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 North Dakota 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'll 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 around the country to help prepare workers for these new green collar jobs.
Green Jobs Training Programs in North Dakota
Below are training programs and certifications for different types of green jobs.
North Dakota 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 also an excellent resource for locating LEED certification programs in your area.
North Dakota Energy Auditor Training
An energy auditor examines a business or home to find where energy has been lost or wasted and makes recommendations for making the building more energy efficient. Some areas are now starting to require homeowners have an energy audit before they can sell their house. Those who have a background in engineering, home inspections or building are energy auditor naturals. Check 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 North Dakota.
North Dakota 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 looking for. Some North Dakota colleges offer classes in ecotourism. In Thailand the Ecotourism Training Center has established the Sustainable Marine Adventures Responsible Tourism (S.M.A.R.T.) training course.
Renewable Energy Training Programs in North Dakota
North Dakota renewable energy sources include solar, wind and geothermal energy sources. The popularity 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 stated earlier, there are also many local, state and national green jobs training programs.
Education Levels for Green Jobs Training in North Dakota
Many people may be wondering or even worried about what level of education they should have in order to take part in North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 expected.
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 North Dakota.