TEHACHAPI, Calif. -- Airstreams Renewables has trained more than 500 people for a career in wind and renewable energy in the past two years.

With the tough economy, there is a surge of unemployed workers registering for the training and they are able to do it for free.

The 20-day accelerated training program typically costs $4,700, but for those who are out of work and qualify, the cost is free.

Mike Messier, the vice president of training at Airstreams Renewables, said, "There’s the Workforce Investment Act that this federal money will pay for tuition. So really, it’s a great thing for people who are displaced workers and out of work looking for a new career.”

And for those who are themselves out of work, there’s no better day than today to take advantage of free training and certification in a booming industry.

Jim Spruyt, who is a student in the program and currently unemployed, said, "You’ve got to use your brain. Some industries are going away, but clean energy, that’s going to be the future and now’s a good time to get into it.”

For Spruyt and the other students, they’re hoping the 20-day program will mean a long-term job in the future.

Armando Hernandez said, "I think this will open the doors to providing a job after this.”

Messier said Airstreams Renewables will even help the students find a job.

By the end of the year, Messier estimates the company will have have an 85 percent job placement rate.

But the unemployed aren’t the only ones Airstreams is helping out. The company is participating in the Troops to Energy program.

“We have a close relationship with a group that focuses on the troop transition; we’re working with them on their troops to energy program, and their program starts next week,” said Messier.

Twenty to 30 percent report having trouble finding work after coming off of active duty, but Messier believes this new partnership will be a win-win for everyone involved.

“These military personnel have the skill sets required, they have the discipline, and they’re really sought-after people for this type of employment, so it’s really great for the military personnel as well as the industry itself," said Messier.

If you would like to learn more about Airstreams Renewables and the programs they offer, including their new courses for 2010, you can head to their Web site www.air-streams.com.