Green jobs are an integral part of a brand new employment sector that is expected to grow in the coming years. A green job, or green collar job, refers to employment at South Carolina businesses that work to lower pollution and waste or help clean and protect the environment. Jobs in alternative energy are a great example 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 get workers ready for these new green collar jobs.
Green Jobs Training Programs in South Carolina
Below are training programs and certifications for various kinds of green jobs.
South Carolina 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 several 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 near you.
South Carolina Energy Auditor Training
An energy auditor examines a company 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 house. Anyone who has a background in engineering, home inspections or building are energy auditor naturals. Talk 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 South Carolina.
South Carolina Ecotourism Training
Ecotourism has become popular because so many vacationers are now trying 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 searching for. Some South Carolina 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 program.
Renewable Energy Training Programs in South Carolina
South Carolina 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 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 South Carolina
Many people may be wondering or even worried about what level of education they need to have in order to take part in South Carolina green jobs training programs. The good news is that for many training programs students will need to have at the very least a high school diploma.
Some green jobs training in South Carolina 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 initial things you need to do is consult with the certification program to find out what education prerequisites are required.
Green jobs promise to supply workers with good paying, long term employment. Use the information above to learn more about green jobs training in South Carolina.