Green jobs are an integral part of a brand new employment sector that is expected to grow in the coming years. A green job, or green collar job, refers to employment at California businesses that work to minimize pollution and waste or help clean and protect the environment. Jobs in renewable energy sources are a fantastic example of green jobs.
Given that this is a new industry that will be growing rapidly and will likely put America back on the manufacturing map, there is a high demand for a new kind of skilled workers. Green job training programs have cropped up across the country to help prepare workers for these new green collar jobs.
Green Jobs Training Programs in California
Below are training programs and certifications for various kinds of green jobs.
California LEED Certification Programs
When it comes to green building certifications LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the defacto standard. LEED has become very popular in the last few years and community colleges now offer LEED certification programs. The U.S. Green Building Council is likewise a wonderful resource for locating LEED certification programs in your town.
California Energy Auditor Training
An energy auditor examines a business or home to find where energy has been lost or wasted and makes suggestions for making the structure more energy efficient. Some areas are now beginning to require homeowners have an energy audit before they can sell their residence. Those who have a background in engineering, home inspections or building are energy auditor naturals. Consult with your community college to see if they provide energy auditor courses. The Association of Energy Engineers or Everblue both offer energy auditor training in California.
California Ecotourism Training
Ecotourism has become popular because so many vacationers are now wanting to be more environmentally friendly in their excursions. If you enjoy, travel, nature and science then a career in ecotourism may be just what you're trying to find. Some California colleges offer classes in ecotourism. In Thailand the Ecotourism Training Center has established the Sustainable Marine Adventures Responsible Tourism (S.M.A.R.T.) training program.
Renewable Energy Training Programs in California
California renewable energy sources include solar, wind and geothermal energy sources. The popularity in all three are growing everyday. If you are interested in geothermal technologies the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association provides workshops and training. For those wanting to get a green job in wind energy the Interstate Renewable Energy Council and NABCEP both offer training in wind power and turbines.
In addition to the organizations stated earlier, there are also many local, state and national green jobs training programs.
Education Levels for Green Jobs Training in California
Many people may be wondering or even concerned about what level of education they should have in order to be a part of California green jobs training programs. The good news is that for many training programs students will need to have a minimum of a high school diploma.
Some green jobs training in California will require a college degree or enrollment in college. Others, like energy auditing, requires other specialized knowledge. The level of education needed is mainly dependent on the type of green job you're interested in. One of the primary things you need to do is check with the certification program to determine what education prerequisites are expected.
Green jobs promise to provide workers with good paying, long term employment. Use the information above to find out more about green jobs training in California.