GreenDegree.com

Associates with a Green Energy Degree or a Renewable Energy Degree are in the right place at the right time and the Obama Administration wants you to succeed.  Through its aggressive energy policy and the initiation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, government is heaping money and opportunity into Renewable Energy design, installation and technology.

By all accounts, the commitment is staggering and long overdue.  The goals are diverse but a cleaner environment, a healthier planet and sources of energy less dependent on foreign oil are solidly rooted in the administration’s plans.  The President is motivated to assure a leadership role for the U.S. in the field of alternative energy and students with a Renewable Energy Degree will be pressed into immediate action.  There is great demand and not enough supply for associates with a two or four year Green Energy Degree.

Since the passing of ARRA, projections for Green Collar jobs have exploded.  Experts predict the availability of 37 million jobs by 2030.  While many of these opportunities for associates with a Green Degree are national, the international market is expected to show similar figures.  A Renewable Energy Degree has global implications with long-term prospects for rapid advancement.  Simply put, there are not enough qualified persons with a Green Degree to fulfill the U.S. leadership role in the field of energy.

To help staff the marketplace with associates with a Renewable Energy Degree or a Green Degree, President Obama has allocated 0 million in educational incentives.  This initiative has been supplemented by many state colleges and universities.  Colorado, Oregon and New York have led other states in implementing newly structured Green Degree curriculums to help fill the demand.
On the national front, the areas of greatest demand remain biofuel development, solar energy and fuel cell technology and design.  The renewable energy industry is especially vibrant and surpassed the growth rate of the U.S. economy by more than 300% in 2008.  Renewable Energy (RE) and Energy Efficient (EE) fields project even larger growth rates through 2013.

Associates with a Green Degree will be entering an industry where starting salaries range from $35,000 – $45,000 for graduates with a two year degree to $45,000 – $60,000 for graduates with a four year degree.  The median salary for the industry is currently $95,500 and expectations are that income opportunities will greatly expand in the next five years.

Leading educational systems like the State University of New York have been quick to open the doors to students interested in pursuing a Renewable Energy Degree or a Green Degree   Emphasis has been placed on design, technology, computer skills and innovative research and development opportunities.

The Federal Government and State Governments have spurred the rise in Green Degree enrollment with substantial Grant Programs.  These grants are available in all Renewable Energy Degree fields.  Recently, heavy emphasis has been placed on solar energy installation, design and weatherization programs.  The Federal Government has allocated billions of dollars for development of these practices with heavy incentives for new development and entrepreneurial expansion.  Graduates with a Green Energy Degree or with a Renewable Energy Degree will find themselves at the forefront of this exciting area of expansion.

A renewable energy degree is not something most people think about when deciding on higher education, nor does a “green job” sound like it has any potential for a career.  However, the renewable energy sector is not only a place for sustainable practices; it’s also a place for sustainable careers.

What do you look for in regards to job placement?  Generally, those looking for long-term placement ask these questions about any area they’re considering:

• Stability – How stable is the job environment?  Are there hiring freezes in this sector?  Are companies closing in this sector?  Is there more than one business hiring in this sector?

• Monetary compensation – How much will I be making?  Can I provide for my family/myself working in this sector?  Would it be a constant struggle to survive or can I live comfortably?

• Advancement – Are there advancement possibilities in this sector?  Will I be stuck in a lower level position?  Do companies offer higher-level training?

The answers to these questions for the renewable energy sector are made clear merely by searching the Internet.  Even with the economic environment of 2008 – 2009, the area of renewable energy is one of the most stable job sectors, having little to no hiring freezes; in fact, renewable energy has seen a growth in the number of hires.

Because of the sector’s growth, advancement is not only possible, but likely.  There are openings in every level of the renewable energy sector; your ability to advance is only limited by your degree of knowledge and experience.

Monetary compensation is lower than some sectors, higher than many.  Bottom level payment, starting as a solar panel installer, can range from $20,000 to as much as $40,000, depending on the state/city.  More knowledge, experience and training can significantly improve your placement, advancement possibilities and paycheck.

Renewable Energy Degrees
An Advanced Associated Renewable Energy degree is your key to a stable career, better payment for your hard work and nearly unlimited advancement opportunities.  Unfortunately, however, you will have to pay attention to the schools offering green degrees.

Many universities, colleges and private training businesses offer general education with a leaning toward greener practices.  In effect, these places take a twenty to thirty year old curriculum and “spruce it up” with environmental topics.  What happens is the graduate takes their new “green degree” to a business in the renewable energy sector, gets hired and then is completely unprepared for the tasks set to them.

A true Advanced Associates Renewable Energy degree should be designed as real-world learning, cooperating with the leaders in green energy.  The courses should deal with the economics, policies and business concerns, as well as technological and environmental issues.  The truth is, the renewable energy sector has job openings in almost every area, from finance and investment to engineering or sales, and a well-built Green AA curriculum should include the training to reach these areas.

An Advanced Associated Renewable Energy degree from the right school can literally change your life – and your outlook.

By now, everyone knows that “green” generally doesn’t mean the color.  It stands for environmental concern, ecological renewal and an overall better world.  So what, exactly, is a Green Degree, and what does it have to do with you?

First, “Green Degree”, otherwise known as “Green AA”, is the short name for an Advanced Associates Renewable Energy Degree

If you came to this article because you were looking for a career change or are new to the workforce and planning what you want to do, a Green Degree has everything to do with you.  The renewable energy sector, which shows one of the highest growth rates of any sector, is experiencing a broad skills gap.

The main reason for the skills gap is due to age.  People age 40 – 55 are the largest group of employees in the renewable energy industry.  As these people get closer to retirement age or retire on their own, the skills gap widens.  Too many employees are leaving to enjoy their retirement years, and not enough “young-bloods” are coming in to fill the spots.

Now the industry has a skills gap they need to fill – and they’re willing to pay people to fill it.  According to an article by the New York Times, national starting salaries for graduates of two-year Green Degree programs range from ,000 to ,000, and starting salaries for graduates of four-year Green Degree programs range from $45,000 to $60,000.

Changing to a Green Career
Green jobs really aren’t that different from any other job position.  No matter what sector you work in, chances are that what you’re doing now has a related position in the renewable energy sector.

The area of solar energy, for example, may sound high-tech and out of reach.  However, just because it’s green, doesn’t mean it’s an area only for researchers or scientists.  The manufacturers need the same type of people as every other company: account executives, assemblers, customer service representatives, project managers – the list goes on.

The difference is in what you know.

The Green Degree br /> To be a “green” customer service representative, you’ll need to understand what you’re telling the customers.  As sales, you’ll need to be able to give potential customers an overview of what these products can do for them, as well as implementation factors.  For instance, do you know how to figure out where to put the solar arrays?  By the time you’re done with a Green Degree, you will.

As you delve into the courses for a Green Degree, you’ll learn about installation and construction for renewable energy methods, such as solar panels and wind turbines.  You’ll learn what goes into maintaining a green building, the renewable energy industry trends, the financial, business and policy issues for greener energy and more.  With the information a Green Degree gives you, you’ll be prepared to step into almost an area of the renewable energy sector – and do well in that position or area.

If you’re getting ready to step into higher education or want to change careers (for whatever the reason), look into a brighter future with renewable energy and a Green Degree

Okay, so a Green Degree probably may not help you earn millions of dollars.  However, it can make the difference between financial hardship and living comfortably.  A Green Degree can also make the difference between keeping a job and having a stable career, and it’s all due to the high demand for trained individuals in the renewable energy sector.
Green Degree Facts
The facts about the renewable energy industry are hard to ignore, and all of them point to a need for employees with higher education and Green Degree:

• More than 20% of the current renewable energy workforce is expected to retire within the next ten years, leaving over 100,000 empty job positions.

• Current trends in education, coupled with the number of expected retirees, indicate a heightened shortage of qualified professionals within the next five years.

• Many energy professionals believe the impaired growth in the renewable energy industry can be directly attributed to the lack of trained individuals, pointing to the need for employees with higher education and Green Degree

• The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), signed into law by President Obama, designated almost $20 billion towards energy efficiency.  According to the Alliance to Save Energy, this part of the stimulus package alone is expected to create over 100,000 jobs within the next two years.

• The ARRA contains provisions for a renewable energy grant program, a loan guarantee program to support the financing of renewable energy systems, and a 30% manufacturing investment tax credit for those who manufacture renewable energy property or equipment.

• According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the above provisions are expected to create 119,000 jobs in solar panel installation, manufacturing components and solar power plant construction – also within the next two years.  All of these areas are covered, at least in part, in a Green Degree curriculum.

• The ARRA provides $30 billion for new renewable energy initiatives, such as a smart power grid, advanced battery technology and energy efficiency measures.  House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says the $30 billion provision will create an additional 500,000 jobs.

• Due to favorable government legislations and more people understanding the benefits of energy management, revenue in the renewable energy industry is expected to double by 2013.

• Total, over 800,000 job openings are expected in the renewable energy industry, many requiring a Green Degree or other higher education, over the next ten years.

• Expected revenue changes, industry growth, the number of potential retirees and the number of expected job openings has created a high demand for trained individuals.
Green Degree Salary Facts
The age-old rules of supply and demand work even in the renewable energy sector.  The high demand for individuals with Green Degree means that companies are willing to pay, and pay well, to fill the anticipated skills gaps.  Current salaries range from $40,000 to over $150,000, depending on level of training and years of experience.

The facts are plain and clear to see.  The renewable energy industry is suffering a shortage of trained employees in many areas.  Training should include a Green Degree, which raises your salary potential.  A Green Degree, coupled with the numerous job openings, shows a stable, growing career for anyone involved in the renewable energy industry.  So now it’s time to ask yourself… do you want a job or do you want a career?

Green Degree programs are on the rise.  For many people, this made sense a couple of years ago.  The renewable energy sector was considered one of the most stable arenas to enter.

With the economic climate, however, even this powerful, stable sector is feeling the effects.  Now, with layoffs around the country and almost no company from any sector left untouched, people are searching for a place to call home; they want jobs, but they want those jobs to be stable.  So why is the demand for a Green Degree growing if the renewable energy sector looks like its stumbling?

Several factors are behind the increased demand for individuals with a Green Degree   Here are just two of these factors:

Lack of trained employees:  Recently, the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE – nonprofit) surveyed 978 members to determine the overall need for green jobs, as well as the industry’s potential and salary data.  The survey points out several factors, which increase the demand for individuals with Green Degrees, as well as the number of individuals studying for this degree.

According to the survey, 41% were planning to retire within the next ten years.  From those surveyed alone, that equals 400 job positions opening.  Now, suppose the energy industry employed a total of 500,000 people, and overall only 20% were retiring (the real numbers are much larger).  In a span of ten years, over 100,000 job positions will be opening.

Add to this the fact that 72% of those surveyed report a high shortage of qualified individuals in the renewable energy sector.  Even if only 20% retire, shortages can only become more noticeable – in effect, the lack of trained individuals with Green Degrees to replace retiring employees is making expansion virtually impossible.

Government support: February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) as a nation wide stimulus package.  $61.3 billion has been pinpointed to go to the energy sector.  Included in the Act is the provision for the Renewable Energy Grant Program, which will cover approximately 30% of the cost of solar projects for the next two years – this also includes large-scale utility projects.

With this provision and others, as well as designated amounts of the $61.3 billion going to state energy programs, “greening” federal buildings and other areas, the demand for trained individuals is expected to rise to as little a 100,000 and as much as 500,000 within the next two years.  This growth once again brings up the issue of the lack of trained personnel to fill those spots.
These factors, as well as others, have greatly increased the demand for individuals with Green Degrees

The renewable energy sector not only wants to expand, but is having to expand by sheer force to keep up with the new stimulus package.  So you decide – is a Green Degree a priceless treasure that can set you on the path to a strong, stable career? Absolutely yes.