Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Provide Consultation and Advice to Others Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Working Life

A Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician maintains and repairs wind turbines.

Some of the tasks of a Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician include:

• Carrying out inspections on wind turbine towers
• Ascending wind turbines to perform repairs
• Routine maintenance check-ups
• Data collection for research and analysis
• Addressing any malfunctioning aspects of the wind turbine
• Performing maintenance service on control and transmission systems
• Maintaining Ecological balance with health & safety and operational parametres in line with HSA safety Guidelines 

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Create or maintain wind farm layouts, schematics, or other visual documentation for wind farms.
• Recommend process or infrastructure changes to improve wind turbine performance, reduce operational costs, or comply with regulations.
• Create models to optimise the layout of wind farm access roads, crane pads, crane paths, collection systems, substations, switchyards, or transmission lines.
• Provide engineering technical support to designers of prototype wind turbines.
• Investigate experimental wind turbines or wind turbine technologies for properties such as aerodynamics, production, noise, and load.
• Develop active control algorithms, electronics, software, electromechanical, or electrohydraulic systems for wind turbines.
• Develop specifications for wind technology components, such as gearboxes, blades, generators, frequency converters, or pad transformers.
• Test wind turbine components, using mechanical or electronic testing equipment.
• Oversee the work activities of wind farm consultants or subcontractors.
• Test wind turbine equipment to determine effects of stress or fatigue.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

There are many pathways to develop skills, experience, and qualifications in the expanding Eco career of Wind energy Technician.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: engineering operations, technology, wind turbine maintenance.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: engineering, wind turbine maintenance, engineering, pre-apprenticeship.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Wind Turbine Technician.

Search for Apprenticeships

Entry Requirements:

• Recognised electrical or mechanical trade qualification with a number of years’ experience or Honours Degree in electrical, automotive or mechanical engineering
• Ability to work at heights of up to 100m is essential
• Excellent colour vision is essential
• Full Category B Driving licence is essential
• Excellent level of physical fitness 
• Professional experience using hand and power tools
• Ability to work from complex instructions and diagrams
• Competent written and spoken English (CEFR Level B1 or higher)
• Good computer skills
• Good hand/eye co-ordination, manual dexterity and spatial aptitude
• Willing to travel for work - 95% of the time 
• Good interpersonal skills
• Willing and able to work in all weathers and in remote locations
• Able to work in confined spaces

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: renewable energy systems, mechanical renewable engineering.

Search for CAO Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Skillsconnect - Skillnet's green energy network & continuous professional development.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €65k

Salaries vary depending on employer, location, experience, and duties.

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Morgan McKinley/ Sigmar/ Lincoln/ WEI

Last Updated: March, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Mechanical engineers; Electrical engineers; Electronics engineers; Engineering professionals n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Despite a strong five-year annual average employment growth rate, the numbers employed declined marginally between 2021 and 2022. Over half (55%) were employed in the professional activities sector with the remainder spread across industry and other sectors. The number of employment permits issued in 2022 grew strongly (and remained strong in the first five months of 2023) in roles including electrical, mechanical, automation, and validation engineers. There is evidence in the Recruitment Agency Survey of difficulties in filling vacancies for roles in electrical, automation, mechanical, and environmental health & safety (EHS) engineers.

Skills for Growth and Spotlight on Skills data highlight issues with sourcing mechanical, automation and process engineers, with project management, Lean Six Sigma, and CAD/AutoCAD skills in particular demand for these roles. Despite a 3% fall in 2022, this occupation was amongst the most frequently mentioned in online job adverts. Overall demand for this occupation may moderate, although this may be offset by any increase in the extension of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5 technologies to more traditional manufacturing sectors and smaller sized companies; in addition, increased activity associated with the generation of green energy (mechanical/electrical) will also drive demand for these skills. As such, difficulty in sourcing suitably qualified and experienced engineers is expected to continue, albeit in smaller numbers.

• Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)

  • Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
  • (01) 808 2002
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Engineers Ireland

  • 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
  • (01) 665 1300
  • Click Here