West Fargo, N.D.-based Wanzek Construction has initiated a new internship program for college graduates – the Wind Tech Development Program.
Representatives from Wanzek recently presented the program for students majoring in wind energy technology at Mesalands Community College, located in Tucumcari, N.M.
“We currently have a really good team; however, we wanted to expand the quality players within our company,” said Nick Iback, Wanzek’s senior project manger, at the presentation. “One of the initiatives we decided to put together was to go out to schools similar to Mesalands and try to recruit some people that have sought out the industry, sought out knowledge related to the industry and have some good practical training in the classroom related to what we do daily in the field.”
Through the program, Wanzek will train, mentor and develop graduates who are looking to establish a career as a wind technician. According to Wanzek, the program will expose graduates to different areas of the industry and design post-graduate career paths based on skill sets, interests and industry needs. Technician training may include performing tasks involving physical labor on a wind farm and assisting managers.
Wanzek says program benefits include guaranteed employment after obtaining a two-year degree or a certificate in wind renewables or in a related field, a $3,000 sign-on bonus, a $1,500 yearly retention bonus for three years, industry pay and benefits, travel opportunities, and a housing allowance and per diem while traveling.