Seeking ‘Green’ Opportunities
From policy makers to individuals seeking new work opportunities, renewable and sustainable energy careers have gained momentum as green technologies continue to advance. By 2030, an estimated 40 million people will be working in renewable energy or energy efficiency industries, according to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute.
Companies and green technology innovators are developing jobs that will grow into careers, thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Appropriations to various agencies will allow the public sector to develop technologies allowing the U.S. to be a front-runner in eco-friendly patents. Some allocations will go toward smart grid technology, advanced battery technology and research, and $6.3 billion will fund state and local government initiatives for greater energy efficiency. “Energy literally touches everything and will be the biggest factor in this country’s economic recovery,” says Lila Jaber, who sits on the Workforce Florida Board of Directors and chairs Workforce Florida’s Sustainability & Infrastructure Committee. “We anticipate new job growth in advance manufacturing associated with green technologies.”
According to a national survey of more than 2,500 hiring managers by CareerBuilder conducted from February 20 to March 11 of this year, companies across the country are spending more time focusing on creating and implementing green programs and jobs that will make their workplace more environmentally conscious. In fact, one in ten employers say they have added ‘green jobs,’ otherwise known as environmentally-focused positions, in the last 12 months.
In addition to job search engines adding new positions, companies are showing their commitment to creating a smaller carbon footprint by creating new environmentally friendly divisions. Corporations continue to create advisory boards which look into how to be environmentally conscious while being economically savvy. For example, the Wal-Mart Green Jobs Council, a group of clean technology manufacturers and suppliers who work together with Wal-Mart, are training energy, fleet, and waste experts to preserve, protect and create green jobs across the region. Other companies, because of the very nature of what they do, are environmental stewards and contribute toward conserving and protecting the environment.
Kirsten Maynard, Public & Corporate Relations at Veterans Green Jobs.org, a nonprofit organization that educates and trains military veterans for careers in green sectors, says true green jobs and green careers are jobs which reduce carbon emissions and are not dependent on fossil fuels. Green collar jobs are jobs in sectors that make a community independent of fossil fuels and reduce the carbon emissions to zero. According to Maynard, even schools are offering opportunities to learn about green careers. From four year college degree programs, green MBA programs, community college courses, and apprentice programs offered by unions in various industries and on-the-job-trainings, opportunities are available for anyone interested in broadening their environmental knowledge base. “Currently, many organizations and green technology innovators are quickly developing jobs that will grow into careers,” she adds. “In the near future we expect weatherization workers, such as Energy Conservation Representatives, to become one of the leading green jobs around the country, as America’s energy independence has become a top priority.” |
For more information on what is under the green category, visit the following web sites:
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