Wind Turbine Technician Programs in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Becoming a Wind Turbine Technician in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Wind energy is powering a new era of career opportunities along the Atlantic coast, and Virginia Beach is leading the charge. As the offshore wind industry surges, demand for skilled wind turbine technicians is at an all-time high—making now an excellent time to consider this rewarding career path. But what exactly does a wind turbine technician do, and how can you become one in Virginia Beach, Virginia?

A wind turbine technician, sometimes called a wind tech, installs, maintains, and repairs wind turbines—those towering structures that convert wind into renewable electricity. These professionals work both onshore and offshore, often at impressive heights and in challenging environments. Their expertise covers electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems, as well as safety protocols unique to the wind industry.

There are several educational routes to becoming a wind turbine technician. Many start with a diploma or certificate program at a technical school or community college. Others complete an associate degree with a focus on renewable energy or electro-mechanical technology. Industry-recognized certifications, such as those from the Global Wind Organisation (GWO), further enhance employability and safety skills.

This guide explores the wind turbine technician training landscape in Virginia Beach, including local schools, certification options, industry employers, prerequisites, and tips for starting your career in the fast-growing field of wind energy.

About Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia, renowned for its expansive coastline, the iconic Virginia Beach Boardwalk, and a robust maritime economy. Located along the Atlantic Ocean, this city is not only a popular tourist destination but also a strategic hub for renewable energy development—hosting the landmark Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project. With neighborhoods ranging from the historic Oceanfront to bustling Town Center and the serene Sandbridge, Virginia Beach offers a unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. Learn more about the city and its initiatives at the official Virginia Beach website.

Wind Turbine Technician Training Programs in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach and the surrounding Hampton Roads region offer a strong network of wind turbine technician training options, supported by local schools and collaborative alliances. Here are the primary programs available:

1. Centura College – Norfolk Campus

  • Location: 7020 North Military Highway, Norfolk, VA 23518 (about 20 miles from Virginia Beach)
  • Program: Wind Turbine Technician Diploma
  • Description: Centura College’s Norfolk campus features a dedicated, hands-on Wind Turbine Technician program that can be completed in as little as 12 months. The curriculum covers wind energy safety, electrical systems, power controls, fasteners, bearings, and essential troubleshooting skills. Students receive extensive lab training using real wind turbine components and benefit from flexible day and evening classes. The campus also provides robust career services and support for graduates.
  • Facility Features: Five computer labs, a specialized wind turbine training lab, electrical and carpentry labs, and extensive career placement services.

2. Tidewater Community College (TCC)

  • Location: Virginia Beach Campus, 1700 College Crescent, Virginia Beach, VA 23453
  • Program: Offshore Wind Energy Technician Career Studies Certificate
  • Description: TCC offers a specialized Offshore Wind Energy Technician certificate, designed in collaboration with local industry leaders. The program emphasizes mechatronics, electrical technology, and hands-on training with equipment relevant to offshore wind farms. TCC has invested nearly $2 million in state-of-the-art training tools, and faculty regularly engage with offshore wind projects to ensure curriculum relevance.

3. Mid-Atlantic Wind Training Alliance

  • Location: Collaborative training at multiple sites, including Centura College (Norfolk), New College Institute (Martinsville), and Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy (Hampton Roads)
  • Program: Mid-Atlantic Wind Training Alliance Programs
  • Description: The Alliance is a partnership providing industry-certified training for both onshore and offshore wind roles. It offers GWO-certified courses, safety training, and technical skill-building in line with employer needs. The collaborative approach expands access to quality training throughout the region.

Note: If you are seeking additional GWO Basic Safety Training or advanced rescue courses, New College Institute in Martinsville, VA, is the closest full-service provider (about 220 miles from Virginia Beach).

Wind Turbine Technician Employment Opportunities in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is rapidly becoming a national center for wind energy employment, with several major projects and employers driving demand for trained technicians.

1. Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) – Dominion Energy

  • Location: Offshore, 27 miles from Virginia Beach; Operations based in the city
  • Employer: Dominion Energy
  • Opportunities: CVOW is the largest offshore wind project in the U.S., with 176 turbines generating power for 660,000 homes. The project will create over 1,100 permanent operations and maintenance jobs, many based in Virginia Beach. Dominion Energy regularly posts job openings for wind turbine technicians and related roles on its careers page.

2. Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy – Portsmouth Blade Facility

  • Location: Portsmouth Marine Terminal (about 20 miles from Virginia Beach)
  • Employer: Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy
  • Opportunities: Siemens Gamesa operates the nation’s first offshore wind turbine blade manufacturing facility, employing technicians in assembly, maintenance, and quality assurance.

3. Orsted – Portsmouth Marine Terminal

  • Location: Portsmouth, VA
  • Employer: Orsted
  • Opportunities: Orsted maintains a 40-acre staging and support facility for East Coast wind projects. Technician roles include logistics, assembly, and field service support.

Additional Employers

Prerequisites for Wind Turbine Technician Programs

Before enrolling in a wind turbine technician program, you’ll need to meet certain prerequisites:

  • Age: Most programs require students to be at least 18 years old (or have a cosigner if younger).
  • Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent is required.
  • Identification: Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport).
  • Background Check: Applicants must pass a background check, and may need to be eligible for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) for offshore work.
  • Physical Fitness: Must be able to climb ladders and towers (often over 100 feet), lift equipment, and work in confined spaces or at heights. Medical clearance may be required to ensure you can safely perform these duties.
  • Entrance Assessment: Some programs may require basic math or technical skill assessments.
  • English Proficiency: Ability to read and understand safety manuals and technical documents.

Wind Turbine Technician Certification Options

Earning industry-recognized certifications enhances your skills, safety awareness, and employability. The most common certifications include:

Global Wind Organisation (GWO) Certification

  • Overview: GWO Basic Safety Training (BST) is the global standard for wind industry safety. It covers working at heights, first aid, manual handling, fire awareness, and (for offshore) sea survival.
  • Providers: In Virginia, GWO training is available at:
  • Why It Matters: Many employers, especially for offshore positions, require GWO BST as a condition of employment.

Additional Certifications

  • OSHA 10-Hour General Industry or Construction Safety – Basic workplace safety credential.
  • CPR/First Aid Certification – Often integrated into programs or required separately.
  • Advanced GWO Certificates – For rescue operations, enhanced electrical safety, or leadership.

Note: Certification is typically voluntary but strongly recommended for career advancement. For more information about GWO standards, visit the Global Wind Organisation official site.

Get Started Today

Virginia Beach is at the epicenter of America’s offshore wind expansion, offering unparalleled opportunities for those ready to start a career as a wind turbine technician. With strong local programs, robust employer demand, and industry-leading salaries, now is the time to take the first step. Review your options, check the prerequisites, and contact a local school to learn more about enrollment and upcoming course start dates. Your future in wind energy begins with a single step—reach out to a training provider and launch your new career today.

Explore the job outlook for Wind Turbine Technicians in detail at the Bureau of Labor Statistics Wind Turbine Technicians page.