Green jobs are part of a brand new employment sector that is anticipated to grow in the coming years. A green job, or green collar job, describes employment at Louisiana businesses that work to reduce pollution and waste or help clean and protect the environment. Jobs in renewable energy sources are a good illustration 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 is a high demand for a new type 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 Louisiana
Below are training programs and certifications for different types of green jobs.
Louisiana 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 several 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 in your area.
Louisiana Energy Auditor Training
An energy auditor examines a company 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 starting 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. 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 Louisiana.
Louisiana Ecotourism Training
Ecotourism has grown to be popular since 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 looking for. Some Louisiana 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 Louisiana
Louisiana renewable energy sources include solar, wind and geothermal energy sources. The excitement in all three are growing everyday. If you're 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 Louisiana
Many people may be wondering or even concerned about what level of education they should have in order to take part in Louisiana green jobs training programs. The good news is that for many training programs students have to have no less than a high school diploma.
Some green jobs training in Louisiana 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 needed.
Green jobs promise to supply workers with good paying, long term employment. Use the information above to learn more about green jobs training in Louisiana.