This year’s focus will be on:

• The latest developments regarding pitch systems to reduce loads and enhance advanced control
• Advanced Control Systems to increase energy production
• Specific grid code requirements to ensure compliance to the power generation system
• Innovative generator and converter technology for application in next generation wind turbines
• Evaluating future requirements for wind turbines from a utility and developer´s perspective

This event will draw together extensive experience from industry professionals in electrical engineering, encourage the exchange of knowledge, and promote the dialogue amongst the wind turbine community.

Visit the E/E Systems for Wind Turbines site for more information.

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At a recent conference, a colleague from Chicago-based machine shop Bley LLC showed me pictures of the huge parts his team manufacturers. A gearbox front housing with torque arms, for instance, appeares over 6-ft in diameter. Main shafts are some 6-ft long and 2-ft in diameter with 5-ft diameter flanges on one end. Company manager Mike Milbratz says wind energy may be the only industry that needs parts at automotive cost and aerospace quality– inexpensive and high precision. His remark on quality also means wind turbine parts must be made or repaired by trained and skilled machinists. So how do you find such people?

“It’s a challenge,” he sighed. “If you know any send them over,” he added only half kidding. He explained that the most difficult positions to fill are for machine set-up tasks because of the years of experience needed. Milbratz says his shop keeps an almost permanent “help wanted” sign out. The situation is likely to worsen as older skilled labor begin to retire.

Deborah Picchione, HR manager for the Ohio region of machining firm Heroux Devtek echoes Milbratz comments, pointing out that the shortage for skilled metal machinists and manufacturing engineers is widespread. “Right now we have positions for manufacturing engineers, quality engineers, and lean manufacturing experts,” she says. All four of Picchione’s facilities carry on with unfilled skilled machining positions. In response, she keeps job ads on Career Builder, Monster.com, Linkedin, and other sites, and maintains contacts at nearby colleges and vocational schools.

Milbratz says his shop has a small training program to move people up the ranks, but a 60-person company cannot afford to train people in the basics. He relies on local community colleges for recruits, and hunts for talent at job fairs. Picchione says her company started an internship with computer-based training in CNC machining and print reading for new hires before they graduate to the shop floor and OJT. Starting salaries for people right out of a community college is about $15/hr, about $30,000/yr, and top out at least $27/hr. and above. Picchione points out that overtime, bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and benefits make a six-figure income possible.

So why in an era of over 9% unemployment (and probably more) does a career with decent pay, almost guaranteed employment, and respect, go begging for workers? There are several theories. One is that the skilled trades are not promoted in schools anymore. In the ‘60s and ‘70s, high schools had machine and metal shops along with drafting classes. These are mostly gone. The emphasis is on college. Those who do graduate from vocational schools snatched up quickly or do not stay with the trade. Maybe kids don’t want to get their hands dirty? Maybe they don’t realize the machine tool is a computer peripheral, and although the job can get dirty, it’s a lot cleaner than it once was?

The obvious solution to the shortage is to once again promote the trades in high school because not everyone is meant for college. Most students don’t know such a career exists. And tell girls, too. One HR manager says her most productive machinist is a woman.

Dean Kamen, a prolific inventor, observed that we get what we celebrate. This nation celebrates sports and entertainment figures, so there is great interest those careers. The irony is that none of them would be possible if someone had not first manufactured the equipment and TVs that bring sporting events and entertainment into our homes. Manufacturing creates wealth and it is part of the bedrock of the economy. If it goes away, kiss the “recovery” goodbye.

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WPE

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