Wind Turbine Technician Programs in Arlington, Texas

Becoming a Wind Turbine Technician in Arlington, Texas

Wind energy has transformed the Texas landscape, and Arlington stands at the heart of this transformation. For those interested in a technical, hands-on career that supports clean energy, becoming a wind turbine technician in Arlington, Texas, offers a pathway into one of the fastest-growing professions in the country. This guide will walk you through what a wind turbine technician does, your education and training options, certification requirements, and local employment opportunities.

Wind turbine technicians—often called “windtechs”—are responsible for installing, inspecting, maintaining, and repairing wind turbines that generate electricity. The typical education pathways to enter this field include earning a certificate or associate degree from a technical school or community college, participating in hands-on training programs, or completing industry-recognized certification courses. Arlington and the surrounding Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) region offer a range of training options to help you launch your career in wind energy.

About Arlington, Texas

Located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Arlington, Texas is known for its vibrant entertainment districts, including the AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, and the University of Texas at Arlington. With a population exceeding 390,000, Arlington is a hub for business and education, making it an ideal setting to pursue technical training in wind energy. Its proximity to Fort Worth and Dallas ensures access to leading schools, employers, and support services for aspiring wind turbine technicians.

Wind Turbine Technician Training Programs in Arlington, Texas

While Arlington itself offers limited direct wind turbine technician programs, the surrounding DFW region provides robust options for hands-on training and industry certifications. Here are the top programs accessible to Arlington residents:

1. Tarrant County College – Advanced Energy Technician Program

  • Location: Fort Worth (Serving Arlington area)
  • Distance from Arlington: Approximately 10 miles
  • Website: Tarrant County College Advanced Energy Technician
  • Overview: TCC offers both an Associate Degree (60 credit hours) and a Certificate program (29 credit hours) focused on renewable energy, including wind energy systems. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on training in installation, maintenance, and repair, with a focus on safety and critical thinking. TCC is recognized for affordable tuition and strong workforce connections.

2. Wind Trade Academy (GWO-Approved Training Provider)

  • Location: Fort Worth, TX
  • Distance from Arlington: Approximately 18 miles
  • Website: Wind Trade Academy
  • Overview: Wind Trade Academy specializes in Global Wind Organisation (GWO) certifications, offering Basic Safety Training (BST), Advanced Rescue Training (ART), and technical modules. Their programs are tailored to industry standards and prepare students for immediate job readiness in wind energy.

3. Universal Technical Institute (UTI) – Wind Turbine Technician Training

  • Location: Dallas/Fort Worth Campus
  • Distance from Arlington: Approximately 17 miles
  • Website: UTI Wind Turbine Technician Program
  • Overview: UTI provides a comprehensive wind turbine technician training program spanning seven to eight months. The curriculum covers energy industry fundamentals, electrical theory, safety protocols, wind technology, and hands-on climb and rescue training. UTI’s strong employer partnerships and job placement support make it a popular choice for aspiring windtechs.

Note: If you are willing to travel farther, Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in Sweetwater and Amarillo College offer specialized wind energy programs approximately 200+ miles from Arlington.

Wind Turbine Technician Employment Opportunities in Arlington

The Arlington area is strategically located for wind energy careers, providing access to regional employers and service providers supporting Texas’ wind farms. While most large wind farms are in West Texas, many companies maintain offices or service centers in the DFW metroplex. Here are some organizations of interest:

1. Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County

  • Location: 140 West Mitchell Street, Arlington, TX
  • Website: Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County
  • Overview: This local workforce board offers job placement, training scholarships, and direct connections to wind energy employers. Their Adult Vocational Academies and Train Tarrant program can help you access industry-recognized credentials.

2. LRE (Leeward Renewable Energy)

  • Location: Dallas (Corporate HQ, servicing Texas wind projects)
  • Website: Leeward Renewable Energy Careers
  • Overview: LRE operates wind energy projects across Texas and the U.S. and regularly hires for wind technician and maintenance roles. Their Dallas presence provides local access to corporate and field service positions.

3. Tech Safety Lines

  • Location: Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex
  • Website: Tech Safety Lines
  • Overview: In addition to training, Tech Safety Lines contracts with wind energy companies for safety compliance, rescue, and technical support, creating local employment opportunities for certified technicians.

Tip: Many wind turbine technician jobs require willingness to travel to wind farms across Texas for maintenance and repair assignments.

Prerequisites for Wind Turbine Technician Programs

Most wind turbine technician training programs in Arlington and the surrounding area require:

  • High School Diploma or GED: Essential for enrollment.
  • Minimum Age: 18 years or older.
  • Physical Fitness: Ability to climb towers up to 300 feet, work in confined spaces, and lift heavy equipment.
  • Basic Math and Science Skills: Some programs may require placement testing.
  • Background Check and Drug Screening: Especially for field placements or jobs with major employers.
  • Medical Evaluation: Some programs require proof of physical ability to perform job tasks safely.

It is advisable to check with each school for specific entry requirements, as they may vary.

Wind Turbine Technician Certification Options

Certification is a key component of a wind turbine technician’s credentials. While not always legally required in Texas, most employers expect or require the following certifications:

  • Global Wind Organisation (GWO) Certifications

    • Basic Safety Training (BST): Covers first aid, manual handling, fire awareness, and working at heights.
    • Advanced Rescue Training (ART): Focuses on rescue procedures specific to turbine environments.
    • Learn more: Global Wind Organisation (GWO)

  • OSHA Safety Certifications

  • American Heart Association First Aid/CPR: Many employers require this for on-site emergency preparedness.

  • Specializations

  • Other Industry Endorsements: Some employers value additional credentials such as NFPA 70E (Electrical Safety) or NATE Climber/Rescuer Training.

Certification is typically voluntary for wind turbine technicians in Texas, but it significantly improves your job prospects, earning potential, and career advancement opportunities.

Get Started Today

A career as a wind turbine technician in Arlington, Texas, offers excellent job security, competitive wages, and the satisfaction of supporting renewable energy. With strong local training programs and a thriving energy sector, there has never been a better time to enter this field. Take the next step by researching your training options, confirming program prerequisites, and reaching out to a local school to begin your journey toward certification. The wind energy industry is growing—and your future as a wind turbine technician can grow with it.

For national wage and job outlook statistics, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Wind Turbine Technicians.