You don't have to be a scientist to enjoy the green job movement that is sweeping the country. Thanks to President Obama's $787 billion stimulus package, more than $40 billion will be spent on the creation of ‘green jobs' - defined as jobs that make a positive impact on the environment, or jobs that reduce what damage has already been done.
Building and manufacturing are at the forefront of this widespread movement, but traditional employment is also receiving a ‘green' makeover. Electricians, for example, are utilizing existing skills while employing new, environmentally savvy techniques to their industry. The average annual salary for a licensed electrician is close to $50,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Green and grow your trade
For job seekers looking for employment, becoming degreed in an environmentally friendly field is not necessary. Additional technical skills and job training are often all that is necessary to prepare for green-collar jobs.
"A steel worker is working a green-collar job if he is building a wind turbine," said Ada McMahon, in her Internet article, "Green For All."
Green and growing opportunities
Virtually any job within construction that uses green technology will see a surge in employment popularity over the upcoming months. Retrofitting is a way of fixing up structures so they leak less energy. Homeowners can get tax benefits from having energy efficient windows installed, for example. New windows mean new jobs.
Mass transit and transportation industries are looking for employees to help solve emission-type issues, helping to reduce carbon pollution. From individuals who lay down rail track to civil engineers, this field is among the top in its need for green workers.
Recycling center operators, wastewater employees and water quality consultants are also in demand. Jobs abound with public utility organizations - both privately and publicly owned.
Green jobs are receiving training grants, via the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Nearly $55 million was recently authorized by the Recovery Act of 2009. Job training and labor market information programs will help workers, especially in lower income communities, find jobs in expanding green industries and related occupations.
"It's an investment that will help American workers do well while doing good," said Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis.
A feature that has arisen as part of the DOL's training grants can be found at www.recovery.gov - which shows the recipients of grants aimed at educating and training workers. This is important news for those seeking employment. Just follow the money to see which companies will soon be hiring.
Read the Green Jobs Guidebook online at www.greenforall.org to learn about jobs in these innovative and satisfying careers. Although most jobs profiled exist in California, applications for employment throughout the U.S. are available.