It’s now easier than ever for interested women to take the first step into an exciting career in renewable energy. Women Building Futures and Vestas are partnering with Lethbridge College to offer a Vestas Wind Turbine Technician Readiness program later this year, which will provide students with the entry-level skills needed to begin a career as a wind turbine technician with Vestas.
Anyone interested in the program are encouraged to attend a free information session from 6 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 23 in Lethbridge College’s Trades, Technologies and Innovation Facility.
“This is a natural and exciting extension of our work with both Women Building Futures and Vestas,” says Jason Donkersgoed, director, LC Extension. “This program helps knock down some of the barriers to entry for women who are interested in careers in the trades and renewable energy. And Lethbridge College’s long-established work in wind turbine technician training, our in-house experts and our state-of-the-art wind turbine shop provide the perfect setting for this highly-relevant training.”
During the upcoming information session, attendees will learn about the details of the program and what they’ll need to successfully apply. They will also have the opportunity to tour the workshop space, where hands-on training will take place during the program, and ask any questions.
“We’re thrilled to expand our program offerings to include employment training in renewable energy,” says Jess Thomson, Director Stakeholder & Government Relations for WBF. “This program will bring great opportunity to women in Canada who are looking to explore a career in an ever-growing industry with plenty of room for career growth.”
The four-week Vestas Wind Turbine Technician Readiness program will prepare students to begin their careers. During the program, students will have the opportunity to formally interview with Vestas for a position as a Level 1 Service Technician. Students who successfully interview and complete the program will become employed and participate in three-weeks of fully paid hands-on training and onboarding with Vestas in Portland, Ore.
The program will integrate the expertise in Lethbridge College’s Wind Turbine Technician program, which is nationally recognized and designed to meet the international certification standard for wind turbine technicians. The program takes place in the college’s wind turbine shop, which includes a full-size nacelle, giving students relevant, hands-on training that prepares them for their careers, and an on-campus training tower.
This is the second collaboration between Lethbridge College and Women Building Futures following the successful Journeywoman Start program that took place in summer 2021.
The information session is free, but attendees must register in advance. All attendees are required to provide proof of vaccination status or a negative Covid-19 test.
The program is co-presented by Vestas, Women Building Futures and Lethbridge College.