With demand for skilled technicians continuing to rise across Canada’s renewable energy sector, Renewable Energies Technician (RET) students gained valuable insight into the career opportunities waiting for them directly from those working in the field.
On March 19, Costa Rimagmos (RET program, 2018) returned to the Welland Campus with his colleagues from Capstone Infrastructure to speak with current students about careers in renewable energy, with a focus on wind turbine technology and the growing need for talent in the industry.
Now a Lead Technician, Rimagmos was joined by Sherry Provis, Senior Manager, Human Resources, and Ethan Harbison, Plant Manager, Senvion Fleet. Together, they delivered a presentation that combined industry insights, career guidance, and real-world perspective, highlighting the sector’s rapid growth and demand for skilled workers.
Throughout the presentation, the group highlighted the significant expansion of Canada’s wind, solar, and energy storage capacity, reinforcing the increasing need for trained professionals. As the industry continues to scale year over year, students in programs like RET are well-positioned to step directly into in-demand roles.
Provis noted that attracting and developing talent is a key priority as the industry evolves.
“There are tremendous opportunities right now,” she said, emphasizing that it is an especially strong time for students to consider careers in renewable energy.
Rimagmos shared a “day in the life” of a wind turbine technician in his current role as Lead Technician at Capstone Infrastructure.
A recent RET grad, Rimagmos walked students through a “day in the life” of a wind turbine technician, which he described as an active, hands-on career that blends technical problem-solving with outdoor work.
“Every day is a new day, a new job with new challenges to troubleshoot,” he said. “If you don’t like being bored, this is a great opportunity for you.”
From performing maintenance and diagnosing mechanical and electrical issues to working at heights with panoramic views, Rimagmos highlighted both the challenges and rewards of the role. He also emphasized the variety and continuous learning opportunities that come with the job, noting that no two days, or turbines, are exactly the same.
Beyond the technical work, the presentation also explored career progression within the industry. Students learned how roles can evolve from entry-level technician positions to supervisory roles and, eventually, subject matter experts across specialized areas.
“This industry has so many areas to grow into,” said Rimagmos, pointing to opportunities not only in wind, but across the broader renewable energy landscape, including solar, hydro, biomass, and emerging technologies like drone inspections and advanced diagnostics.
The presentation concluded with an interactive Q&A, where students asked about job prospects, summer employment, and pathways into the field. At the same time, Capstone representatives gained valuable insight into what motivates students to pursue careers in renewable energy, supporting their ongoing recruitment efforts.
Students were left inspired by the possibilities within the renewable energy space, showcasing the direct pathway to fulfilling, hands-on careers, opportunities for growth, and the potential to join a rapidly expanding industry.
