Develop the skills to install, maintain, and troubleshoot wind turbines. Graduate ready for entry-level roles in wind farm operations and maintenance, with in-demand expertise that supports Canada’s transition to clean energy.
What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Apply industry safety protocols and procedures for wind turbine operations, including emergency response, rescue operations, and electrical safety.
- Analyze and maintain mechanical systems including gearboxes, drive trains, hydraulic systems, and cooling systems according to manufacturer specifications.
- Perform electrical measurements, tests, and maintenance procedures on turbine power and control systems.
- Interpret technical documentation including schematics, procedures, and manufacturer specifications for various turbine configurations.
- Execute maintenance procedures for critical turbine components including blades, towers, and control systems.
- Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and control system issues using systematic diagnostic approaches.
- Document maintenance activities, test results, and safety procedures according to industry standards.
- Implement project management techniques for maintenance operations including work planning, resource allocation, and quality control.
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
Program Duration: 30 weeks (2 terms)
Maximum Time for Completion: 3 years
Lecture, group work, case studies, discussions, presentations, guest speakers, online activities.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- Composition 11 (English 11) with a minimum 'C-' grade, or equivalent
- Foundations of Math and Pre-Calculus 10 with a minimum 'C-' grade, or equivalent
??OR
Department assessment of mechanical reasoning
General
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Program Considerations
- Tasks involve precise hand-eye coordination and frequent use of hand and power tools.
- Program tasks require frequent movement alternating between standing, bending, kneeling and reaching.
- Program environment involves some tasks perform at significant height.
- Program environment includes regular exposure to loud machinery noise, power tools, and equipment vibrations.
- Travel to different locations may be required for some program activities.
Courses *
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Students may request formal recognition of prior learning attained through informal education, work, or other life experience, including Indigenous ways of knowing. Credits may be granted to students who are able to sufficiently demonstrate the learning outcomes of specific courses.
PLAR is available for all courses.
Students may complete up to 65% of the total credits of the program through PLAR and/or transfer credit. Please see individual course outlines for PLAR details. Tuition and fees apply to PLAR. Methods for assessing prior learning may include portfolios and interviews.
If PLAR is successful, transcripts will reflect an ‘S’ grade (satisfactorily completed), which is not included in grade point average (GPA) calculations.
International Students should contact VCC International Education Advising to learn how PLAR can impact immigration status, prior to proceeding with the PLAR request.
See Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition policy for more information.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| WTEC 1100 | Introduction to Wind Turbine Systems and Safety | 2.5 |
| WTEC 1105 | Electrical Fundamentals and Safety | 2.5 |
| WTEC 1110 | Power Electronics and Measurement | 2.5 |
| WTEC 1115 | Turbine Construction and Tower Systems | 2.5 |
| WTEC 1120 | Mechanical Systems | 2.5 |
| WTEC 1200 | Advanced Mechanical Systems and Gearboxes | 2.5 |
| WTEC 1205 | Hydraulic and Cooling Systems | 2.5 |
| WTEC 1210 | Control and Monitoring Systems | 2.5 |
| WTEC 1215 | Blade Systems and Maintenance | 2.5 |
| WTEC 1220 | Advanced Maintenance and Project Management | 2.5 |
| Total Credits | 25 | |
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Fees and other costs *
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 36 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 9545 | |
| Student union | 145 | |
| College initiative | 75 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 191 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 285 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 328 | |
| Graduation | 45 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
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