How to Become a Wind Trade Worker in Auburn AL 2025

If you're looking to jumpstart a career in the wind energy industry in Auburn, AL, this guide will provide you with the essential steps and resources to become a wind turbine technician or other wind trade professional by 2025. With the average hourly wage for wind turbine technicians in Alabama at $23.63 ¹, and a projected growth in clean energy jobs across the state as seen in the U.S. Department of Energy's report, this field offers promising opportunities. Although Auburn does not have a significant number of wind trade jobs currently ², there are 10 renewable energy jobs available in Auburn ranging from $40,000 to $175,000 annually ¹, with additional opportunities listed on Indeed for Auburn trade jobs and renewable energy jobs in Columbus, GA. Nearby cities like Oxford and Columbus also offer wind trade jobs with median wages ranging from $19-$24 per hour ³, and you can explore more via Auburn University's career resources.

Wind trade careers in Auburn typically begin with specialized training and education. Completing a certificate or associate degree program focused on wind turbine technology is the foundational step, often taking less than a year to two years to complete ⁴, and programs are detailed in resources like the U.S. Department of Energy's report. Key certifications, such as the Global Wind Organisation (GWO) Basic Safety Training (BST) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety certification, are also strongly preferred by employers ⁵⁶, with more information on OSHA available through their site. On-the-job training typically follows formal education, lasting about a year to gain practical experience ⁴.

Understand the Role of a Wind Trade Professional

Before diving into the steps, it’s essential to understand what a wind trade professional does. Wind turbine technicians are skilled tradespeople who install, maintain, and repair wind turbines, ensuring they operate efficiently and safely. This includes working at great heights, often in challenging weather conditions, and using specialized tools and diagnostic equipment. Technicians may perform routine maintenance, troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues, and ensure compliance with safety protocols. As the renewable energy sector grows, wind trade professionals may also work on hybrid energy systems, including wind paired with battery storage ⁷, as outlined in the NREL document.

Do You Need a License or Certification to Work in Wind Trade in Auburn, AL?

Yes, while licensing is not strictly mandated by law for wind turbine technicians in Alabama, most employers strongly prefer or require certification, and it is likely to become more standardized ⁵. Certifications demonstrate a technician’s ability to work safely and effectively in the field.

Key Certifications and Training

• Global Wind Organisation (GWO) Basic Safety Training (BST) – Required by most U.S. wind plants, covering essential safety protocols such as working at heights, fire awareness, first aid, and rescue techniques ⁴. You can find related training opportunities via Auburn's career page.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10 or 30-hour certification – Ensures knowledge of safety standards and best practices in the workplace ⁶, and more details are on Indeed's job listings.
• First Aid and CPR certification – Often required for all wind trade professionals due to remote locations and safety hazards ⁴.
• FAA Part 107 drone license – Helpful for turbine inspections and increasingly sought after by employers ², with job opportunities linked on ZipRecruiter for renewable energy in Auburn.

Educational Requirements and Training Programs in Auburn, AL

To become a wind trade worker in Auburn, AL in 2025, the typical educational pathway involves:

1. High school diploma or GED – A minimum prerequisite for any training program ⁴.
2. Certificate or diploma program in wind turbine technology – Typically takes less than a year and is offered at many technical schools and community colleges, with resources available on Auburn University's site.
3. Associate of Applied Science degree – A two-year program offering a more comprehensive education in wind turbine technology, mechanical systems, and electrical systems ⁴, and you can search for programs via Indeed.

Local institutions such as Auburn University may offer related degree programs in engineering or environmental sciences, which can provide foundational knowledge for advanced wind trade roles ¹.

For aspiring wind turbine technicians, hands-on training is critical. Many programs include real turbine practice as part of their curriculum to ensure job readiness ⁴, and additional details can be found in the Department of Energy's resources.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Wind Trade Professional in Auburn, AL?

The timeline to become a wind trade professional in Auburn varies depending on the educational path chosen:

After completing formal education, wind trade professionals usually undergo about one year of on-the-job training to gain practical experience under the supervision of experienced technicians ⁴, and job listings for such training are on Simply Hired.

Wind Trade Career Prospects in Auburn, AL (Salaries, Job Outlook)

While Auburn is not currently a major hub for wind trade jobs, statewide projections show a positive growth environment for wind-related roles in Alabama due to supportive policies and technological advancements ². The following table summarizes the estimated wind-related job growth in Alabama:

Wind turbine technicians can expect salaries ranging from $46,767 ($22 per hour) in Leeds, AL to $64,109 annually in Alabama (averaging $31 per hour) ⁷³. More advanced roles, such as wind turbine designers or engineers, can command salaries near the top of the $40,000 to $175,000 annual range offered in Auburn’s renewable energy sector ¹, and you can check current openings on ZipRecruiter.

Despite limited job availability in Auburn itself, the broader Southeast U.S., including states like Texas, Iowa, and Illinois, offers significantly more wind trade opportunities ², with resources like Indeed.

How to Find a Wind Trade Apprenticeship or Training Program in Auburn, AL

To begin a career in wind trades in Auburn, AL, aspiring professionals should look for accredited training programs that offer hands-on experience and industry certifications. Many programs are designed to integrate GWO certification, which improves job readiness and prospects in the wind energy sector ⁴.

To find a wind trade apprenticeship or program:

• Use Gild, which offers a comprehensive list of wind trade opportunities in Auburn and nearby areas [link]. Search the latest apprenticeship openings here.
• Explore career and internship opportunities through Auburn University’s Career and Internship Office here.
• Review job listings on platforms like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and Simply Hired for available wind trade positions and apprenticeships ⁸⁷³, including Indeed for trade jobs and Simply Hired.

Steps to Becoming a Wind Trade Professional in Auburn, AL

1. Meet the Basic Requirements

• Age: No specific age minimum listed, but most training programs require at least 18 years old.
• Education: High school diploma or GED is the minimum, with preferred coursework in mathematics, physics, and technology, and programs can be found via Auburn's resources.
• Physical Ability: Must be comfortable working at heights and in physically demanding conditions.

2. Enroll in a Wind Trade Education Program

While not legally required, completing a wind energy technology program provides foundational knowledge and enhances job prospects. Programs typically cover:

• Wind turbine operation
• Electrical and mechanical systems
• Safety protocols and certifications
• Hydraulic systems and equipment diagnostics, with more info in the NREL report.

3. Start an Apprenticeship or On-the-Job Training

Most wind trade professionals gain experience through on-the-job training lasting about one year, during which they work under experienced technicians to master installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance.

Gild is a valuable resource for finding apprenticeship opportunities in the wind trade. You can search here for available apprenticeships in Auburn and nearby areas, or check Indeed.

4. Obtain Industry Certifications

After completing training or formal education, wind trade professionals should obtain essential safety certifications. The most commonly required are:

• GWO Basic Safety Training (BST)
• OSHA 10 or 30-hour certification
• First Aid/CPR certification
• FAA Part 107 drone license (preferred by some employers), and certification details are on OSHA-related job sites.

These certifications not only increase employability but also demonstrate commitment to safety and industry best practices.

5. Consider Advancement Opportunities

Experienced wind trade professionals can pursue leadership roles such as supervisor or project manager, or enter related fields such as energy consulting or turbine design. Advanced degrees in mechanical or energy engineering can help qualify individuals for these positions ¹, and job prospects are available on ZipRecruiter.

Your Next Steps

Starting a career as a wind trade professional in Auburn, AL, offers a pathway into a rapidly growing industry with competitive salaries and advancement opportunities. Whether you're finishing high school or looking for a career change, following these steps will set you on a path to success in a field that is critical to America's clean energy future, and you can start by visiting Gild.

As opportunities in Auburn continue to develop, expanding your search to nearby cities like Oxford and Columbus, AL, and exploring national resources will provide the best prospects. Be sure to check Gild for the latest wind trade apprenticeship opportunities in your area here, or explore Auburn's career page.

Sources