Green jobs are an integral 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 Oregon businesses that work to lower pollution and waste or help clean and protect the environment. Jobs in renewable energy sources are a good illustration of green jobs.
Given that this is a new industry that will be growing 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 throughout the country to help get workers ready for these new green collar jobs.
Green Jobs Training Programs in Oregon
Below are training programs and certifications for different kinds of green jobs.
Oregon 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 couple of 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 town.
Oregon Energy Auditor Training
An energy auditor examines a business or home to find where energy has been lost or wasted and makes suggestions 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 a background in engineering, home inspections or building are energy auditor naturals. Consult 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 Oregon.
Oregon Ecotourism Training
Ecotourism has grown to be 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 looking for. Some Oregon 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 Oregon
Oregon 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 already mentioned, there are also many local, state and national green jobs training programs.
Education Levels for Green Jobs Training in Oregon
Many people may be wondering or even worried about what level of education they have to have in order to take part in Oregon 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 Oregon 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 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 Oregon.