Green jobs are a part of a brand new employment sector that's expected to grow in the coming years. A green job, or green collar job, refers to employment at Oklahoma businesses that work to minimize 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 which 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 throughout the country to help prepare workers for these new green collar jobs.
Green Jobs Training Programs in Oklahoma
Below are training programs and certifications for different types of green jobs.
Oklahoma 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 very popular in the last few years and community colleges now offer LEED certification programs. The U.S. Green Building Council is likewise a wonderful resource for locating LEED certification programs near you.
Oklahoma 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 starting to require homeowners have an energy audit before they can sell their home. Individuals who have experience 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 Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Ecotourism Training
Ecotourism has become popular since many vacationers are now wanting 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 trying to find. Some Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma
Oklahoma renewable energy sources include solar, wind and geothermal energy sources. The popularity in all three are growing by the 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 Oklahoma
Many people may be wondering or even concerned about what level of education they need to have in order to be a part of Oklahoma green jobs training programs. The good news is that for many training programs students will need to have a minimum of a high school diploma.
Some green jobs training in Oklahoma 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 determine what education prerequisites are needed.
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 Oklahoma.