Wind turbine engineer

How to become a wind turbine engineer

There are multiple routes to becoming a wind turbine engineer. You could complete a university course or an apprenticeship. 

You should explore these routes to becoming a wind turbine engineer to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions. 

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site. 

University 

To become a wind turbine engineer, you could complete an undergraduate or postgraduate university course in a relevant subject, such as:  

• Energy engineering 
• Earth sciences 
• Environmental engineering 
• Renewable or sustainable energy. 

  Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained 
• Find a university course 
• Funding advice  

Apprenticeship 

You could train to become a wind turbine engineer by completing a degree apprenticeship in power or nuclear engineering. 

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you’ll be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider. 

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Find an apprenticeship near you
• Guide to apprenticeships

Work experience 

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a wind turbine engineer. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV. 

• Find out more about work experience  

Skills  

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a wind turbine engineer include:  

• Knowledge of engineering 
• Understanding of building and construction 
• Good mathematical abilities 
• Excellent attention to detail 
• Logical thinking skills 
• Excellent communication skills 
• Ability to use your initiative. 

Qualifications

What does a wind turbine engineer do?

As a wind turbine engineer, you will plan, design and oversee the build of wind-generated power plants. 

The job role of a wind turbine engineer involves the following duties:  

• Analysing the best locations for sites 
• Researching and designing new windfarms 
• Overseeing production programmes for new sites 
• Managing technicians and site workers 
• Designing and selecting suitable equipment
• Ensuring projects meet environmental standards 
• Carrying out cost-efficient, productive processes in line with budgets 
• Doing tests in a laboratory
• Liaising with geologists, geophysicists and specialist contractors 
• Working in a power station, office, or laboratory. 

How much could you earn as a wind turbine engineer?

The expected salary for a wind turbine engineer varies as you become more experienced. 

• Newly trained wind turbine engineers can earn in the region of £20,000 
• Experienced wind turbine engineers can earn up to £80,000* 
• Self-employed wind turbine engineers set their own rates. 

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do. 

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Check out the latest wind turbine engineer vacancies:  

• Indeed 
• Totaljobs 

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up. 

Career path and progression

As a wind turbine engineer, you could move into renewable energy planning or policy development. 

You could also work as a self-employed consultant.