Green jobs are part of a new employment sector that's expected to grow in the coming years. A green job, or green collar job, describes employment at Indiana businesses that work to reduce pollution and waste or help clean and protect the environment. Jobs in renewable energy sources are a great example of green jobs.
Given this is a new industry that will be expanding 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 across the country to help get workers ready for these new green collar jobs.
Green Jobs Training Programs in Indiana
Below are training programs and certifications for various types of green jobs.
Indiana 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 well-accepted in the last few years and community colleges now offer LEED certification programs. The U.S. Green Building Council is likewise an excellent resource for locating LEED certification programs near you.
Indiana Energy Auditor Training
An energy auditor examines a company or home to find where energy has been 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 house. Individuals who have experience in engineering, home inspections or building are energy auditor naturals. Talk 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 Indiana.
Indiana 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 Indiana 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 Indiana
Indiana renewable energy sources include solar, wind and geothermal energy sources. The excitement in all three are growing each 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 already mentioned, there are also many local, state and national green jobs training programs.
Education Levels for Green Jobs Training in Indiana
Many people may be wondering or even worried about what level of education they have to have in order to take part in Indiana green jobs training programs. The good news is that for many training programs students must have a minimum of a high school diploma.
Some green jobs training in Indiana 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 find out more about green jobs training in Indiana.