Torque Certification

Torque technology program
Snap-on Incorporated, in partnership with Gateway Technical College, has created a national torque certification program designed to meet the needs of the growing global wind industry.

This program in torque technology will provide the student with hands-on learning to torque techniques, bolting applications, and tool set-up and selection concepts within today’s wind industry. Torque is the turning motion used to tighten or secure a fastener to achieve proper clamping force.

Gateway program administrators continue to strive to ensure that the skills taught through the program are thorough and meet the needs of industry. The program, to be held on the Kenosha campus, will offer hands-on training that will guide the student from learning torque fundamentals and hand tool applications to advanced technology equipment to training on heavy-duty pneumatic and hydraulic equipment needed in today’s wind industry.

Safe training and workplace techniques will be taught and stressed heavily at each level of training. Those completing all three training areas will learn many of the key skills needed to be employed in the wind turbine industry.

Knowing torque applications is especially important in the wind industry because turbines, high in the air, need to withstand the rigors and stress put on them by the elements of cold, wind, rain and heat. Many wind industry careers will require certifications such as these to be considered for employment in this growing job field.

The program will be split into three successive areas:

Torque fundamentals
Students will receive hands-on training in:

• the process of torque and bolting and understanding how fasteners work
• the science of torque
• using torque measuring equipment
• proper fastening and clamping force fundamentals

Electrical torque
Students will build on the skills they learned in the fundamentals class, and expand that to receiving hands-on training in proper set up, use and maintenance of advanced electronic torque technology equipment.

Torque III
The third area provides hands-on training to students in the big torque equipment used in today’s wind power industry. Students will be trained in today’s gear reduction multipliers as well as pneumatic and hydraulic-operated machines.

For more information, on how you can become certified or to start a training program at your local college, contact Larry Hobbs at hobbsl@gtc.edu.

Gateway is part of the Wind Energy Training Consortium, public/private partnership that shares a vested interest in advancing training and worker development initiatives in the wind-power industry.