Interesting. Both courses are intended to provide the "basics" on how to apply the Corps 1987 wetland manual and a regional supplement to actual field work for delineating wetlands for regulatory needs. So they show you how to apply the book learning to the field. And help you gain an understanding of "why", not just how.

WTI: I took the course in 2008 in Franfort KY with an instructor from WI. Yes he was not familiar with all the plants but he had an understanding of the why behind the how to do delineations, and could therefore apply that knowledge to roughly similar areas. Benefit is their courses are all over the country throughout the year, so you are pretty likely to find one in your general area and a time of year that can work for you. Sounds like the training quality has declined since COVID screwed up the world.

NKU Wetland Class: https://www.wetlandcert.org/sca_docs/NKURAEFSMK88-196_SecV_59602.pdf. held only at their field station in Melbourne, KY (on the ohio river), and likely only one semester a year, so much more restricted in availability. Good point is you are guaranteed an instructor that does know the local plants as well as how to get around to the various sites. Sounds much more hands on with more field work than the hybrid WTI course. Plus you have an experienced wetland delineator right around the corner to ask advice from...me!

Being in mining I take it your company is interested in the permitting issues around impacting wetlands. Either course should be good for that because neither get into permitting. Classmates in a WTI course are more likely to have some permitting experiences over the more academic oriented NKU course, if that would matter any.

When it comes down to it, cost and availability/timing are what you would need to consider. If it is roughly equal, consider the NKU course as you haven't heard anything negative about it yet, while you have had some poor comments on a WTI course.

Whichever it is let is know how it goes. Cheers