GreenDegree.com

With the $500 million in educational funding for those that want to attend green jobs training programs, there are new career possibilities that offer higher paying jobs and a more stable job market in a growing industry. Where traditional career goals may see a shrinking job market, the new careers such as wind technician, fuel-cell engineer and solar panel installer are seeing a promising future.

Many people don’t understand the varied career training offered in the Green jobs training programs. Case in point is an auto mechanic that is going to a community college’s hydrogen fuel program. He states that some people are unclear what he’ll be doing when he graduates and some have asked if he will be building hydrogen bombs instead of relating it to green energy production.

It is this kind of misunderstanding that has the government worried that there will not be enough people to fill the expected demand of this growing job sector. They estimate there will be 5 million green jobs in the next few years. The auto mechanic has been contacted by three different companies regarding jobs and he hasn’t finished his two year degree yet.

Green jobs training programs aren’t all as intensive as the 2 and 4 year degrees that are being offered by colleges and universities. There are solar schools that teach solar panel technology, there are apprenticeships, and a former construction worker could easily train in home weatherization and energy efficiency careers that are low tech and require no specialized training.

For example, weatherization can be simple techniques that involve airtight sealing, caulking and repairing ductwork. Insulation contractors can take basic green training that involve innovation insulating techniques using recycled products such as insulation made from newspaper or cardboard. Air sealing experts will become an important part of new green energy efficient construction techniques.

There is more than $11 billion in the stimulus package directed at homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient. There is another $5 billion directed at making Federal buildings more energy efficient. Some businesses are expected to quadruple with these additional incentives. When you add that to the tax credits and utility company rebates that can be used for energy efficiency, there is expected to be growing demand from consumers and commercial establishments.

When you consider the many possibilities to utilize the new commitment to alternative energy sources, and more efficient energy usage, it is possible to see the many opportunities available in varied careers. Green jobs training programs are expected to be around for additional years in an effort to keep up with the demand in the United States and on the global market.

Boots on the Roof, a leading Renewable energy training institute, is enrolling students into its Alternative Energy Training classes. For more information on qualifications, Training Dates and Locations, click here.

When you think about the Administration’s push for alternative fuel sources and more energy efficiency, you have to consider how many industries are going to find the need for Green jobs training for the existing workforce, in addition to the need for new recruits.

Take the automobile industry, where they either produce energy efficient vehicles that offer alternative fuel sources, or face bankruptcy proceedings until they can comply. There is more to producing alternative fuel vehicles or electric powered vehicles than first meets the eye.

Not only have you got the need for the researchers and engineers that have green jobs training in these fields, but the vehicles they produce will mean learning different mechanical repairs than most automobile repair shops are prepared to handle. Does your auto mechanic know about fuel cells? What about the battery backup systems on electric cars? What is hydrogen fuel and where can you buy it? These are considerations that most people don’t think about.

What about “green” building and construction techniques? What kind of green jobs training programs will be required to construct the totally “green” home of tomorrow? Will they need experts trained in solar panel installation, wind turbine generators and solar water heater repairs?

Take the case of wind turbines. Many of the innovative homeowners that have made their own home wind turbines have gathered parts to make a home generator that can power a few electrical appliances. What about the future of commercial wind turbines that find they need a repairman to keep a manufacturing plant with power? What kind of wind turbine technicians will be needed for selecting the sites for future wind turbines?

Of course, there are many other green collar jobs that are not as technical, but will still require specialized training. Interior designers of buildings that are striving for a “green” designation will need to know what building materials comply with requirements. Architects will need to consider building placement and features to take advantage of natural light and solar heating systems. Mechanical technicians will need to know how to work on a system that is not the traditional mechanical construction.

The list goes on and on. The estimates are that there will be 5 million jobs in the green job sector in the next few years. When you consider existing jobs that will change, the number may seem overwhelming, when it comes to the number of people that will require training to stay competitive.

For the companies that will need these trained specialists, the task may seem more overwhelming. The persons that have the necessary certifications and degrees will be in high demand and many of those positions may go unfulfilled, since the number of trained candidates is limited.

The government has funded $500 million for education in the green jobs sector yet, some of that money is still left unused. Some states are aggressively marketing the green collar jobs to all ages, including elementary students, since this appears to be the jobs of the future. Green jobs training will ensure a higher paying job in a growing job market that will offer job stability for many years to come.

Boots on the Roof, a leading Renewable energy training institute, is enrolling students into its Alternative Energy Training classes. For more information on qualifications, Training Dates and Locations, click here.

Can you imagine training in a solar village with hands on experience in solar technology? The job possibilities in this field are unlimited as the government funds more and more to alternative fuel technologies. Going to solar school is a growing past-time for many that are interested in Natural Building technologies and Solar Heating Options for sustainable home designs, as well as those in the commercial building fields.

There are workshops springing up around the country as the funding for classes and certifications is free flowing and scholarship money is sitting unused, even though many students that have discovered this field are going to solar schools on 100% scholarships, in some cases.

Some of the workshops may only be 4 day classes, while others are progressing through the degree process in engineering and construction design in the building trades. Going to solar school with an internationally known solar design engineer/builder as your trainer will offer you knowledge in passive and active solar technology design, retrofit and zero energy homes and buildings, which will become the wave of the future.

As more people take advantage of the tax credits offered for purchasing these systems, this field is expected to be booming in the years to come. While many people are getting laid off from the industries that have been shrinking due to the economy, solar is a field that can’t keep up with demand. Going to solar school and getting education and certifications is a way many of the unemployed can get into a stable and growing occupational field for the future.

Many states have been more aggressive about rounding up this federal funding than others. States like Texas, California, Colorado, Illinois and Ohio, for example, no only offer further education in the field, but are also offering incentives for public schools that take advantage of installing solar panel systems at their schools, not only for learning, but for cost savings.

Even the Europeans have started offering a one year master program in solar education, by going through solar school, so this field is not isolated to only our country, but is an internationally growing demand that will need to be filled by those that are familiar with research, design and installation of the solar panel technologies of the future.

While many of our young are now being educated through public school educations in solar school technology, the adult population is fairly unaware of the incentives and funding available to become knowledgeable and earn certification through solar school classes.

Many of the logical players in this field, such as architects, engineers and installers are pursuing further education, but college students that are concerned about future employment possibilities are fairly slow to understand the potential employment opportunities that can be available to them by getting in on the bottom floor of the ever-increasing demand for knowledgeable people in this field.

Solar school education is expected to become more important as the demand for alternative energy fuels grow and solar technology is one of the most viable options. As new homes and commercial buildings are built and “green” certifications increase, this occupational field is expected to employ many of those that are without work. Going to solar school is an investment that should pay off in a short amount of time.

The economical climate we face today would probably discourage most people to attend training courses and get a degree. Even the renewable energy sector which is believed to be the most stable one has been affected by the present economical situation. However, the demand for people with a green jobs training is increasing considerably. This affirmation might sound contradictory, but in fact it is true.

There are several factors behind this increasing demand for green jobs training personnel. The most important factors are government support and the lack of qualified employees.

In February 2009 President Obama has pinpointed that over sixty billion dollars will go to the energy industry, a big part of which will go to the renewable energy sector. Approximately thirty percent of solar energy projects costs will thus be covered and the need for trained individuals will arise. Under such circumstances, having green jobs training means filling one of the five hundred thousand job vacancies expected to rise in the next couple of years.

Another one of the reasons why a green degree makes such a difference in one’s career is the lack of properly trained employees. Almost seventy percent of the surveyed institutions report that they lack individuals with green jobs training. Moreover, many as forty percent of the qualified personnel are planning to retire in the years to come. This, cumulated with the fact that a significant number of people are not yet properly qualified to work in the renewable energy sector, brings out the importance of training for a green degree.

With so many funds allocated for the renewable energy sector and lack of qualified personnel, green jobs training is priceless. These funds are aimed at “greening” buildings, building solar plants and supporting installation of individual home PV systems. Even if not all projects will be finished in the years to come and more funds will be necessary, there are a large number of work places to be filled with trained individuals. These two reasons alone should be sufficient to make anyone comprehend the fact that solar industry training is a treasure that can lead to a long, fulfilling career.

However, keep in mind that not all training camps can provide you with the necessary knowledge and practice to fill the desired job. A structured training course in renewable energy is crucial. Up to date information must be presented to you, practicing what you have learned should be a part of the training and last but not least, interacting with experienced personnel should also be part of the training. Once you have carefully chosen the training camp of your choice, you will get your green jobs training, in as little as two days’ time, depending on which course you choose to attend. Online training courses are also available for those who want to train and get a degree in solar energy.

The renewable energy sector is relatively known to most people. This is a fast growing sector in need of trained personnel. Green jobs training can bring you and your family stability as well as the satisfaction that you are contributing to making the world a clean place.

Renewable energy such as solar energy, wind energy and water energy are the basis of a new, productive and stabile energy industry. If not long ago, these alternative sources of energy were just that, alternative, nowadays the world has started to invest more and more in this industry, which is soon going to replace the old energy industry.

Major solar plants across the world are testimony to the fact that renewable energy makes for a reliable future. Moreover, major projects aiming at converting solar energy into electrical energy stand as proof that this renewable energy industry represents the future. Portugal is one of the many countries that have opened its doors to solar energy, which once again stand to prove that this industry is the future. 

Moreover, the major undergoing projects aimed at opening more solar plants sustain the affirmation that the renewable energy industry will soon be the primary electrical industry.  The era of coal, oil or gas power plants is not over and it is likely to be in our lives for a long time, but it does not represent our future anymore.

Training to get a green certification represents the future, especially when governments around the world encourage people to use solar energy for their homes. Although many countries rely on old plants for electrical energy, the increase in solar energy production is visible. Reports stand as proof that people have understood the importance of renewable energy and from now on, all efforts will be concerted in that direction.

For these reasons alone, if you are an engineer, an architect, a business professional, an electrical constructor or a person who understands the future, training for a green AA degree represents a major step towards a successful and fulfilling career.

Solar energy is fructified through photovoltaic panels. Designing, installing and maintaining PV panels requires structured knowledge that can only result from training. Moreover, if you are interested in starting a PV panel business, or any other renewable energy business, training to receive your green certification is crucial. A well planned, informative and rigorously executed training course can offer you all the information you need in just a few days. Experience in renewable energy industry is sometimes hard to find, because people have just started to comprehend the importance of this field. A training boot camp where people with over thirty years of experience in this field share their information you with and teach you how to use renewable energy to build your future is priceless. A green AA degree is the future because this new energy industry is stable and continuously developing.

It is true that the transaction from the old to the new energy industry might take some time, but one thing is certain: natural sources of energy will eventually replace the old ones.

The “alternative” energy industry is on its way to becoming the main energy industry in the world. Even if we never run out of resources such as coal or gas to produce energy, we will probably run out of time, because the number one polluting industry in the world is the energy one. Therefore, a green certification is not only the future, but the means of having a future.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has resulted in high demand for programs offering a Renewable Energy Degree.  Nationally, universities and colleges are responding with finely tuned 2 and 4 year Green Degree curriculums that are designed to fill the Obama Administration’s push toward environmental leadership.  In an industry with seemingly unlimited potential and where the average annual salary exceeds $95,000, students are responding in kind.

The American Solar Energy Survey reports that in 2009 there are expected to be 8.50 million Green Degree jobs and that annual income from Renewable Energy Programs will exceed $1 trillion.  There is energy work to be done and academia and government are coming together to establish the American dominance in the field.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides State Energy Programs with $3.1 billion in energy stimulus incentives.  A Renewable Energy Degree is advantageous in fields like solar energy, electric power, energy efficiency vehicle development and expansion of the biofuel industry.  Green energy is one of the few fields where employment opportunities are actually increasing during the current recession.

Globally, associates with a Green Degree can expect the same reception.  Australia has extended its commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 5% by mid 2010.  In December, international environmental ministers are expected to declare united fronts in the race to cleanup the environment and make the world less dependent on oil.  A Renewable Energy Degree will provide the associate with a world of opportunity.

The Obama Administration has moved to the forefront with an aggressive plan authorizing $4.5 billion to convert Federal Buildings into environmentally- friendly operations.  This conversion bodes well for employees with a Green Degree and represents only one area of the President’s call for action. 

ARRA has also set aside $500 million in educational and job training incentives for persons interested in pursuing a Green Degree.   The government’s $5 billion commitment to install Renewable Energy and weatherization improvements to low-income housing is seen as a win-win situation for the environment and the economy.  A two-year Green Energy Degree will prepare the associate for installation, design and construction of renewable energy housing.  Typifying the actions of many states, Colorado has initiated a program with $130 million set aside for the weatherization and energy improvements to housing.

Additionally ARRA has dedicated many grant programs to Renewable Energy and has enabled financing through other grants for installation and manufacturing of energy efficient modules.  Students with a Green Degree will be encouraged and supported by government actions that look to expand the Renewable Energy horizon.

There are simply not enough persons with a Green Degree to fill the demand created by the Obama Administration.  In a recent survey, 72% of energy leaders indicated that the green energy employment marketplace needed supply.  Demand for Associates with a Renewable Energy Degree will peak in the next five years and globally for many years to come.  In a field expected to produce more than $40 billion in revenue in North America in 2013, students with a Green Degree will certainly have job security and opportunity in both the short and long-term.

Green renewable energy sources have started to gain ground in the past few years. Its products are no longer seen as trendy gadgets, but as a world necessity. The problem of global warming is worsening, so countries all over the world are starting to poor money into the green industry. Also, the EU, for example, is planning to change all regular lighting bulbs with fluorescent bulbs, by 2014, in order to reduce pollution and also reduce electricity bills. In additions, government incentives are being given to companies joining or starting in the solar industry.

Many of these funds go to the creation of green certification courses and university renewable energy degrees. These green certification courses are seen by industry companies as a hand from God. The truth is that every company in the world is in the hunt for qualified professionals. Most companies require these workers to either have a renewable energy degree or take green certification courses.

The reasons behind this lack of workforce are that, until recently, these courses were scarce, and the majority of workers and managers in this industry are not far from retirement.

To those worrying about making a career change or those that are starting a career in the field of renewable energy sources, I will say one thing, environmental jobs are no different than other jobs. The only differing factor is the type of information you need to learn. In fact, they are more rewarding than regular jobs, because by having such a green job is also rewarding on a personal level, as you will take part in the fight against global warming.

Getting a renewable energy degree is a sure way of getting a job in the renewable energy sources industry. These jobs vary from economics, finances, business management and environmental issues. So, there is something for everyone. You only need to be interested.

Getting a renewable energy degree, means you will learn everything about everything. Almost any job you have in this industry will require you to know information of the technologies used. For example, solar PV contractors will have to learn every aspect of the creation and setting up of different green technologies, like wind turbines and solar PV panels.

Whether you are a professional thinking of making a career chance, because his current position is no longer a viable option in these times of global economic instability, or you are still in college and are still wondering which is the most suitable career for you, then look no further.

Jobs in the sector of renewable energy sources are not only highly rewarding on every plan, but the green industry is considered, by many experts, to offer one of the most stable and promising career opportunities. Now, the only thing you need to do is get that renewable energy degree or a green certification, and be on your way to a promising future.

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.

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?