What do your training courses/classes cost? Cost depends on the course/classes you select. It is determined based on course duration (# days), certifications included and level of instruction. When making competitive comparisons, always make sure to understand what certifications are included in the class.
What is included in the cost of the class? All books, tests, evaluations, simulator time and certifications. The AS1001 20-Day Class includes the following Certifications: AIRSTREAMS Technical, ENSA Safe Climber, OSHA 10, AIRSTREAMS Electrical & Metering Safety, Torque and Tension and CPR.
How long do the courses/classes last? Varies based on the selected course.
What are the regular course/class hours? Classes are scheduled between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. An hour is allotted for lunch.
What is the difference between your courses/classes and the competition? Our classes were designed by industry experts, specifically for students, in the most accelerated format to save time, and with just the right amount of hands-on training to qualify you for employment in the Renewable Energy/Wind Industry. Our safety focused technical curriculum and certifications are recognized throughout the industry.
Why would I choose the ARI Program versus going to a college
for a 2 or 4 year degree? Because our program saves you time and will get you out looking for your new job quicker than a traditional degree (20 days versus 24 or 48 months). Having a university degree or deciding to pursue continuing education towards a university degree is an excellent way for students to enhance their job marketability and career advancement.
What are the Admission Requirements to attend your training? Standards for Admission:
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must possess a high school diploma (or equivalent). A copy of the diploma must be provided upon enrollment. Documentation may also be a copy of the GED, a high school transcript, written certification by an authority for home-schooled students, or a signed student attestation of high school graduation, including the name of the secondary school, location, and date of graduation.
Since all courses are taught in English and all student materials used in these courses are written in English, students must be proficient in English language skills. If your native language is not English, the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) will be administered online. A score of 65 (or above) will be considered an acceptable level of proficiency, with the following specific scores: Reading-minimum of 15, Listening-minimum of 15, Speaking-minimum of 18, and Writing-minimum of 17. Exemption from having to take the TOEFL is considered if a student documents that they have achieved one of the following:
Four years of high school or secondary school in the U.S. or a country where English is the official language.
An undergraduate degree from an institution in the U.S. or a country where English is the official language.
Students with special needs are asked to contact Sharon Miller, Student Services Manager, to discuss any requests for special accommodations. Individual assistance with enrollment will be provided.
For any course that includes climbing requirements, the student must have the physical ability to climb 300 foot towers and weigh less than 285 pounds (due to equipment specifications). Courses with climbing requirements are:
Wind Turbine Technician Safety and Technical
Comprehensive Safety in the Wind Industry
Wind Turbine Construction Safety
Competent Climber (TSL & EZE Man/Skylotech)
ENSA Safe Access, Rescue & Confined Space-Wind Energy
Visa services for foreign students are not currently available.
What past experience would be helpful in enabling me to be successful
in this industry? Some of our students are: college graduates, high school graduates, retired military, from the construction trades, electricians, mechanics, and engineers from a variety of backgrounds and ages.
Will there be tests/evaluations for each class? Yes, there are classroom and climbing tests and performance evaluations for each student.
Can I cancel a class / get a refund? You have the right to cancel the enrollment agreement and obtain a refund of charges paid through attendance at the first class session, or the seventh day after enrollment, whichever is later. Any student who drops or cancels registration prior to the course beginning will be refunded any tuition paid, less a nonrefundable registration fee. You must contact the Student Services Manager to drop or cancel. You will be contacted to make the necessary arrangements for withdrawal and/or refunds within 5 days. Any student dropping the course after it begins will be refunded a pro-rata amount, through the first 60% of the course. Any student dropping after 60% of the course has been completed will not be refunded any portion of the course tuition. Each student who drops will be given a comparison of drop calculations from ALL regulatory bodies that Airstreams is approved thru. Airstreams will always use the drop calculation that is most favorable for the student. All refunds due will be paid within forty-five days (45) of the drop date or cancellation. Fees charged to a credit card will be refunded as credit to your account. If you have received federal student financing funds, you are entitled to a refund of moneys not paid from federal aid program funds.
Can ARI make schedule, pricing or facility changes?
Airstreams reserves the right to cancel any class or make other changes in course content, schedule, pricing or facilities. Every effort will be made to provide prompt notification of any class cancellation and/or any other changes.
Are the ARI Instructors classroom teachers or do they have field experience? Our instructors have many years of field experience and at times still work in the field (when not teaching)
In addition to classroom instruction is there any field training provided? Currently three days of competent climber tower rescue training takes place in the field and then one site visit to a local wind project. Other than that, the training takes place in the classroom utilizing our advanced electrical and hydraulic training simulators.
How high will I have to climb during the training portion? 80 feet.
What should I wear?
Casual wear is permitted. Short pants and sandals are not permitted. Work boots and long sleeve cotton shirts and winter coveralls are recommended during winter. Warm weather gear and sunscreen recommended during summer months.
What can I expect from your training program?
Students will spend five plus days outside at an operating wind farm during winter and summer months and appropriate attire is recommended. Our course is safety focused, which is the most important subject to cover. It is not an event for us, but a culture and you will leave our course with a safety focused mindset. The course is divided between topic discussion with some theory and hands on practical exercises in the field and on our simulators to tie the theory to the equipment. Chapter quizzes and practical demonstrations are required throughout the course with a final exam.
What is the weather like?
Tehachapi, CA
Our climate is warm during the summer when temperatures tend to be in the 70's and cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 40's. http://www.idcide.com/weather/ca/tehachapi.htm
Will food/meals be provided?
Meals are not provided as part of the registration fee.
Where can I stay and how can I get there?
All hotel reservations and charges, transportation arrangements and fares are the responsibility of the student. We have negotiated discount pricing at the Holiday Inn Express in Tehachapi. When calling them, be sure to tell them you would like the Airstreams rate.
