QUINCY, Mass. — The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) just launched its Wind Turbine Technician-I (WTT-I) certification, the only certification of its kind in the U.S. to date.
Renewable markets, such as solar and wind, are seeing rapid growth. With more wind installation projects being approved worldwide, there is “a growing demand for qualified wind turbine technicians with verified skills and knowledge to work on these projects,” according to the association announcement.
The new NFPA WTT-I certification “aims to provide the emerging wind workforce with the necessary skills to excel and work safely in this rapidly developing sector,” the announcement says.
“NFPA is well-recognized for its certification programs in fire, life safety and electrical spaces,” says Dan Pickel, director of certification and accreditation at NFPA, in the association announcement. “The WTT-I program will help professionals build successful careers in the wind energy sector and support their ability to service, inspect, and maintain wind turbines safely with industry-recognized credentials.”
Why NFPA Launched Wind Turbine Certification Program
Newcomers to the wind energy industry, including those who have finished a foundational course in wind turbines and electrical safety, or have worked as wind turbine technicians for at least six months, are candidates for the NFPA’s WTT-I certification.
Upon completion of the program, they “will be proficient in the key features and components outlined in the Wind Turbine Technician Exam Blueprint,” according to the association announcement.
They will also “demonstrate the capability to perform basic tasks related to installing, servicing, commissioning, inspecting, maintaining, troubleshooting, performing lock-out/tagout, reading and interpreting schematics and documenting work performed on wind turbines,” the announcement says.
A skilled global workforce is one of the eight key elements of the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem, a framework that identifies the components that must work together to minimize risk and help prevent loss, injuries, and death from fire, electrical, and other hazards.
Training and development initiatives, including certifications, are central to this objective of upskilling the workforce, promoting industry best practices, and prioritizing worker safety.
According to the Global Wind Energy Council, more than 574,000 technicians will be required to build, install, operate and maintain the world’s rapidly expanding wind turbine fleet by 2027. In the U.S. alone, more than 77,000 people will need industry-standard training between 2023 and 2027.
“As demand for these workers increases, candidates who enhance their knowledge and skills through best-in-class certifications, such as the WTT-I certificate, will more easily stand out to potential employers,” says Pickel. “This can help increase an employee’s credibility, marketability and earning potential.”
