Green jobs are a part of a brand new employment sector that is expected to grow in the coming years. A green job, or green collar job, describes employment at Iowa businesses that work to minimize pollution and waste or help clean and protect the environment. Jobs in renewable energy sources are a fantastic illustration of green jobs.
Given this is a new industry that'll be expanding 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 around the country to help get workers ready for these new green collar jobs.
Green Jobs Training Programs in Iowa
Below are training programs and certifications for different types of green jobs.
Iowa 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 quite popular in the last couple of years and community colleges now offer LEED certification programs. The U.S. Green Building Council is also an excellent resource for locating LEED certification programs in your area.
Iowa Energy Auditor Training
An energy auditor examines a business or home to find where energy is being 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. Those who have experience 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 Iowa.
Iowa Ecotourism Training
Ecotourism has grown to be popular since 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 searching for. Some Iowa 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 Iowa
Iowa renewable energy sources include solar, wind and geothermal energy sources. The popularity in all three are growing each day. 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 mentioned above, there are also many local, state and national green jobs training programs.
Education Levels for Green Jobs Training in Iowa
Many people may be wondering or even concerned about what level of education they need to have in order to take part in Iowa 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 Iowa 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 consult with the certification program to find out what education prerequisites are required.
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 Iowa.