Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Building Momentum in Your Career During a Transition

It's easy to get discouraged or burned out when going through a career change and it's important to have the necessary resources to manage your career during this time. 


At Forbes an article by Glenn Llopis recommends just the needed tools to regain momentum and propel yourself forward in your career. 


"These 5 forgotten resources will help you get back on track and give you the jump start you need to reclaim your career momentum":


1. Establish Distinction--"Package what distinguishes you from others."


2. Network Wisely--"Networking wisely means knowing how you plan to enable your distinctions to build new relationships, generate leads and get discovered."


Read the entire article, along with the final 3 resources here

Monday, July 30, 2012

Daily Leap Career Video of the Week

We're presenting a new feature here at the Daily Leap: a video of the week. The video we share will present news or advice related to career development, searching for a job, the economy and employment, and other career-related topics.


In this video Guy Kawasaki, the author of Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds, and Actions provides simple career advice about "enchanting your boss":

Friday, July 27, 2012

High 5 Weekly Career Transitions Roundup


This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share these every weekend so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!


1. Why You Need to Have Fun to Be Successful
"Once I started my business, I believed more than ever that there is a great job out there for all of us. That being said, it’s not always easy to find."


2. 5 Things to Do While You're Unemployed 
"Considering your career is a marathon, not a sprint, a class can bolster your technical skills and keep them sharp. It shows you’re serious about your industry and that you invest in yourself."


3. Graduates: Kick-Start Your Career in 3 Easy Steps
"If you're a new grad and need a job or want to upgrade from your position at the local coffee shop, here are three ways to kick-start your career."

4. 6 Ways a Career Coach Can Help Boost Your Career
"You want to think of a Career Coach just like a gymnastics or baseball coach.  They are there to help you develop your skills, give you feedback to “up your game” and help you to be the success you know you can be."


5. 30 Tips for a More Successful Job Interview 
"Pay attention to all of the senses that involve you, the candidate, as you prepare for your interview presentation: sight, sound, smell, taste and touch."

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Green Jobs Series: Careers in Electric Vehicles [Installment Three]

Manufacturing jobs in the electric vehicle industry include various assemblers, machine tool operators, machinists, and industrial production managers. Many of the occupations involved in manufacturing electric vehicles are also involved in the manufacture of vehicle charging stations, which are necessary for most types of plug-in hybrid vehicles and all types of battery-electric vehicles. This installment of The Daily Leap's green job series describes some of the most common jobs in manufacturing.

Occupations in Manufacturing

Manufacturing workers usually work in large automotive assembly plants. These plants are usually quite noisy because they are filled with robotic devices, powerful machines, and hydraulic lifts. Safety conditions in assembly plants have improved considerably over the past several decades. However, manufacturing workers might use machinery or chemicals that require special handling.



Job Duties

Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers build products such as electric motors, computers, electronic control devices, and sensing equipment. Some of these components may be too small or fragile for human assembly, so they are assembled by automated systems. Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers fit together the parts of larger components or controlling automated systems that are used for smaller pieces.

Electromechanical equipment assemblers use a variety of tools to build and assemble electromechanical components used in electric vehicles, such as gasoline engines, electric motors, and generators.

Engine and other machine assemblers construct and assemble engines used in automobiles. They put together the gasoline-powered engines that are present in hybrid cars and may be responsible for other components as well.

Team assemblers work on a variety of manufacturing tasks. They may work on a traditional assembly line or in a so-called “lean” manufacturing system, in which they may rotate between several different types of assembly work. These workers are usually on a team that completes the final assembly of a vehicle.

Computer-controlled machine tool operators use machines to fabricate metal and plastic components of vehicles. To set up the machine for certain operations, they download a program and fix the appropriate tools into the machine. After positioning the piece that is being worked on, computer-controlled machine tool operators start the machine.

Machinists use machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders, to produce precision metal parts. Producing large quantities of a single part may be partially or fully automated, and machinists are responsible for monitoring the machines and the quality of the output. Machinists are also responsible for producing small batches or making one-of-a-kind parts for prototypes or testing. If many more pieces are needed, they are often mass-produced using computer-controlled machines.

Industrial production managers plan, direct, and coordinate the production activities required to manufacture vehicles and vehicle components. Depending on the size of a manufacturing plant, industrial production managers may oversee the entire plant or just one area of it.

Education and Training

Manufacturing workers have a variety of skill levels. Most assembly positions require short-term on-the-job training to familiarize workers with production processes and with any equipment they use. Experienced assemblers may be promoted to supervisory positions after several years of working on the assembly line.

Computer-controlled machine tool operators are usually trained on the job. Machinists require more training, and they often learn their trade through an apprenticeship that lasts 3 to 5 years. Industrial production managers usually have at least a bachelor’s degree, typically in an engineering discipline, such as mechanical or industrial engineering, and several years of experience working in the automobile manufacturing industry.

Earnings

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have wage data specific to the electric vehicle industry. The table shows wages for selected manufacturing occupations in the transportation equipment manufacturing industry group for May 2010. The wages shown are median annual wages for the United States as a whole; wages vary by employer and location.


Occupation Median annual wage
Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers $29,470
Electromechanical equipment assemblers $32,430
Engine and other machine assemblers $47,440
Team assemblers $32,500
Computer-controlled machine tool operators, metal and plastic $35,580
Machinists $40,810
Industrial production managers $91,460

For more detailed information on manufacturing occupations in the electric vehicle industry, follow the Occupational Outlook Handbook link.

Next Wednesday's electric vehicle industry series installment: Occupations in Electric Vehicle Maintenance

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Green Jobs Series: Careers in Electric Vehicles [Installment Two]

Workers who design and develop electric automobile technology include engineers, engineering technicians, and drafters; software developers; and industrial designers. This installment of The Daily Leap's green job series describes some of the most common jobs in design and development.

Occupations in Design and Development

Design and develop work is the link between scientific research and commercial applications. It takes place in offices, laboratories, or industrial plants, where teams of engineers, designers, scientists, and industrial production managers collaborate to create new processes or devices for the manufacture of electric vehicles—or to improve existing ones.



Job Duties

Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry to design or improve equipment or to devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products. Because the batteries of electric vehicles store power through chemical processes, chemical engineers are responsible for developing new battery designs and improving current battery technologies. They are also vital in designing equipment and processes for large-scale manufacturing and in planning and testing the methods of battery manufacturing.

Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical components. They are responsible for designing the electrical circuitry that allows a gas engine to charge the battery and distribute the electricity from the battery to the electric motor. Electrical engineers also might work on the heating and air-conditioning systems, vehicle lighting, and visual displays.

Electronics engineers design, develop, and test electronic components and systems for vehicles. These engineers are primarily focused on the control systems and additional electronic components for the vehicle.

Industrial engineers determine the most effective ways to use the basic factors of production—people, machines, materials, information, and energy—to manufacture vehicles. Because many electric vehicles require original manufacturing plans, industrial engineers design innovative manufacturing processes and retool plants that formerly made different models of cars.

Materials engineers are involved in the development, processing, and testing of materials used in electric vehicles. Materials engineers may also incorporate environmentally friendly materials that are derived from plant-based materials or recycled materials.

Mechanical engineers design, develop, and test the tools, engines, machines, and other mechanical devices in electric vehicles. These devices may be components of electric vehicles, or machines that are used in the manufacture or repair of these vehicles. These engineers may focus on engines, electric motors, or other mechanical devices, such as transmissions, drivetrains, or steering systems.

Mechanical engineering technicians assist engineers with solving technical problems in research, development, manufacturing, construction, inspection, and maintenance. They may also help engineers or scientists to make prototypes of newly designed equipment or assist with computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) equipment.

Mechanical drafters prepare detailed drawings, or visual guidelines, that show how to assemble machinery and mechanical devices. Most drafters use CADD systems to prepare drawings.

Software developers design and create software that controls the on-board computers in hybrid and electric vehicles, which produce and distribute the proper amount of electricity or gasoline to power the vehicle in given conditions, as well as when to use the engine to recharge the battery.

Commercial and industrial designers are responsible for the style, function, quality, and safety of vehicles. The designers prepare sketches or diagrams, usually with the aid of computers, and work with engineers and other designers to improve a design.



Education and Training

Engineers typically enter the electric vehicle industry with a bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering. However, some positions require previous experience or an advanced degree. Entry-level engineers may begin their career as an assistant to a more senior engineer until they develop the skills needed to work independently. Engineers are also expected to complete continuing education courses to keep up with rapidly changing technology.

Engineers are usually required to be certified in specific systems and technologies, depending on the systems used by a particular manufacturer. Licensure as a professional engineer (PE) is highly desired by employers and is often required for anything higher than an entry-level position.

Engineering technicians and drafters usually have an associate’s degree or certification from a community college or a technical school. Technicians and drafters participate in on-the-job training and are closely supervised by engineers.

Software developers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related discipline, combined with experience in computer programming and software design.

Commercial and industrial designers also typically have at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or industrial design, and they usually receive some on-the-job training.

Earnings

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have wage data specific to the electric vehicle industry. The table shows wages for selected engineers, mechanical engineering technicians, drafters, software developers, and commercial and industrial designers in the transportation equipment manufacturing industry group for May 2010. The wages shown are median annual wages for the United States as a whole; wages vary by employer and location.


Occupation Median annual wage
Chemical engineers $97,480
Electrical engineers $87,580
Electronics engineers, except computer $100,450
Industrial engineers $77,160
Materials engineers $89,000
Mechanical engineers $81,290
Mechanical engineering technicians $52,950
Mechanical drafters $53,840
Software developers, applications $94,680
Commercial and industrial designers $67,790

For more detailed information on design and development occupations in the electric vehicle industry, follow the Occupational Outlook Handbook link.

Thursday's electric vehicle industry series installment: Occupations in Manufacturing

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

More on Making Effective Use of Your Networks

As a follow up to the video on networking by Keith Ferrazzi (shared yesterday), here are some tips on making the most of your connections from an article by career coach Miriam Salpeter.


The article suggests contacting members of your network before applying for a job because "Many organizations prioritize applicants referred by employees. Some companies even give bonuses to employees who suggest candidates who are hired, so some networking contacts may have a financial incentive to pass along your information."


It is important to "be sure to follow up with contacts who help you and let them know you appreciate their efforts."


You can read the full article here

Monday, July 23, 2012

Daily Leap Career Video of the Week


We're presenting a new feature here at the Daily Leap: a video of the week. The video we share will present news or advice related to career development, searching for a job, the economy and employment, and other career-related topics.


Today's featured video features Keith Ferrazzi, the author of Never Eat Alone, and provides advice on being more effective at those networking events.




Friday, July 20, 2012

High 5 Weekly Career Transitions Roundup


This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share these every weekend so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!


1. 10 Ways to Battle Job-interview Jitters
"Being prepared to answer, clearly and concisely, the most common interview questions will have you feeling sharp."


2. 10 Ways to Get Ahead in a Bad Economy 
"In order to advance, identify ways you can affect the whole organization rather than just focusing on your career. How do you get the big picture? By broadening your experience and your exposure to other managers at the company."


3. Develop a Skills Plan for the Life Cycle of Your Career
"Workers who do not bolster their degrees with continuous skill development risk leaving their careers exposed to the volatility of the global economy."

4. 6 Life Lessons from the New Yahoo CEO, Marissa Mayer
"When there's that moment of 'Wow, I'm not really sure I can do this,' and you push through those moments, that's when you have a breakthrough. Sometimes that's a sign that something really good is about to happen. You're about to grow and learn a lot about yourself."


5. What You Need to Say to Land a Good Job
"Talk about your desire for a great mentor. Companies typically value employees who want to grow professionally, and mentoring arrangements help both parties improve their skills."

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Green Jobs Series: Careers in Electric Vehicles

Workers from a variety of educational and employment backgrounds are employed in the electric vehicle industry, such as the scientists who conduct research in electric drive technology, the manufacturing workers who build the vehicles, and the automotive maintenance technicians who repair the vehicles. This installment of The Daily Leap's green job series describes some of the most common jobs in scientific research.

Occupations in Scientific Research

Scientists in this industry search for new knowledge and conduct research to improve electric vehicle technology. Both chemists and materials scientists conduct research on improving battery life and recharging time. Materials scientists also research and develop new materials for use in electric vehicles.

Scientists usually work in offices and laboratories. Research and development (R&D) scientists work in offices, where they do research, and they plan, record, and report on their lab research. Some laboratories are small, and others are large enough to incorporate prototype chemical manufacturing facilities and advanced testing equipment. Scientists often work with engineers and processing specialists in industrial manufacturing facilities.



Job Duties

Chemists investigate the properties, composition, and structure of matter, and the laws that govern the reactions of substances to each other. Using this knowledge, chemists working on electric vehicles find new chemicals to use in batteries or ways to make existing batteries work better. They work closely with engineers and other scientists to develop new batteries and other technologies.

Materials scientists study the structures and chemical properties of various materials to develop new products or enhance existing ones. For electric vehicles, materials scientists are heavily involved in battery research, but also develop materials for other parts of the vehicle. For example, some electric vehicles have interior components, such as seats and upholstery, made out of plant-based and recycled materials that were developed by materials scientists.

Education and Training

A doctoral degree is a necessity for scientists who conduct original research and develop new products. However, other scientific workers may find jobs with a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Computer skills are essential for scientists to perform data analysis, integration, modeling, and testing. Certification or licensure is not necessary for most of these scientists.

Earnings

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have wage data specific to the electric vehicle industry. The table shows wages for selected scientist occupations for May 2010. The wages shown are median annual wages for the United States as a whole; wages vary by employer and location.


Occupation Median annual wage
Chemists $68,320
Materials scientists $84,720

For more detailed information on scientific research occupations the electric vehicle industry, follow the Occupational Outlook Handbook link.

Next Wednesday's electric vehicle industry series installment: Occupations in Design and Development

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Stephen R. Covey, the author of the best-selling book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, died a few days ago at the age of 79 and his 7 habits remain just as applicable today as when they were first published in 1989, particularly in a difficult economy when many are looking for jobs or seeking to build their careers.


The 7 habits that Covey described in his book are:


1. Be proactive
2. Begin with the end in mind
3. Put first things first
4. Think win-win
5. Seek first to understand, then to be understood
6. Synergize
7. Sharpen the saw


A number of people wrote about Covey and the 7 habits following news of his death. Here are a few articles we found interesting:


An homage to the "7 Habits of Highly Effective People"


Remembering Stephen R. Covey and his 7 Habits


RIP Stephen Covey: Here Are His Famous "7 Habits Of Highly Effective People"


Friday, July 13, 2012

High Five Weekly Career Transitions Roundup


This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share these every weekend so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!


1. What Can a Three-Year-Old Teach You About Getting a New Job?
"Waiting can be tough, but you can endure anything if you know there's something better coming along."


2. 5 Ways to Get Yourself Out of a Career Rut
"If you find yourself in a professional rut and think a career-limiting behavior may be holding you back, consider these five ways to pull yourself out."


3. Top 10 Mistakes That Interns Make
"Internships can be incredible learning experiences, but they can also harm your reputation if you don't conduct yourself professionally during them."

4. The 9 Best Tips for Submitting an Online Job Application
"Statistics show that approximately 50 percent of mid-sized companies and almost all large corporations use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to screen candidates for job opportunities."


5. How to (Finally) Quit Your Job
"As you ride the elevator to the lobby, you visualize your last day at the company. You fantasize about walking into your manager's office, tabling your resignation letter, and cleaning your forsaken cubicle for the final time."

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Daily Leap Career Video of the Week

We're presenting a new feature here at the Daily Leap: a video of the week. The video we share will present news or advice related to career development, searching for a job, the economy and employment, and other career-related topics.


Today's featured video comes from an msnbc.com report on a school program in Georgia that has students select a career path and begin training in that career as early as the 6th grade. Take a look and let us know what you think. 


Is the 6th grade too early to select a career path?   



Wednesday, July 11, 2012

12 Steps to Successful Career Change

Following up on our blog post last week about podcasts of interest to job seekers we came across the Dream Career Podcast and its series of 12 Steps to Successful Career Change


The series is broken down into 4 sections: Realization & Assessment, Exploration, Preparation, and Search & Networking.


Listen in here for useful suggestions and advice as you move through that career change.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Green Jobs Series: Careers in Wind Energy [Installment 4]

In today’s fourth and final installment on careers in wind energy, we will focus on the emerging green occupation of wind turbine service technician. Also known as "wind techs," these technicians are responsible for keeping the turbines running efficiently.

Wind Turbine Service Technicians

Many different companies employ wind turbine service technicians, including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and businesses that specialize in providing turbine maintenance services to wind farm owners.

Job Duties

Wind techs are responsible for both regular maintenance and performing complicated repairs of wind turbines. On the top of turbines they perform periodic equipment inspections, sensor calibration, cleaning, and unscheduled repairs of malfunctioning components.

The average workday of wind techs is spent climbing and inspecting multiple turbines. Technicians work a schedule that rotates which turbines need to be inspected or maintained. Any problems they notice during the examination are reported and scheduled for repair.



Education and Training

The wind energy industry is relatively young, so there is no one way to be trained as a wind tech. Wind techs need to have mechanical skills and the aptitude to understand how a turbine functions, so some wind techs come from technician jobs in other industries. Experience or training as an electrician also is beneficial.

As formal training programs are developed, employers are placing more emphasis on wind-specific education. Educational institutions—specifically, community colleges and technical schools—are beginning to offer 1-year certificate and 2-year degree programs in wind turbine maintenance. In certificate programs, students take classes in basic turbine design, diagnostics, control and monitoring systems, and basic turbine repair. For a 2-year associate degree, students complete the aforementioned types of classes in addition to general-education courses. Some programs also give students hands-on training and practice on school-owned turbines and machinery.

Earnings

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not currently have earnings data for wind turbine service technicians. Data should be available in several years. According to industry sources, however, wind techs usually have starting salaries between $35,000 and $40,000. Wages and benefits vary by employer and geographic location.

Job Prospects

Industry sources report that there is currently a shortage of trained wind techs. Because many different companies are competing to hire these workers, the most experienced wind techs can command relatively high salaries.

Next week's green job series installment: Careers in Electric Vehicles

Monday, July 9, 2012

Green Jobs Series: Careers in Wind Energy [Installment 3]

Erecting wind turbines requires the efforts of many skilled workers, such as construction laborers, construction equipment operators, crane operators, and electricians. In today’s green jobs series installment, we will focus on construction jobs in the project development phase of the wind power industry.

Wind Power Construction Jobs

Many development and construction companies use both their own specialized construction workers and local contractors. Under the supervision of more experienced wind-industry workers, local construction firms prepare the site, erect the wind turbines, and connect them to the utility company's power grid.

Job Duties

Construction laborers often work on wind farms as contractors and are responsible for preparing the site and building the surrounding infrastructure. Their work includes clearing trees and debris from the wind farm, cleaning machines, and helping to break up the ground on which the turbine will rest. Construction workers employed by companies that specialize in developing wind farms are sometimes in supervisory roles.

Construction equipment operators, with the help of construction laborers, are responsible for building accessible roads directly to the construction site, helping ensure that the wind turbine components can arrive without damage or delay. They use bulldozers, road graders, and other equipment to set up the construction site.

Crane operators are necessary in building a wind farm because the components are so large. They use their cranes to lift the pieces of the turbine off the trucks as they arrive, as well as stack the tower segments and lift the blades to the hub.

Electricians are needed to get the energy from the turbine's generator to the power grid on the ground. They wire the turbine to connect its electrical system to the power grid.



Education and Training

Although some construction laborer jobs have no specific education or training requirements, some construction workers receive more formal training in the form of apprenticeships. Many construction laborers' skills are learned on-the-job and by assisting more experienced workers.

Construction equipment operators and crane operators learn their skills through on-the-job training, apprenticeships, or, for some, union instruction. In addition, the operators are expected to be certified to operate their equipment.

Most electricians learn their trade through apprenticeship programs that combine on-the-job training with related classroom instruction. Depending on the state, electricians might have to pass an examination that tests their knowledge of electrical theory, as well as national, state, and local electrical and building codes.

Earnings

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have wage data specific to construction occupations that involve working on wind farms. However, the earnings of workers in these occupations are comparable to those of workers in the construction sector as a whole. The earnings in the following table are for workers in the construction of power and communication lines and related structures, which include wind turbines.


Occupation Median annual wage
Construction laborers $29,110
Construction equipment operators $39,530
Crane operators $47,170
Electricians $49,800

For more detailed information on wind power construction occupations, follow the Occupational Outlook Handbook link.

Tomorrow's final wind energy series installment: Wind Turbine Service Technicians

Friday, July 6, 2012

High Five Weekly Career Transitions Roundup


This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share these every weekend so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!


1. Why I Like People with Unconventional Resumes
"Disruptive moves can also tell you a lot about potential because they show a candidate's curiosity, insight, inspiration and determination, which in turn indicate a search for learning and challenge."


2. How Hard Are You Willing to Push Yourself?
"The unavoidable truth is that the willingness to endure discomfort and sacrifice instant gratification is the only way to get better at anything, and to achieve true excellence."


3. 8 Reasons You're Not Earning the Salary You Want
"Ultimately, if you don't like your salary, talk to your boss about what you would need to accomplish to earn a raise."

4. Why Women's Networking Groups Fail
"Where too many focus on the strength of numbers, the real sign of a healthy—and helpful—professional networking group is who’s there and how they communicate."


5. 3 Reasons Your Resume Brands You As A Commodity
"So, how did we end up branding ourselves as sheep…describing ourselves just like everyone else?We’ve been taught to describe ourselves this way…and it’s been reinforced so often that it just seems
'right'."

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Listening in on Great Career Advice

The boring commute to work, that long summer road-trip, or hours spent on the treadmill at the gym provide great opportunities to listen to podcasts that can offer useful information as you seek to advance in your career. We've identified five podcasts that you'll want to download to give you the necessary inspiration and knowledge as you move ahead in your career:


48 Days to the Work You Love  


Career Joy


Next Stage Online Radio


HBR IdeaCast


Escape from Cubicle Nation



Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Are You Looking for Your Independence?

It can be difficult to think about quitting your job when the economy continues to struggle and many are out of work. However, as we celebrate Independence Day, perhaps you are thinking about your independence, your desire to do something else with your career, something more fulfilling and in line with your passions. If that's the case here are a few resources to help you decide the best course of action for you and to provide the necessary inspiration:


1. Route to Freedom: Mike Routen provides "tools you need to create a life of freedom and adventure with your family."


2. Location 180: Sean Ogle on "building a business you can run from anywhere on Earth" and "living a life worth writing about."


3. Life After College: Jenny Blake helps readers "wake up, live big! and love the journey."


4. The Art of Non-Conformity: Chris Guillebeau provides "unconventional strategies for life, work, and travel."


5. Danielle LaPorte: "For Freedom striving + love, livelihood that works, ruthless compassion, all forms of affluence, and passion that persuades."



Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Green Jobs Series: Careers in Wind Energy [Installment 2]

In today’s green jobs series installment, we will focus on turbine production jobs in the manufacturing phase of the wind power industry. These occupations include machinists, computer-controlled machine tool operators, assemblers, welders, quality-control inspectors, and industrial production managers. The job duties, skills, and training backgrounds of these workers are similar to those of manufacturing employees in other industries.

Manufacturing—Turbine Production Jobs

Wind turbine production workers may be employed by either OEMs or third-party suppliers. Many factories manufacturing components for wind turbines are located in the Midwest, sometimes in converted auto plants. Some new production facilities are being built in Colorado and Pennsylvania—states that actively pursue the development of wind power. As more wind energy manufacturers open factories in the United States, new job opportunities will be created.



Turbine Production Workers


Job Duties

Producing turbine components that match design specifications is the responsibility of manufacturing workers. Wind companies typically hire people with experience in other industries and give them wind-specific training.



Education and Training

The type of training necessary for these production occupations varies. Many workers are trained on the job and gain expertise with experience. However, some workers in more skilled positions, such as computer-controlled machine tool operators, may be required to attend formal training programs or apprenticeships. A strong mechanical background is necessary to succeed in all of these occupations.

Many industrial production managers have a college degree in business administration, management, industrial technology, or industrial engineering. After they graduate, they usually spend a few months in corporate training, learning company policies and production methods for wind turbine components. Others become industrial production managers by working their way up through the ranks, starting as production workers and then advancing to supervisory positions before being selected for management.

Because of the relative youth of the wind energy industry, it can be difficult to find workers with a background in wind power; many turbine component manufacturers will hire almost any qualified applicants with a related technical background. Experience in the manufacture of large machines can be especially helpful. Workers from other backgrounds can be taught on the job how to apply their manufacturing skills to turbine components.

Earnings

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not currently publish earnings data specific to the wind power industry. The following tabulation, though, shows data for selected production occupations in the engine, turbine, and power transmission equipment manufacturing industry group, which includes wind turbine component manufacturing. Of course, wages vary by employer and location.


Occupation Median annual wage
Machinists $41,480
Computer-controlled machine tool operators $34,790
Assemblers $29,320
Welders $35,920
Quality-control inspectors $37,500
Industrial production managers $87,120

For more detailed information on wind turbine production occupations, follow the Occupational Outlook Handbook link.

Next Monday's green job series installment: Occupations in Wind Power—Construction Jobs

Monday, July 2, 2012

Green Jobs Series: Careers in Wind Energy

With the hot winds of summer blowing across the United States, we at The Daily Leap thought it would be fitting to begin a new green job series on high-growth careers in wind power.

Visually identifiable by its characteristic turbines, wind power has been used on an electrical utility scale for only a few decades. However, it is expected to grow more rapidly as demand for renewable energy increases. As the wind energy industry continues to grow, it will provide many opportunities for workers in search of new careers.



Manufacturing—Research and Development Jobs

Occupations in wind power are separated into three phases: manufacturing, project development, and operation and maintenance. However, occupations are not always limited to one phase. For most positions, wind companies hire people with experience in other industries and give them wind-specific training.

In today’s green jobs series installment, we will focus on typical research and development jobs in the manufacturing phase—engineers, including engineering technicians.

Engineers


Job Duties

Engineers in the wind power industry are involved in the design and development of wind turbines. In addition, they also work in testing, production, and maintenance. Engineers may also supervise production in factories, test manufactured products to maintain quality, and troubleshoot design or component problems. They also estimate the time and cost required to complete projects and look for ways to make production processes more efficient.

Education and Training

Engineers typically enter the wind power industry with at least a bachelor's degree in an engineering specialty. However, a significant number of jobs require more education, such as a master's or doctoral degree. In addition, engineers typically are licensed and are expected to complete continuing education to keep current with rapidly changing technology.

Wind turbine manufacturers prefer to hire engineers with 3–5 years of experience in their respective field and knowledge of commonly used systems and processes. Engineers are then given additional training lasting several weeks or months prior to assignment, and then they undergo extensive on-the-job training.

Entry-level engineers may also be hired as interns or junior team members and work under the close supervision of more senior engineers. As they gain experience and knowledge, they are assigned more difficult tasks and given greater independence.

Certifications are usually required, depending on the systems used by a particular manufacturer. Licensure as a professional engineer (PE) is desirable, but is not required for many wind turbine manufacturers. Engineering technicians typically have an associate's degree or a certificate from a community college or technical school.

Earnings

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not currently publish earnings data specific to the wind power industry, but earnings for engineers are comparable to earnings for engineers in general. The following tabulation shows annual wages for engineers in selected specialties.


Occupation Median annual wage
Aerospace engineers $94,780
Civil engineers $76,590
Electrical engineers $83,110
Electronics engineers $89,310
Environmental engineers $77,040
Health and safety engineers $74,080
Industrial engineers $75,110
Materials engineers $83,190
Mechanical engineers $77,020
Engineering technicians $50,130

Earnings are dependent on a number of factors, such as experience, education and training, licensure and certifications, the size and type of company, geographic location, and the complexity of the work.

For more detailed information on wind energy engineering occupations, follow the Occupational Outlook Handbook link.

Tomorrow’s series installment: Occupations in Wind Power—General Manufacturing Jobs