Wind Turbine Service Technician

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Wind Turbine Service Technician. A Wind Turbine Service Technician plans, prepares and conducts installation, maintenance and component assembly for wind turbine processes, systems, facilities and equipment. A qualified learner will be able to: • Prepare and plan for installation of components. • Inspect, diagnose malfunctioning and conduct maintenance, replacement and repair of wind turbine components. • Assemble and install component parts and/or equipment.

A consortium of sector organisations, including Green Cape, Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies and South African Wind Energy Association, conducted and supported earlier studies by identifying the need for specific training for Wind Turbine Service Technicians in South Africa. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) allocated funds for the establishment (design, erection and commissioning) of the South African Renewable Energies Technology Centre (SARETEC) at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) to focus on training of Wind Turbine Service Technicians. This initiative is supported by the National Skills Fund (NSF), South Africa's National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), DHET; Department of Education (DoE), GIZ, CIM, GREEN CAPE, BAVARIA and ESKOM. Erection of wind turbine parks has commenced in the Eastern and Western Cape. This qualification will draw learners that are qualified in disciplines such as Electrician, Fitter/Turner, Millwright and Mechatronics, and various other equivalent national certificates from the Technical Vocational Education and Training colleges (TVET). The incumbents will receive additional training in operation and maintenance of wind turbines. Learners will perform a variety of (operational and maintenance) functions that are important to sustain the capital investment in this sector. The wind energy will provide an additional source of alternative energy and assist the South African economy to comply with various international protocols aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable environment practices. The current concession contracts for installation of wind turbines in the three Cape provinces are estimated to have generated many additional jobs for Wind Turbine Service Technicians. Currently, almost all the components required for erection of wind turbines are imported, but the potential exists for immediate development of component manufacturers and other services around targeted areas of Western, Northern and Eastern Cape.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related Curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a Statement of Results or certifying a Work Experience Record. RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant entry requirements. Entry Requirements: • Level 4 qualification in any of the following disciplines: Electrical, Fitting and Turning Millwright, and Mechatronics.

• Identify, select and set up all material, components, tools and equipment for installation and assembly of a wind turbine plant.
• Identify and address malfunctioning electrical, mechanical and hydraulic components of a wind turbine plant.
• Assemble and install component parts of a wind turbine to be a completely functional plant.
• Operate and maintain wind turbine and its subcomponents to function optimally.