Retaining Talent in the Wind Industry

Previously published in the January/February 2026 issue of North America Clean Energy (NACE) magazine.

In the wind industry, building sustainable systems involves more than just constructing turbines; it also entails 
developing and implementing effective maintenance strategies. For renewable energy companies to thrive, they need a workforce of well-trained wind or turbine technicians to develop, operate, and maintain critical infrastructure.

To build sustainable systems that power the future of energy, wind energy companies must first invest in their workforce. By focusing on what employees want and need, employers can secure competitive talent and ensure that they have the right workforce to make wind power a reality.

Talent panic in the wind industry

The wind industry is growing rapidly, and the current renewable energy workforce is struggling to keep pace. Based on a 2024 study from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), employers in the wind industry are expected to need about 258,000 workers by 2030 — almost twice the predicted supply of 134,000 available employees.

To meet long-term capacity goals, employers need to rebuild their workforce management strategies from the ground up. It’s not enough to just offer competitive compensation or ramp up hiring efforts. To effectively combat these challenges, bridge the skills gap, and achieve the full potential of wind power, employers must build a company culture centered on employee satisfaction and long-term retention.

Creating careers, not jobs.

Employers often cite a lack of qualified employees as one of the primary factors driving the talent shortage. Candidates often lack the necessary education, experience, or skills to transition directly into highly technical wind energy roles. The solution? Taking an active role in training and career pathing to cultivate candidates with the exact qualifications employers are seeking. 

Beyond raising awareness, employers will need to bolster their internal training and development programs. Instead of looking for candidates with built-in experience, employers should invest in on-the-job training and internships that can be converted into full-time roles. Today’s workforce doesn’t just want short-term opportunities; top candidates want security, growth, and long-term futures with the right employer. Laying the groundwork for a thriving workforce in the future starts with developing a talent pipeline that benefits both employers and employees.

Building the renewable energy workforce.

To plant the seeds for future growth, operational leaders need to think about where wind energy careers begin. Many individuals who are well-suited for wind energy jobs may simply not realize these roles exist or worry about barriers to entry. Launching outreach initiatives with community colleges, technical schools, and high schools can be an effective way to promote opportunities in green energy. In a job market where uncertainty is high, the projected growth of the wind industry could offer a significant draw for early-career professionals seeking a secure career path.

Company culture that’s built to last.

Today’s workers have high expectations for employers; beyond a fair, livable wage and benefits, they also want their workplace to be a true community. Company culture isn’t just a recruitment buzzword — it can be a determining factor in whether top candidates stick around long-term or jump ship to a competitor. With attrition rates in renewable energy growing in recent years, companies must do everything they can to combat turnover rates and build a culture that supports and retains their best employees.

Redefining blue-collar work.

While the wind industry is brimming with career opportunities, it also suffers from systemic culture issues that could drive away top talent. Would-be candidates may worry about training costs, transportation, and the notorious lack of work-life balance often associated with blue-collar field work. Operational leaders can combat blue-collar stereotypes by fostering a welcoming company culture that focuses on breaking down barriers and promoting balance in the renewable energy sector.

Powering the future of energy.

To truly step into the future of clean energy, we can’t rely on yesterday’s hiring strategies. Wind power has massive potential, but employers need the right people to make it a reality. To develop wide-reaching wind infrastructure, companies first need a resilient and sustainable workforce. Society is embracing a vision of powering our lives with wind energy on a large scale, and it’s up to innovative industry leaders to build teams who can bring that vision to life.

  • 17 min

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