Interested in starting a career in wind energy? While qualifications open the door, it’s your hands-on skills and practical experience that will set you apart as a wind turbine service technician.
Interested in starting a career in wind energy?
While qualifications and certifications (e.g. GWO )open the door, it’s your hands-on skills and practical experience that will truly set you apart as a wind turbine service technician. From tools and diagnostics to problem-solving and reporting, these core skills are essential for success in this fast-paced, high-impact role. From tools to troubleshooting, here are the core skills that will help you succeed in this fast-paced, high-impact role.
Technical Skills
At its core, the role of a wind turbine technician is highly technical.
- Knowing how to safely use hand tools and test equipment (like multimeters and thermal cameras) is a must.
- Many successful technicians come from backgrounds like automotive repair or mechanical trades.
💡 Tip: Can’t get a technical job yet? Pick up a hobby like bike or car maintenance to build these skills before applying.
Functional Testing
Functional testing means making sure systems are working correctly—and it’s something you’ll do every day in the field.
- You’ll inspect systems before and after maintenance to confirm safe operation.
- This might involve testing brakes, monitoring wind turbine responses, or reviewing system readouts.
💡 Tip: If you’ve done this in another job (like vehicle checks or equipment testing), add it to your CV and cover letter.
Inspection Skills
A keen eye for detail is vital. Inspections are about spotting issues before they turn into failures.
Whether it’s checking components, wiring, or mechanical parts, your judgment matters.
Knowing what something should look like—and comparing that to what it does look like—is the essence of inspection.
💡 Tip: House inspections, mechanical checks, or any job requiring visual evaluation count as relevant experience when transitioning into
Computer Knowledge
Modern wind turbines are digitally connected. You’ll work with tablets, software, and reporting tools daily.
- Most turbine manuals, maintenance checklists, and safety docs are online.
- Advanced service technicians may need to interface with PLCs and configure IP settings.
💡 Tip: Being comfortable with common software—and able to learn new tools quickly—is a strong advantage.
Following Manuals & Procedures
Precision matters in wind energy. Most tasks follow strict guidelines, and checklists are a key part of safe operations.
- You’ll be expected to read and follow technical manuals step-by-step
- Being able to give feedback on unclear procedures is also valued.
💡 Tip: Bring up any past experience with SOPs or quality checklists during interviews.
Wiring Diagram Interpretation
Being able to read and interpret wiring diagrams is a core skill for wind turbine technicians, especially during electrical fault finding and corrective maintenance. You’ll use diagrams to trace circuits, diagnose issues, and plan repairs.
- This skill becomes more critical as you move into more advanced roles.
💡 Tip: Courses on platforms like LinkedIn Learning can help you build confidence in this area.
Report Writing
Clear and concise reports help communicate wind turbine performance and maintenance outcomes.
- Reports go to engineering teams, asset owners, and safety managers.
- Good written communication keeps everyone aligned and operations smooth.
💡 Tip: If you’ve written maintenance logs, fault reports, or inspection summaries, make sure to highlight that.
Fault Finding
While covered in more detail in our knowledge module, fault finding is key.
- It’s about using logic, tools, and experience to identify and fix issues efficiently.
- Service Technicians with strong fault-finding ability quickly become go-to team members.
💡 Tip: Even basic experience with diagnostics—like in auto repair or electronics—can demonstrate this skill.
Climbing & Rescue Familiarity
Working at height is part of a wind turbine technician’s job. Employers want to know you’re physically and mentally ready for it.
- If you’ve done climbing or rescue training (even outside of GWO certification), mention it.
- Prior experience working at heights or in physically demanding environments is a big plus.
💡 Tip: Comfort on ladders, rooftops, or high platforms shows that you won’t hesitate when it’s time to ascend a tower.
Final Thoughts: Show Your Skills Before You’re Hired
Building these skills before entering the wind industry—through jobs, hobbies, or training—can make a big difference. During your job search, focus on experiences that show:
- Technical curiosity and tool use
- Ability to inspect and report clearly
- Comfort with systems and software
- Confidence in hands-on problem-solving
The wind industry rewards those who come prepared. Show you’ve done the work—and you’ll be one step closer to launching your career as a wind turbine service technician.
Was this helpful? Be sure to check out two other articles on this topic:
Top Qualities Every Wind Turbine Service Technician Needs to Succeed
What Knowledge Do You Need to Become a Wind Turbine Technician?