Green jobs are a part of a new employment sector that is expected to grow in the coming years. A green job, or green collar job, describes employment at Wisconsin businesses that work to lower 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'll be expanding rapidly and will likely put America back on the manufacturing map, there's 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 Wisconsin
Below are training programs and certifications for various types of green jobs.
Wisconsin 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 likewise an excellent resource for locating LEED certification programs in your area.
Wisconsin 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 building more energy efficient. Some areas are now starting to require homeowners have an energy audit before they can sell their residence. Those who have experience in engineering, home inspections or building are energy auditor naturals. Consult 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 Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Ecotourism Training
Ecotourism has grown to be 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 trying to find. Some Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
Wisconsin renewable energy sources include solar, wind and geothermal energy sources. The excitement 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 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 mentioned above, there are also many local, state and national green jobs training programs.
Education Levels for Green Jobs Training in Wisconsin
Many people may be wondering or even worried about what level of education they should have in order to take part in Wisconsin green jobs training programs. The good news is that for many training programs students must have no less than a high school diploma.
Some green jobs training in Wisconsin 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 check with the certification program to determine what education prerequisites are required.
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 Wisconsin.