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.