This text is part of the special booklet Trades, professions and careers
Climate change is disrupting all aspects of society, including the labor market. Through these upheavals, certain professions have taken off. Among these, the position of wind turbine maintenance technician is more than ever a profession with a future.
The wind power sector is in good health in Quebec. Wind farms abound across the province and this rush for wind energy shows no sign of abating. Last year, eight major wind farm projects got the green light to set up on Quebec soil, and nine others are under study by government authorities. The only downside is that the skilled labor in this energy sector is insufficient.
“There is already a shortage of nearly 100 technicians in the current parks, confirms Syndie Penberthy, general manager at the Créneau d’excellence en Énergie Renewable (Nuvéo). Companies must refuse several contracts per year. We are already seeing a shortfall of 33% for 2022-2023. »
Train the next generation in Gaspé
This crying need for manpower, the Collegia Group, affiliated with the Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles, tries to meet it as best as it can by offering an Attestation of Collegial Studies (AEC) in maintenance of wind turbines, a unique program in Quebec.
Offered for 18 years now, this AEC aims to train full-time technicians in the operation and maintenance of wind farms. Lasting 960 hours, spread over six months, the program attracted 13 students this year.
Alexandra Thibault, 30, decided to embark on the adventure after having spent ten years as a social service worker. Nature lover and seasoned climber, she does not hide the fact that she threw herself with both feet into the void by registering.
“My first thought was as simple as: the view from the top of a wind turbine must be really nice,” she laughs. After learning about wind turbines, I read about renewable energies and realized that it was really in line with my environmental values. »
“It is certain that there is pride in working in a field of clean energy, adds the Montérégienne. In addition, it is not common as a job. »
The facilities in Gaspé include a laboratory and two wind turbine heads for training, to the great pleasure of the students who will begin the practical portion of the courses in the spring.
Acrophobes abstain
The technician’s job consists of ensuring the maintenance, such as the repairs necessary for the proper functioning, and the upkeep of wind turbines. The majority of mechanical, hydraulic and electrical manipulations are done inside the structure, with the exception of work on the outer hull and the blades. Technicians should not be dizzy, wind turbines can reach 140 meters in height, the equivalent of a building of nearly 40 floors.
Michael Cyr, a technician for 15 years at TECHÉOL, has been at the forefront of the development of the profession in the wind power sector.
According to him, safety has greatly improved in the last decade, in particular thanks to the AEC and the training programs given by companies and park owners to their employees.
“At the time, there was hardly anyone with experience in this field, remembers the 39-year-old technician. In the early years, there were a lot of firsts (laughs). We cleared the place for the following. »
This year, the Gaspésien adds a string to his bow by giving the maintenance course at the AEC. An opportunity for him to share his vast experience acquired in the field.
“I try to give them the tools so that they can do well when they find themselves on the labor market. It’s a chance for me and for them to be in this field, it’s a healthy environment, which has evolved a lot in recent years, it’s full of promise. »
One thing is certain when we talk about this profession, everyone agrees that it is a job with a future. And if Quebec represents a playground rich in job prospects, having expertise in wind turbine maintenance is also a great passport for working abroad.
“After my course, I would like to do international contracts, answers Alexandra Thibault when asked where she sees herself after her training. Traveling to work on wind turbines all over the world, that would be the dream scenario. »
This special content was produced by the Special Publications team of the Duty, pertaining to marketing. The drafting of Duty did not take part.