CONCORDIA -- Cloud County Community College’s Renewable Energy department recently concluded a two-week summer wind turbine blade repair training program for new employees of Suspendem Inc.
The blade repair company, based in Gaspé, Quebec, Canada, sent seven recently hired employees to CCCC for the intensive two-week training.
The trainees will be joining wind turbine blade repair crews throughout the United States.
The newest industrial wind turbines erected in Kansas have blades more than 200 feet in length made from fiber-reinforced composites. Many blades are repaired while still attached to the wind turbine, with technicians working at heights of 150 feet or higher. Trainees learned about fiberglass reinforcement, resin mix ratios, and ply schedules. They also developed their scarfing skills while implementing cosmetic, leading edge, trailing edge, and “window” repairs.
“We’re proud that they will represent one of Cloud’s successful tech-focused programs,” said Kit Thompson, Renewable Energy department chair. “What is exceptional about this training program is that our instructors have prepared the trainees for an entirely new profession in just two weeks. These new blade repair technicians are now stepping off to successful, lifelong careers supporting the sustainability of our world’s future.”