Clean Energy Credentials: Wind Turbine Technology and Sustainable Energy Certificates
Whether you are a graduating high school senior, a current college student, or a seasoned professional, there is something for everyone in the Wind Turbine Technology and Sustainable Energy Certificates at FSC. All of these programs will help to improve your awareness of opportunities in wind power and sustainable energy available to you.
WIND TURBINE TECHNOLOGY
This certificate program will prepare students for technical careers in wind energy technology. Demand for wind energy technicians is on the rise, given the country is on a path to generate 20% of its energy needs from wind by 2030. Facilities and laboratories specifically designed and equipped for the certificate coursework will provide students with hands-on experience to learn and apply theory through the use of trainers and virtual reality simulations. Graduates will be prepared as entry-level wind turbine technicians, capable of demonstrating skills in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting wind energy related equipment.
Wind Turbine Service Technician Career Outlooks:
- According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Wind Turbine Service Technicians are/will be the second fastest growing occupation from 2021-2031, with a 44% growth rate, with a national median salary of $56,260 per year in May of 2021.
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians in New York State had a mean annual salary of $67,010 in May of 2021.
Potential Employers:
Living and Working at Sea:
What's it like to Work on a Service Operations Vessel?
Watch this short video to see what life is like maintaining an offshore wind farm and living out at sea for two weeks at a time.
Haliade-X offshore wind turbine - Installation Time Lapse
[Music Playing]
Installation time lapse of the world's most powerful wind turbine - GE Renewable Energy's
Haliade-X - in Rotterdam Port, the Netherlands.
Orsted's Green Transformation
Watch Orsted's story on their sustainable business transformation with offshore wind technology as a significant contributor.
The Wind Turbine Technology Certificate Experience
Farmingdale State College student and faculty member speak on the College's Wind Turbine Technology Certificate Program.
Wind Turbine Technology Certificate Technical Standards for Admission and Retention
All students in the Wind Turbine Technology Certificate program at Farmingdale State College must meet the safety and technical standards in the following areas: communication, observation, motor, and intellectual-conceptual attributes.
Communication Skills: The student must possess the ability to communicate effectively using reasonable grammar and syntax in both oral and written formats. In addition, the student must notice and appreciate both verbal and nonverbal communication when performing design or manufacturing processes. Examples of communication skills include but are not limited to:
· Read and comprehend technical manuals, drawings, manufacturer’s specifications, instructions, and warning labels in the prevailing language of United States codes, standards, and licensure
· Effectively report to the supervisor turbine-related issues.
· Present testing results to supervisor and/or peers
Sensory Observation Skills: Students must be able to make independent observations and assessments when operating testing equipment or machines. Student must have the functional use of the senses of vision, touch, hearing, and smell which are necessary in assessing and maintaining work environment safely. Examples of sensory observation skills include but are not limited to:
· Perform visual inspection on turbine and nacelle components
· Possess quick sensory response time
· Detect and respond to auditory signals from testing equipment or machines
Motor Skills: The student is required to perform gross and fine motor movements, maintain consciousness and equilibrium, and possess the physical strength and stamina which are necessary to operate testing equipment or machines safely. Examples of motor skills include but are not limited to:
· Properly inspect mechanical components using measurement tools
· Properly connect hoses in pneumatic and hydraulic control circuits
· Properly connect wires between programmable logic controller PLC and solenoid valves
Intellectual-conceptual skills: The student must possess the ability to problem solve, establish a plan of action, set priorities, calculate, measure, analyze and synthesize objective as well as subjective data. These critical skills are essential for applying technical concepts and to safely operate testing equipment or machines. In addition the student must possess the ability to understand and comprehend three dimensional and spatial relationships.
Environmental Tolerability: Students must have the ability and willingness to climb towers up to 300 feet, the ability to lift and manage up to 50 pounds, and the ability and willingness to transfer to/from boats and travel via boat to offshore towers.
Important Consideration: Addition screening may be required by employers following graduation including toxicology tests. In addition, specialized physical training such as GWO Basic Skills courses require participants to weigh less than 275 pounds.
For more information contact
Renewable Energy & Sustainability Center
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY CERTIFICATE
The fully online Sustainable Energy Certificate has been designed to respond to the rapidly expanding need for skilled professionals in sustainable energy-related occupations. The certificate provides fundamental information about emerging sustainable energy systems, including solar photovoltaics (solar PV), wind energy technologies, energy storage systems, and geothermal systems. The certificate offers learners a credential in preparation for entry-level support positions in sustainable energy or to supplement experience gained in traditional energy sectors. Graduates will possess expertise in determining the benefits of integrating the sustainable energy fields associated with the certificate program into the existing energy production infrastructure. The graduates will also gain competency in evaluating the impact of energy policies in the specific sustainable energy field as well as serving in public-facing roles to improve awareness and acceptance of emerging sustainable energy sources. Graduates will be able to describe the environmental impacts associated with sustainable energy sources.
Online instruction offers the flexibility to add this academic credential to a work or academic history to broaden career directions without synchronous time commitment.
Graduates can serve in public-facing positions to advocate for greater awareness and acceptance of renewable energy applications. Governmental leaders espouse the importance of a shift away from fossil fuels and toward renewable resources. As funding for sustainable initiatives backs this political stance, such as New York State’s commitment to clean energy through the just-announced Clean Energy Communities program, the implementation of sustainable energy projects will increase the demand for workers whose training prepares them to bridge the technology with consumers.
Potential employers:
· Public utility companies
· Alternative energy companies such as solar power or geothermal distributors
· Governmental enterprises such as cities and towns
· Public advocacy groups supporting sustainable energy
· Sustainable energy project contractors and developers
For more information contact
Renewable Energy & Sustainability Center
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Wind Energy Technology Microcredential |
Wind Energy Technology Microcredential
The Wind Energy Technology microcredential will prepare participants for technical careers in wind energy-related fields. Participants will be provided with hands-on experience to learn and apply theory through the use of trainers and virtual reality simulations. Credits earned from the Wind Energy Technology microcredential may be applied toward the Farmingdale State College Wind Turbine Technology Certificate. These courses may also fulfill Farmingdale State College degree requirements.
- Admission requirements for application:
- Pre-calculus: MTH129 OR Approval by Department Chair
- Electrical Principles: DC/AC Circuits such as EET 104 OR MET 230 OR Physics course covering electricity OR Approval by Department Chair
- Completion of the Microcredential Application on Etrieve
- For non-matriculated students:
- Completion of the non-matriculated student application
- Completion of the Microcredential Application on Etrieve (Instructions will be emailed after completing the non-matriculated student application)
Requirements to earn the microcredential:
To achieve the Wind Energy Technology microcredential, participants will need to be enrolled at FSC and successfully complete a three-course sequence: WTT101 & Two WTT courses (300 level of higher) with a grade of B or better in each course.
Stackable to:
Manufacturing Engineering Technology, B.S.
Facility Management Technology, B.S.
Wind Turbine Technology Certificate
Time to complete:
2 semesters
Cost to attend:
Standard tuition rates apply. For tuition and student consumer information, please click here.
Online Sustainable Business and Offshore Wind Technology Workshop
These short self-paced online workshops are tailored for managers and employees of small businesses, with a focus on minority- and women-owned enterprises. Each module is designed to be completed in under an hour, providing concise and actionable insights to integrate sustainable practices and prepare for opportunities in the offshore wind industry.
1. Operating a Successful Business with Sustainable Practices
These workshops introduce the principles and strategies for integrating sustainability into business operations, enhancing environmental responsibility, and fostering long-term success.
· Module 1.1: What is Sustainable Business – Understand the fundamentals of sustainability and its impact on business growth.
· Module 1.2: Sustainability Strategy and Implementation – Learn to design and implement effective sustainability strategies.
· Module 1.3: People Management at the Future Workplace – Explore workforce trends and strategies for inclusive, sustainable workplaces.
· Module 1.4: Sustainable Marketing & Branding – Discover techniques to promote sustainability while strengthening your brand.
· Module 1.5: Green Supply Chains – Gain insights into building eco-friendly and efficient supply chains.
· Module 1.6: Triple Bottom Line Accounting and Reporting – Learn to measure success in terms of people, planet, and profit.
· Module 1.7: Environmental Impact Assessment (Product Life Cycle) – Evaluate your product’s environmental footprint.
· Module 1.8: Social Impact Assessment (Social Life Cycle) – Assess and enhance your business’s social contributions.
2. Getting Ready to Enter the Offshore Wind Industry
These workshops provide a foundation for small businesses to enter the offshore wind sector, with a focus on financial readiness, compliance, and project management.
· Module 2.1: Green Financing – Explore funding opportunities and strategies for green business initiatives.
· Module 2.2: Regulation and Compliance for Green Business – Understand the requirements to achieve certifications like LEED and ensure compliance.
· Module 2.3: Introduction to Project Management – Master essential project management skills to support offshore wind projects.
3. What You Need to Know About Offshore Wind Development and Supply Chain
These workshops delve into the offshore wind industry, covering its relevance, infrastructure, and supply chain opportunities for small businesses.
· Module 3.1: What is Offshore Wind and Why is it Relevant? – Learn about the importance of offshore wind in renewable energy.
· Module 3.2: Where are OSW Farm Developments and How Does a Wind Turbine Work? – Get an overview of wind farm locations and turbine mechanics.
· Module 3.3: Offshore Wind Supply Chain – Understand supply chain dynamics and opportunities in offshore wind.
· Module 3.4: Offshore Site Investigation, Planning & Permitting – Explore the processes of site selection and regulatory approval.
· Module 3.5: Wind Farm Construction and Installation – Learn the steps in building and installing wind farms.
· Module 3.6: Manufacturing in the Wind Energy Industry – Discover manufacturing opportunities in offshore wind technology.
· Module 3.7: Bringing Wind Power Infrastructure Ashore – Understand the logistics of integrating wind energy into existing grids.
· Module 3.8: Operation and Maintenance – Explore best practices for maintaining offshore wind facilities.
Contact:
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For more information contact
Renewable Energy & Sustainability Center
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