Green jobs are a part of a brand new employment sector that's expected to grow in the coming years. A green job, or green collar job, describes employment at Colorado businesses that work to reduce pollution and waste or help clean and protect the environment. Jobs in alternative energy are a great example of green jobs.
Given this is a new industry that'll be growing rapidly and will likely put America back on the manufacturing map, there's a high demand for a new type of skilled workers. Green job training programs have cropped up around the country to help get workers ready for these new green collar jobs.
Green Jobs Training Programs in Colorado
Below are training programs and certifications for different types of green jobs.
Colorado LEED Certification Programs
When it comes to green building certifications LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the gold standard. LEED has become very popular in the last several years and community colleges now offer LEED certification programs. The U.S. Green Building Council is likewise a superb resource for locating LEED certification programs in your town.
Colorado Energy Auditor Training
An energy auditor examines a company or home to find where energy has been lost or wasted and makes suggestions for making the property more energy efficient. Some areas are now beginning to require homeowners have an energy audit before they can sell their house. Anyone who has experience in engineering, home inspections or building are energy auditor naturals. Consult with your community college to see if they have energy auditor courses. The Association of Energy Engineers or Everblue both offer energy auditor training in Colorado.
Colorado Ecotourism Training
Ecotourism has grown to be popular because so many vacationers are now trying to be more eco-friendly in their excursions. If you enjoy, travel, nature and science then a career in ecotourism may be just what you're searching for. Some Colorado colleges offer classes in ecotourism. In Thailand the Ecotourism Training Center has created the Sustainable Marine Adventures Responsible Tourism (S.M.A.R.T.) training course.
Renewable Energy Training Programs in Colorado
Colorado renewable energy sources include solar, wind and geothermal energy sources. The popularity in all three are growing by the day. If you're interested in geothermal technologies the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association provides workshops and training. For those thinking of getting 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 Colorado
Many people may be wondering or even worried about what level of education they need to have in order to be a part of Colorado green jobs training programs. The good news is that for many training programs students have to have a minimum of a high school diploma.
Some green jobs training in Colorado 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 first things you need to do is consult with the certification program to find out what education prerequisites are required.
Green jobs promise to supply workers with good paying, long term employment. Use the information above to learn more about green jobs training in Colorado.