Green jobs are part of a new employment sector that's likely to grow in the coming years. A green job, or green collar job, refers to employment at Illinois businesses that work to lower pollution and waste or help clean and protect the environment. Jobs in alternative energy are a good example of green jobs.
Given this is a new industry that will be growing rapidly and will likely put America back on the manufacturing map, there's a high demand for a new kind of skilled workers. Green job training programs have cropped up throughout the country to help prepare workers for these new green collar jobs.
Green Jobs Training Programs in Illinois
Below are training programs and certifications for various kinds of green jobs.
Illinois 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 well-accepted in the last several years and community colleges now offer LEED certification programs. The U.S. Green Building Council is also a superb resource for locating LEED certification programs near you.
Illinois Energy Auditor Training
An energy auditor examines a company or home to find where energy is being lost or wasted and makes recommendations 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. Individuals who have a background in engineering, home inspections or building are energy auditor naturals. Talk with your community college to see if they offer energy auditor courses. The Association of Energy Engineers or Everblue both offer energy auditor training in Illinois.
Illinois Ecotourism Training
Ecotourism has grown to be popular because so many vacationers are now trying 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 searching for. Some Illinois 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 program.
Renewable Energy Training Programs in Illinois
Illinois renewable energy sources include solar, wind and geothermal energy sources. The excitement 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 already mentioned, there are also many local, state and national green jobs training programs.
Education Levels for Green Jobs Training in Illinois
Many people may be wondering or even concerned about what level of education they should have in order to be a part of Illinois green jobs training programs. The good news is that for many training programs students will need to have no less than a high school diploma.
Some green jobs training in Illinois 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 find out 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 Illinois.