For Bryanna Valencia—a wind technician for Vestas in New Mexico—working in wind energy wasn’t a lifelong plan—it was a path shaped by her trade background, her values, and her openness to new opportunities.
For Valencia, the key to entering the industry was a paid apprenticeship. “I wouldn’t even have this job if it wasn’t for their apprenticeship program,” she explained. “They actually pay you while you’re learning, and then they hired me on after ten months.”
These kinds of programs are essential for attracting workers from diverse backgrounds. “The wind industry really accepts people from all different trades—electricians, plumbers, riggers,” she said.
Wind energy work doesn’t demand a single career path, which opens the door for workers shifting from other industries. “One of my buddies came from Subway. They’ll hire anyone who’s willing,” Valencia said.
For Valencia, clean energy is more than just a job—it’s a way to align her lifestyle with her values. “I live a vegan lifestyle and try to be environmentally conscious. Working in wind energy feels like a dream come true,” she said. “Yes, there’s some pollution during construction, but once the turbines are up, that’s it—it’s not ongoing like oil and gas. The air is cleaner. The impact is minimal compared to fossil fuels.”
She also pushes back against common misconceptions. “People like to argue about bird deaths, but to compare that to pollution doesn’t make sense,” Valencia noted. “Human beings are going to breathe cleaner air—that’s what matters.”
Workforce growth in clean energy also raises questions of representation. “I’m the only woman on my site right now,” Valencia admitted. “It’s tough. When you make a mistake, it’s not just because you’re human—it’s, ‘Oh, it’s because she’s a girl.’ But I stick it out because if I give up, how does that help other women?”
Despite the obstacles, she describes the work as deeply rewarding. “The best moment is when we do final commissioning—when the tower gets connected to the grid. You see it built from the ground up. It’s like watching a real-life Lego set come together,” she said.
The clean energy transition is well underway, but its success will depend on meeting workforce needs. Paid apprenticeships, transferable trade skills, and inclusive hiring are proving essential in filling the gap.
“I just hope people understand this industry is for everyone, for all ages,” Valencia emphasized. “It can replace oil field work. It’s not like oil is going away and there’ll be nothing left. No—there are plenty of jobs here.”
