Engineering

Begin your journey into the future of renewable energy with our Wind Turbine Systems course.

Scotland has a world-renowned reputation for engineering and is at the cutting-edge of engineering developments. Engineers design, create, test and improve all sorts of products and processes. Due to the surge in renewable energy this has led to demand for multi-skilled technicians in the job market.

This highly successful course will develop your skills, confidence and awareness of all the inter-related technologies in mechanical, electrical, fluid systems and, instrumentation and control to allow you to develop a career within the Windfarm/Turbine industry. The course also develops your practical engineering skills making you potentially work ready. The course also acts as the first year of a modern apprenticeship should you wish to pursue that route. 

This is a one year full-time course with attendance of 4 days per week in College.

Due to the nature of the course, we are unable to offer this as a day release programme.

For entry to this course you’ll need:

• a real interest in working in renewables
• five National 5s, or equivalent, at grade C or above including Mathematics, Physics or Technological related subject, English and ideally Design and Manufacture or equivalent. National 5 Applications of Mathematics is not accepted for this course.
• successful completion of a relevant Level 5 course, such as Pre-apprenticeship in Electrical Engineering and Renewables or SVQ Performing Engineering Operations – Electrical, accompanied with a good academic reference recommending articulation to a higher level.
• industrial experience and/or other qualifications will also be considered.

For a place on the course, you will be required to attend an interview and complete an aptitude test.

Applicants whose first language is not English should have a Level 5 or equivalent ESOL qualification to be considered for this course.

When you have successfully completed this course, you may have the opportunity to: progress to HNC Electrical Engineering or HNC Engineering Practice (Electrical) or start your career as a Wind Turbine Technician.

This course offers you a dual qualification in Performing Engineering Operations at NVQ Level 2 and NC Engineering Systems at Level 6. It will give you a good all-round introduction to working in the renewables industry, as well as focusing specifically on wind turbine technology. It’s part theory, part practical.

Explore the world of wind turbine technology and engineering with our course. Here's a glimpse of what you may look at on the course:

• four main wind turbine systems: electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and control and instrumentation.
• study components, functions, and operations of wind turbines.
• operation and maintenance of wind turbine systems, with hands-on workshops for practical skills development.
• carry out basic maintenance activities on electrical equipment and systems, and mechanical devices and equipment, including diagnosing faults
• develop practical skills in wiring and testing electrical equipment and circuits, assembling and testing fluid power systems, including hydraulic, pneumatic or vacuum systems.
• master Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and create programs for industrial processes.
• explore Health and Safety legislation as practiced in the workplace, how to use technical information such as engineering drawings; and the skills you need to work effectively in an engineering post.

Gain a recognised qualifications in Performing Engineering Operations at NVQ Level 2 and NC in Engineering Systems Level 6, with a special focus on wind turbine technology, that prepare you for a rewarding career in the ever-evolving Wind Generation sector.

Choosing Wind Turbine Systems means choosing a pathway to hands-on experience and valuable skills:

• Communication
• Numeracy
• Information Technology
• Problem Solving
• Working with Others

Ayrshire College has strong relationship with many local and national industry employers. This course attracts attention from renowned companies such as

• Scottish Power Renewables,
• Nordex
• RES Group (formerly Ingeteam),
• Siemens-Gamesa
• Orsted
• VESTAS, and
• agencies across the UK and Europe, eagerly seeking new talent.

This course is designed to allow progression to HNC in Electrical Engineering or to employment.