Green jobs are part of a new employment sector that's likely to grow in the coming years. A green job, or green collar job, refers to employment at South Dakota businesses that work to lower pollution and waste or help clean and protect the environment. Jobs in renewable energy sources are a fantastic example of green jobs.
Given this is a new industry that'll 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 around the country to help prepare workers for these new green collar jobs.
Green Jobs Training Programs in South Dakota
Below are training programs and certifications for various kinds of green jobs.
South 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 quite popular in the last few years and community colleges now offer LEED certification programs. The U.S. Green Building Council is also a wonderful resource for locating LEED certification programs near you.
South Dakota 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 building more energy efficient. Some areas are now starting to require homeowners have an energy audit before they can sell their home. Anyone who has experience 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 South Dakota.
South Dakota Ecotourism Training
Ecotourism is becoming popular since 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 trying to find. Some South 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 program.
Renewable Energy Training Programs in South Dakota
South Dakota renewable energy sources include solar, wind and geothermal energy sources. The excitement in all three are growing by the 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 stated earlier, there are also many local, state and national green jobs training programs.
Education Levels for Green Jobs Training in South Dakota
Many people may be wondering or even concerned about what level of education they have to have in order to take part in South Dakota green jobs training programs. The good news is that for many training programs students must have a minimum of a high school diploma.
Some green jobs training in South 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 first things you need to do is check with the certification program to determine what education prerequisites are expected.
Green jobs promise to provide workers with good paying, long term employment. Use the information above to learn more about green jobs training in South Dakota.