Green jobs are an integral part of a brand new employment sector that is anticipated to grow in the coming years. A green job, or green collar job, refers to employment at Washington businesses that work to reduce pollution and waste or help clean and protect the environment. Jobs in alternative energy are a great illustration of green jobs.
Given 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 Washington
Below are training programs and certifications for different types of green jobs.
Washington 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 couple of 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 in your area.
Washington Energy Auditor Training
An energy auditor examines a business or home to find where energy is being lost or wasted and makes suggestions for making the property more energy efficient. Some areas are now beginning 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 Washington.
Washington Ecotourism Training
Ecotourism has become 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 Washington 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 course.
Renewable Energy Training Programs in Washington
Washington renewable energy sources include solar, wind and geothermal energy sources. The excitement in all three are growing each 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 stated earlier, there are also many local, state and national green jobs training programs.
Education Levels for Green Jobs Training in Washington
Many people may be wondering or even worried about what level of education they should have in order to take part in Washington green jobs training programs. The good news is that for many training programs students will need to have no less than a high school diploma.
Some green jobs training in Washington 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 check with the certification program to find out 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 Washington.