LETHBRIDGE COLLEGE
College to host wind turbine open house March 7

Lethbridge College's state-of-the-art Wind Turbine Technician lab will be free to explore March 7 as part of the Wind Turbine Networking and Discovery event.

While the first half of the day will be geared toward industry, the second half will include a career fair and open house from 4 to 7 p.m. in TT1951, in the Trades, Technologies and Innovation Facility.

"Everyone is welcome to stop by and explore the tools, equipment and technology used in the wind turbine industry, including our full-size, 309,000-pound nacelle," says Colin Wynder, chair of Lethbridge College's School of Renewable Energy. "We will also have representatives from more than a dozen industry partners on site, who can share more about themselves and what it's like to work in the field."

TEAM-1 Academy Inc., a world-renowned safety training company, will be one of the industry partners attending the open house and career fair. As part of a valued, long-term agreement with Lethbridge College, TEAM-1 Academy trainers visit campus several times a year to train students and faculty. They also use the Wind Turbine Technician lab to train workers from other wind power generation companies.

Thanks to this partnership, graduates of the college's Wind Turbine Technician program earn an internationally recognized certification from the Global Wind Organization (GWO).

"GWO certificates are worth nearly $10,000 per student," says Chris DeLisle (Electrician Apprenticeship 2008), Lethbridge lead instructor, TEAM-1 Academy Inc. "This, in addition to the other certificates the program provides, helps make tuition a much better deal than many people realize. It's the best path for anyone looking to enter the field as it gives students a leg up with industry knowledge and required safety certificates."

Career pathways for Wind Turbine Technician graduates include, but aren't limited to, wind turbine construction, maintenance and manufacturing, as well as apprentice electrician and blade repair technician.

"There are so many opportunities in this booming industry," says Wynder. "Alberta is a hot spot right now, with several wind power projects under construction, but there is a high demand for wind turbine technicians right across the country. I encourage anyone interested in a career in the wind industry to come to our open house March 7 to see what we have to offer."

Upcoming graduates of the Wind Turbine Technician program will also be in attendance to connect with industry partners and potential employers.

Those interested in pursuing a career in the rapidly growing wind industry can also apply to Lethbridge College in-person at the event. The $100 application fee for programs in the School of Renewable Energy will be reduced by 50 per cent between 4 and 7 p.m. for those who attend.