Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Wind Turbine Technician program will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025. From the start, this nationally recognized program has given students the skills and experience needed to succeed in one of the fastest growing technologies in the world. Students earn an internationally recognized certification from the Global Wind Organization and often have job offers before graduation. Wider Horizons asked some instructors and recent grads to share their favourite parts of the program and the space where they teach and learn. Here’s what they had to say.
Roger Murray (Wind Turbine Technician 2013)
Manager of the Stirling Wind Farm, Siemen’s Energy
I really liked the rescue training and all of the practical, hands-on experience. I found that I really liked working with my hands and felt I learned faster by actually doing something rather than just reading about it in a book. I remember my first climb. It was nerve-wracking getting to the top. And I remember the instructors made us lean over the edge to make sure we could trust our equipment. I carried that lesson with me, and now when I teach new technicians at work, I make them lean into their equipment to make sure they feel confident.
Casper Beukes (Wind Turbine Technician 2022)
Wind Turbine Service Technician – Site Lead, Stirling Wind Farm, Siemen’s Energy
The design and layout of the Trades, Technologies and Innovation Facility is amazing, especially the beautiful woodwork in the hallway. And the equipment we used for our training was state-of-the-art, from the massive nacelle in the shop, to the small cubicles we could use to sit and study in private before a test. I appreciated it all.
Ron Papp (Electrician apprentice 2000)
Electrical engineer; Wind Turbine Technician instructor
The best aspect of the program is the students. I love their energy and commitment. Other aspects are the materials covered and the physical teaching. Having full-sized wind turbine components to instruct with is phenomenal and of great benefit to the students. Grads working in the field say they feel well prepared by the training they have received and safety certifications.
NEXT ISSUE: The last word is yours …
Chilling in The Cave
For earlier generations of grads, The Barn was the best place to find your friends and hang out after classes. More recent grads have The Cave to call their social home-away-from-home. Email your stories (200 words max) about hanging out and having fun in The Cave to WHMagazine@lethpolytech.ca, and we’ll share them in our next issue. We can’t wait to read your submissions!
