Green jobs are a part of a new employment sector that's likely to grow in the coming years. A green job, or green collar job, describes employment at Utah businesses that work to minimize pollution and waste or help clean and protect the environment. Jobs in alternative energy are a good illustration of green jobs.
Given this is a new industry which will be growing 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 get workers ready for these new green collar jobs.
Green Jobs Training Programs in Utah
Below are training programs and certifications for various kinds of green jobs.
Utah LEED Certification Programs
When it comes to green building certifications LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the defacto 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 also a wonderful resource for locating LEED certification programs near you.
Utah 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 property 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. 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 Utah.
Utah Ecotourism Training
Ecotourism has grown to be popular because so 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 Utah 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 Utah
Utah renewable energy sources include solar, wind and geothermal energy sources. The excitement 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 Utah
Many people may be wondering or even worried about what level of education they have to have in order to be a part of Utah 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 Utah 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 consult with the certification program to find out what education prerequisites are needed.
Green jobs promise to provide workers with good paying, long term employment. Use the information above to find out more about green jobs training in Utah.