Courses may include
These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.
Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.
SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.
SAFE 1019 - Safety and Sustainability Basics
This course provides an overview of your rights and responsibilities as a student, as well as those in the workplace under the NS Occupational Health and Safety Act. Topics such as duties and precautions, accident reporting, as well as personal and campus safety and sustainability initiatives will be explored.
SAFE 1020 - Safety Basics – Restricted Spaces
The learner is introduced to the basic requirements and procedures involved with working in restricted spaces. The definition and potential hazards of restricted spaces are discussed The course material is infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.
SAFE 1023 - Safety Basics – Lock-out Tag Out
Lock-out Tag Out introduces students to the hazards related to energized systems and procedures to ensure worker safety. Related legislation and risk management is discussed and the student is exposed to the various types of lock-out devices. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.
WIND 1000 - Introduction to Wind Turbine Systems
This course introduces students to the basics of wind energy. Students learn the history of wind power, the different types of turbine designs used in modern industry, the components of turbine systems, turbine aerodynamics, and site selection. The differences between the small-scale wind market and utility, or large wind projects, are outlined.
WIND 1001 - Wind Energy Electrical Fundamentals
This course introduces Wind Turbine Technician students to the basic principles required to solve alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) circuits. The relationships among voltage, impedance, and current are analyzed and reinforced with theory and practical lab activities.
WIND 1003 - Wind Turbine Trade Math
This course is designed to enable students to develop trade-related math skills. Students acquire competency in the math skills as they relate to their trade and future career. Emphasis is placed on developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are used in troubleshooting. Students are challenged to continually make connections between math and the electrical field, as well as everyday applications..
WIND 1004 - Blueprint Reading and Sketching
This course introduces students to blueprint reading and sketching. Reading of construction and engineering drawings is a core skill for technicians in the wind energy sector. Students work with various types of technical drawings and specification packages, and estimate materials and timelines from drawing packages. In addition, students create simple sketches using standard drawing tools.
WIND 1005 - Wind Turbine Mechanical Systems I
Students are introduced to basic mechanical theory and standard work practices with mechanical systems. Use of hand tools, tool inspection, fastener selection and application, lubrication techniques, and leveling and alignment procedures are explored.
WIND 1006 - Computer Essentials
This course will refresh basic computer skills and add formats, skills and applications commonly used by Wind Turbine Technicians.
WIND 1010 - Wind Turbine Rotor System Inspection and Repair
This course allows students to develop the skill sets necessary to perform inspections and repairs on a variety of blade materials used on modern wind turbine rotor systems. Students practice non-destructive testing (NDT) on blades as well as complete minor repairs using a variety of polymer and fiber sheet materials. Heat and chemical curing techniques are explored as they apply to wind turbine rotor systems.
WIND 1011 - Workplace Communications & Industry Readiness
This course is designed to allow students to develop preparatory skills for securing and retaining employment, including workplace communication, time management, critical thinking and problem-solving, and customer service. Upon successful completion of this course, students are able to use oral communication techniques and create a variety of written documents and reports used in the workplace. Methods and strategies for job search, preparation, and retention are also covered.
WIND 1012 - Wind Turbine Hydraulics
This course is an introduction to fluid power technology as it relates to hydraulic systems. Topics covered include: the theory of hydraulics, types of fluids, conductors and seals, reservoirs, hydraulic actuators, control valves, and pumps. Students focus on the fundamentals of hydraulic system components, and skills are reinforced through laboratory work.
WIND 1013 - Wind Turbine Controls
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic theory and operation of common industrial control systems used in the wind energy industry. Networking principles, protocols, and commonly used hardware types are examined. Students practice common troubleshooting and diagnostic techniques.
WIND 1020 - Wind Turbine Electrical Equipment and Distribution
Students are introduced to electrical equipment used in wind turbine generators and how those generators are connected to the distribution grid. Students become familiar with electrical generation and distribution equipment, and AC/DC machines, with attention paid to monitoring, testing and maintenance of equipment and systems.
WIND 1100 - Work Experience
WIND 2001 - Wind Turbine Mechanical Systems II
Students build on their theoretical knowledge to assemble drivetrain systems. Students learn about bearing systems and assemble shafts with plain and anti-friction bearings. Emphasis is placed on leveling and alignment of machines with both traditional hand tools and electronic laser equipment. The role of vibration analysis as a diagnostic and predictive tool is also explored.
WIND 2002 - Wind Turbine Work Practices II
A continuation of Wind Turbine Work Practices I, students apply industry best practices in terms of safety and planning for field work to ensure the continued health and safety of workers while completing work tasks. Students use risk assessment tools in the completion of simple tasks and the development of job safety analysis for complex tasks, and apply workface planning concepts as they participate in a variety of workplace tasks.
