CHEYENNE - For some, the key to life is being versatile - knowing when to follow your heart and when to follow your head.

Travis Perko's most recent career move is the product of both.

"It's definitely going to be lucrative. It's definitely the future, so there's job security. And my son is very proud of me," he said.

Perko's 15-year-old son cares very much about climate change and finding cleaner, more environmentally sustainable ways of developing energy. So he was pleased when Perko enrolled in the wind energy technology program at Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne.

"It seems to be the way everything is going, and it's good for Wyoming," said Perko, 37.

Climbing up 50-foot-tall tubes to wrestle with gearboxes and electricity is a big leap from Perko's previous career. After serving in the Marine Corps, Perko worked as a hairdresser in Tucson, Ariz., for 14 years. After a divorce, Perko said he was ready for a challenge.

Given the recession and changing energy environment, Perko said it made sense to come back to Wyoming to take a crack at the emerging wind energy industry. So far, the physical demands in the training course have made him feel more fit.

The wind energy programs will give Perko a solid background in both electronics and wind turbine mechanics. Wind turbines are manufactured all over the world, so the myriad designs require general knowledge of the working components and opportunities to specialize with specific brands.

Perko said he'll also have an opportunity to either work for one particular wind facility or be part of a maintenance crew that travels from location to location.

And it doesn't hurt to impress your son while at the same time training for an upgrade in pay.

"This will pay 10-fold compared to hairdressing," Perko said.

Energy reporter Dustin Bleizeffer can be reached at (307) 577-6069 or dustin.bleizeffer@trib.com. Check out Dustin's blog at tribtown.trib.com/DustinBleizeffer.