Wind Energy Industry Workers

Wind energy technicians, trades workers, and production employees are represented by unions. Some major unions include the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers (http://www.ironworkers.org); International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (https://www.goiam.org); and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (http://ibew.org).

The American Wind Energy Association is the major professional association for wind energy industry professionals. Other renewable energy industry associations of note include the Interstate Renewable Energy Council and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA).

Engineers and technicians can obtain resources and support from professional organizations and certifying bodies in their given specialties, including the Association of Energy Engineers. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners certifies small wind power installers. The MREA certifies renewable energy site assessors in wind technology (home-sized systems).

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy is a government agency that provides resources for those interested in wind energy.

There are many other professional associations for workers in the wind energy industry. Check the Encyclopedia of Associations, which is published by Gale Cengage Learning, for associations in your field of interest. It is available in many community and school libraries.