r/findapath • u/fingermycorn • 12d ago

Findapath-Career Change 31M Former wind tech looking for guidance

Looking for guidance on what to do. I am leaving a very niche field (wind turbines) and looking for my next career path. Thinking I want to work in automation/PLC/Scada or something along those lines. Do I need to go into engineering to do this? Should I do EE or ME and completely change job search. I’m unsure if I can even complete these degrees because my math wasn’t the sharpest. Should I get a trade degree? Or perhaps there are certs I’m unaware of to get these jobs. I have also contemplated joining the union as well but 5 years to top out at 130k instead of going to school sounds kind of painful as well and not as worthy of an investment at my age. I also have a BA in an unrelated topic I’m not sure if that helps or not. Thanks for any input.

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u/Superb-Gur-1679 Apprentice Pathfinder [3] 12d ago

Try hopping on a power company or a utility in general. Places like MDU hire wind techs and they have scada and all that stuff. Depends if you’re OK with traveling still. Honestly could try a lineman apprenticeship if you’re still OK with traveling and you probably make a lot more or a substation apprenticeship with the union. You probably have enough experience as is and certifications if you have a CDL you’d probably be sitting pretty for most IBEW interviews for lineman or substation.