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November 25th

Is Energy Tech a Good Career?

4/16/2024

Energy technicians are crucial in our everyday lives, helping to keep the lights on, homes warm and businesses running.

Students can gain these industry skills by completing the 16-month Energy Technology program at the Canton, Michigan, campus of MIAT College of Technology (part of the Universal Technical Institute family of schools)! Graduates can pursue jobs as entry-level energy technicians after program completion.1

But is a career in energy technology the right choice for you?

Keep reading to learn more! Our post will explain some important aspects of an energy tech career and how to get the necessary training to pursue it at MIAT.

What Is Energy Technology?

Energy technology is the application of technology, engineering methods and scientific principles to improve energy production, conversion, storage and distribution. Energy technicians are often responsible for installing, maintaining and repairing energy-related systems in commercial, industrial and residential buildings. Typical duties of an energy technician may include:

  • Installing renewable energy systems such as solar panels, wind turbines and geothermal systems
  • Conducting energy audits and assessments to identify areas for efficiency improvements
  • Developing and implementing energy management plans based on audit findings
  • Maintaining HVAC and lighting systems to ensure they are performing efficiently
  • Troubleshooting and repairing equipment such as boilers, chillers and air conditioning units

Read: MIAT College of Technology Programs

Benefits of an Energy Tech Career

Energy technicians will likely be needed for the installation, maintenance and repair of energy systems for many years to come, especially as renewable energy systems evolve. As technicians gain industry experience and knowledge, there may be opportunities to advance and pursue higher levels of responsibility!

Many energy technicians find their work exciting because they’re helping maintain and improve the energy systems that fuel our infrastructure, which are essential to our daily lives. For many people in the field, having a tangible impact on the world is very satisfying.

Read: Career Services

Energy Technology Career Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 39,000+ estimated average annual energy technician job openings in the U.S.68

The BLS also reported that the median annual salary for energy technicians in the United States was $59,830 in May 2022.60 This means that half earned more and half earned less. Remember that salary is affected by a variety of factors, including experience, employer, demand and the cost of living in the area.

Energy Technology Jobs

When energy technology grads start out in the industry, they may pursue entry-level roles such as:

  • Installation technician
  • Field service technician
  • Boiler technician
  • Plant technician

Over time, energy technicians can advance their careers with experience and hard work. Here are a few examples of advanced positions in the field:77

  • Wind field service technician
  • Traveling field service technician
  • Traveling wind turbine technician
  • Maintenance technician

Read: Hands-on Training for Your Future

How Long Does Energy Technology Training Take?

Students at MIAT receive hands-on training in controlled lab settings from experienced industry professionals, allowing them to become proficient in their chosen fields. This training enables students to practice the skills required for entry-level technician work.

Energy technician education can last several months or even years, depending on the program. Training in MIAT's Energy Technology program lasts 16 months. The program focuses on clean, renewable energy and allows students to study and practice skills in a variety of industry topics. Students can get training in power generation, wind power, compression technology and powerplant operations through energy technology courses such as:33

  • Energy Industry Fundamentals and Safety Compliance
  • Applied Physics and Precision Measuring
  • DC and AC Basic Electricity
  • Advanced Electrical Theory
  • Wind Technology and Components

This program is offered at MIAT’s campus in Canton, Michigan.

Read: Financial Aid

Energy Technology FAQ

What Is the Importance of Energy Technology?

Energy power technology is critical because it provides the energy required for many of our daily activities. Without energy technology, we would not be able to power our homes, businesses or vehicles, which would significantly impact our livelihoods and every industry’s ability to maintain and develop infrastructure critical to manufacturing and operation    

Development of new renewable energy sources can also help in improving energy efficiency. Advances in the industry also have the potential to create energy technology jobs and business opportunities!

Read: UTI Admissions Requirements

Enroll in Energy Tech Training at MIAT!

Energy technicians are needed because they have the knowledge and skills to help power our homes, businesses and communities. However, to learn these skills and provide essential energy services such as electricity generation, distribution, maintenance and repair, aspiring technicians need the right training, which MIAT's Energy Technology program provides!

Ready to enroll in energy tech training? Phone an Admissions Representative at 1-800-834-7308, or visit our website to request more information.

YOU COULD START YOUR EXCITING NEW CAREER AS A MECHANIC OR TECHNICIAN TODAY.
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1 ) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2 ) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
60 )

The Energy Technology and Industrial Maintenance Technician programs prepare graduates for entry-level positions using the provided training, primarily as wind power technicians or industrial maintenance technicians. Estimated annual salary is for Industrial Machinery Mechanics as published in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wages. Entry-level salaries are lower for graduates. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. Graduates’ achievements vary. Individual circumstances and wages depend on economic factors, personal credentials, work experience, industry certifications, the location of the employer, and their compensation programs. Some graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than as wind power technicians and industrial maintenance technicians, such as installation technicians, field service technicians, boiler technicians and plant technicians. Salary information for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: The average annual entry-level salary for persons employed as Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is $48,000 (Massachusetts Labor and Workforce Development, May 2022 data https://lmi.dua.eol.mass.gov/lmi/OccupationalEmploymentAndWageAllIndustries/OEWResult?A=01&GA=000025&OG=499041&Dopt=TEXT). Salary information for North Carolina: The U.S. Department of Labor estimates the hourly median wage for skilled wind power technicians and industrial maintenance technicians in North Carolina is $29.03 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wages, Industrial Machinery Mechanics). The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish entry-level salary data. However, the 25th and 10th percentile of hourly earnings in North Carolina are $23.10 and $19.00, respectively.

68 ) For Industrial Machinery Mechanics, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an annual average of 43,500 job openings between 2023 and 2033. Job openings include openings due to net employment changes and net replacements. See Table 1.10 Occupational separations and openings, projected 2023–33, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, viewed November 4, 2024. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
77 ) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. UTI prepares graduates for entry-level careers using the provided training. UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than those listed.

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