Workforce Training and Education

The United States needs a skilled and qualified wind energy workforce to produce domestic clean power. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that wind turbine service technicians will be the fastest growing job in a decade with 108% growth rate. Vital industry positions include researchers, scientists, engineers, as well as trade workers, educators, transportation workers, business and sales forces, and many others.

Due to the growing demand for jobs in the wind energy sector, there are many workforce training and education resources available for those interested in beginning or advancing their careers.

Wind Energy Education and Training Programs

This map shows the location of wind energy education and training programs in the United States. Find programs at community colleges, universities, and other institutions. You may need to zoom in to see institutions that appear to overlap within an area (such as multiple institutions within one city).

Workforce Training and Education Resources

These resources provide additional information about wind energy workforce training and education.

Wind Career Map

Explore various jobs in the wind industry, learn what employers look for, and see potential routes to career advancement.

The Wind Energy Workforce in the United States: Training, Hiring, and Future Needs

Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory published this report to provide a national assessment of the wind industry workforce and hiring needs and to uncover educational pathways that would help close any gaps. In the report, researchers identified a notable disparity: students are graduating with degrees specific to the wind industry, but they’re having difficulty getting hired. At the same time, the wind industry is reporting difficulty in finding qualified applicants. This gap between students and industry highlights the need for increased awareness about wind energy occupations and future analysis on training opportunities that are needed to fill the rising demand for new workers to support the industry.

A National Skills Assessment of the U.S. Wind Industry in 2012

Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory published this report to allow the private sector, educational institutions, and federal and state governmental organizations to make informed workforce-related decisions based on data and future projections.

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Wind Turbine Technicians

This site offers quick facts about a career as a wind turbine technician, including median pay, required education, and projected numbers of jobs.