Start Date: September
Location: Summerside Waterfront Campus
Length: 1 Year
Credential: Certificate, Wind Turbine Technician
Program Availability: Fall 2023 Term
Canadian Applicants
Open
International Applicants
Open
The Wind Turbine Technology program prepares you for the varied demands of the wind energy industry. Courses in math and physics reinforce your understanding of the mechanical and electrical systems of the turbine and hydraulic systems you will maintain.
Extensive safety training and rescue drills ensure you understand and respect the strict protocols of the industry.
This program is located at our Summerside Waterfront Campus where you'll have access to our Wind Turbine lab to practice the skills you learn in the classroom. You'll also gain significant experience during on-the-job training, servicing >100kw turbines locally and at utility wind farms throughout the Maritimes.
By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to start your apprenticeship in a number of positions in the wind energy industry. You'll also earn apprenticeship hours towards a Red Seal as an Industrial Electrician or Millwright.
NOTES:
Tuition, fees, and other costs are listed in Canadian dollars. International student fees are due on the first day of class.
| 1st Year | Canadian | International |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $7,293 | $13,043 |
| Other Costs | $850 | $850 |
| Total | $8,143 | $13,893 |
| Tuition & Fees | 1 Year |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $ 5,801 |
| Lab Fee | $ 700 |
| Student Union | $ 172 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $ 420 |
| Graduation Fee | $ 100 |
| First Aid/WHMIS | $ 100 |
| Total | $ 7,293 |
| 1st installment due September 6 | $ 4,692 |
| 2nd installment due January 9 | $ 2,600 |
| Other Costs | 1 Year |
| Books | $ 300 |
| Uniforms/Safety Shoes/License | $ 400 |
| Equipment/Tools/Reg.Fee | $ 150 |
| Total | $ 850 |
| Tuition & Fees | 1 Year |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $ 10,801 |
| Lab Fee | $ 700 |
| Student Union | $ 172 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $ 1,170 |
| Graduation Fee | $ 100 |
| First Aid/WHMIS | $ 100 |
| Total | $ 13,043 |
| 1st installment due September 6 | $ 10,422 |
| 2nd installment due January 9 | $ 2,600 |
| Other Costs | 1 Year |
| Books | $ 300 |
| Uniforms/Safety Shoes/License | $ 400 |
| Equipment/Tools/Reg.Fee | $ 150 |
| Total | $ 850 |
Students in the Wind Turbine program earn credit hours towards their Red Seal as an Industrial Electrician or Millwright.
After you graduate from Holland College, your apprenticeship training begins. When you register with your provincial apprenticeship program, you will receive credit for the hours earned and level exams passed while you were at Holland College. Learn more about apprenticeship and the Red Seal program.
Course Code:SAFE-1005
An overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Prince Edward Island. Students examine the legislation, how PEI employees are protected while on the job and the responsibilities of employees and employers.
Credit Values:0
Course Code:BLPR-1015
This course introduces students to blueprint reading and sketching. Reading of construction and engineering drawings is a core skill for technicians in the wind energy sector. Students work with various types of technical drawings and specification packages, and estimate materials and timelines from drawing packages. In addition, students create simple sketches using standard drawing implements.
Hours:2
Course Code:COMM-1005
This course is designed to allow students to develop preparatory skills for securing and retaining employment including; workplace communication, time management, critical thinking and problem-solving, and customer service. Upon successful completion of this course students are able to use oral communications techniques, and create a variety of written documents and reports used in the workplace. Methods and strategies for job search, preparation and retention are also incorporated.
Hours:3
Course Code:COMP-1000
Students learn productivity software and explore digital environments with practical applications for various workplaces and educational institutions. The main areas of focus include word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, email and other electronic communication tools, various digital environments, and industry-specific applications.
Hours:3
Course Code:ELEC-1405
This course introduces Wind Turbine Technician students to the basic principles required to solve alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) circuits. The relationships among voltage, impedance, and current are analyzed and reinforced with theory and practical lab activities.
Hours:3
Course Code:ELEC-1410
Students are introduced to electrical equipment used in wind turbine generators and how those generators are connected to the distribution grid. Students become familiar with electrical generation and distribution equipment, and AC/DC machines, with attention paid to monitoring, testing and maintenance of equipment and systems.
Hours:3
Course Code:ELEC-1415
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic theory and operation of common industrial control systems used in the wind energy industry. Networking principles, protocols, and commonly used hardware types are examined. Students practice common troubleshooting and diagnostic techniques.
Hours:1
Course Code:FLUD-1070
This course is an introduction to fluid power technology as it relates to hydraulic systems. Topics covered include; the theory of hydraulics, types of fluids, conductors and seals, reservoirs, hydraulic actuators, control valves and pumps. Students focus on the fundamentals of hydraulic system components, and skills are reinforced through laboratory work.
Hours:2
Course Code:MATH-1040
This course is designed to enable the student to develop trade related math skills. Students acquire competency in the math skills as they relate to their trade and future career. Emphasis is placed on developing problem solving and critical thinking skills that are used in trouble-shooting. Students are challenged to continually make connections between math and the electrical field, as well as every day applications.
Hours:3
Course Code:MECH-1110
Students are introduced to basic mechanical theory and standard work practices with mechanical systems. Use of hand tools, tool inspection, fastener selection and application, and lubrication techniques are explored.
Hours:2
Course Code:MECH-1120
Students build on their theoretical knowledge to assemble drivetrain systems. Students learn about bearing systems, and assemble shafts with plain and anti-friction bearings. Emphasis is placed on leveling and alignment of machines with both traditional hand tools and electronic laser equipment. The role of vibration analysis as a diagnostic and predictive tool is also explored.
Hours:3
Course Code:NCPR-1001
A comprehensive two-day course offering standard first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills from a certified trainer. As required by regulation, this course covers CPR and the management of other breathing, airway and circulation emergencies, as well as, the control of bleeding, treating shock, stabilizing fractures and dislocations, head and spine injuries, and more. Also, includes automated external defibrilators (AED). This certification expires in 3 years.
Hours:0
Course Code:NCPR-1002
Students complete Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training and certification.
Hours:0
Course Code:NCPR-1066
Students are trained and become certified in the application and use of fall protection equipment. Students explore hazards, legislative requirements, as well as various types of fall protection systems and their components. Demonstration of the proper application and use of fall protection is required in order to pass this course.
Hours:0
Course Code:NCPR-1070
Students are trained in lock out tag out operations for working on and around sources of potentially hazardous energy. Students become familiar with the requirements as outlined in CSA Z462-18 - Workplace Electrical Safety.
Hours:0
Course Code:NCPR-2001
Students will be trained and certified in Level 1 confined space awareness.
Hours:0
Course Code:PHYS-1000
This course is designed to introduce students to mechanical physics. Topics in this course include kinematics, statics, energy, states of matter and waves. Emphasis is placed on developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills as the students relate the physics' concepts to their program of study and their future career.
Hours:3
Course Code:WIND-1000
This course introduces students to the basics of wind energy. Students learn the history of wind power, the different types of turbine designs used in modern industry, the components of turbine systems, turbine aerodynamics and site selection. The differences between the small scale wind market and utility, or large wind projects are outlined.
Hours:2
Course Code:WIND-1010
Students are introduced to industry best practices in terms of safety and planning for field work to ensure the continued health and safety of workers while completing work tasks. Students use risk assessment tools in the completion of simple tasks and the development of job safety analysis for complex tasks, and apply workface planning concepts as they participate in a variety of workplace tasks. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation is explored and incident investigation techniques are introduced.
Hours:5
Course Code:WIND-1020
A continuation of Wind Turbine Work Practices I, students apply industry best practices in terms of safety and planning for field work to ensure the continued health and safety of workers while completing work tasks. Students use risk assessment tools in the completion of simple tasks and the development of job safety analysis for complex tasks, and apply workface planning concepts as they participate in a variety of workplace tasks.
Hours:4
Course Code:WIND-1030
This course allows students to develop the skill sets necessary to perform inspections and repairs on a variety of blade materials used on modern wind turbine rotor systems. Students practice non-destructive testing (NDT) on blades as well as complete minor repairs using a variety of polymer and fiber sheet materials. Heat and chemical curing techniques are explored as they apply to wind turbine rotor systems.
Hours:1
