GreenDegree.com

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?

The Merits of a Green Degree