helicam,
I take it you run a training school in the uk? How much would it cost to train from scratch based on minimums inc vat to FIR?
My ambition is to get into offshore/utility work and it seemed the J-1 visa would be a good way to gain experience quickly, although it does beg the question where the turbine time comes from.
More generally, do employers who are not training establishments favour people who have trained in the uk? of those that train abroad does the specific school or location make any difference. For example would Oregon or Florida make a difference.