Choose a location. A program close to home is usually less expensive than if you move to another part of the country or the world. Decide where you want to go to school and check for institutions in that area. The U.S. Department of Energy website offers an interactive online map of the U. S. showing institution locations that offer wind-turbine training along with telephone numbers, addresses and program descriptions. Outside the U.S., the Bildungszentrum für erneuerbare Energien e.V (BZEE) Renewable Energy Training Center website lists institutions and program descriptions in several countries, including Canada.
Check for accreditation. This tells your future employer that the institution or program you attend has met standards set by an independent judging body. You can verify an institution's or program's accreditation by going to the U.S. Department of Education's website that lists accredited institutions and programs. The AWEA issues seals of approval to programs that teach the skills that its 2,500 member companies desire in prospective employees. Also look for the BZEE affiliation, as this standard is recognized internationally.
Decide on the length and level of training. The combination of theory and hands-on training varies greatly. There are courses that last one month and programs that run more than two years. Some institutions offer degrees and others basic job training. Read the course descriptions from the institutions selected for a closer look. Balance the skills you are seeking against what you can afford to invest in time and money.