IN WIND TRAINING

Climb to top of class; School has trainees ascend wind turbines
Joshua Hull, May 31, 2009 (Morris News Service via Amarillo Globe-News)

"Sixteen stories straight up…standing on top of a huge wind turbine with 20 mph winds…a fear of heights isn't going to help…[S]trapped into a safety harness…from the 165-foot-tall Vestas wind turbine at the American Wind Power Center…with no railing…it can feel a little dicey.

"More than a few trained to work on the mammoth energy-giving machines have found out too late that they can't handle the job, said Coy Harris, executive director of [the WindSmith Academy]…Formed by Harris as a kind of "preschool" for those interested in working on wind turbines, the wind center recently hosted its second class of trainees to…learn about the massive towers…[and] get a chance to climb on top of one."

click to enlarge

"Bill Moss, an engineer and energy scientist who drove in from Springfield, Mo., said the 11-hour drive was worth it to find out if changing his career from conventional energy production to wind energy was a good move… The two-day class covers all areas of wind energy, including development, history, interfacing with current energy grids, maintenance, research, design and turbines before culminating with the student's big climb.

"To get to the top of the turbine, a ladder in the tower goes straight from the base to the generator room, where access to the exterior is available…[T]he physical stress of climbing such a large ladder overwhelms some students when they first come in…[But] entry-level test as technicians in the field are often asked to climb much larger towers."

What it looks like in the working world. (click to enlarge)

"For Sarah Lawrence, a self-proclaimed "tree-hugger" from Arlington, there was no better way to reaffirm her desire to get into wind energy…The fourth woman to complete the program, Lawrence said she has been looking for a chance to start a new career managing data and marketing for wind farms since growing bored with her current job…

"Another class is already scheduled for September, and Harris said he hopes to get more universities involved in the training to help those taking classes to work on turbines be sure they're making the right decision and better the chances of those that succeed for landing a job…"