and power output.

- Pre-Built Lab Projects: Engage with pre-built lab projects within the 3D simulation world, providing rich resources for practical learning and experimentation.

- Pitch and Yaw Ladder Logic Applications: Learn how Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are used to automate wind turbine controls.

Flexible and Accessible Education

“The programs we develop at George Brown College feature robust technical simulation software, reaching a diverse range of students, including those balancing family or work commitments,” says Colin Simpson, Dean of Continuous Learning. “Our partnership with UHD allows us to extend our reach and train the U.S. clean energy workforce.”

The program is supported by tutorial and technical staff seven days a week. It also offers flexible payment options, with a low initial registration fee of $580 that includes access to the web-based curriculum, 3D Wind Turbine Simulator software, and the first module. Students can then purchase the remaining 13 modules on a pay-as-you-go basis, totaling $1,750 for the entire program.

For more information on UHD's Wind Turbine Technician program or to register, visit http://www.uhd-gbc.com