We hear more and more about “Green Collar Jobs” but do those in the field of Career Development know how broad those options can be? It really is worth the research. You’ll be amazed at what you will learn about different career fields and the impact “going green” has on education and training as well as re-employment opportunities.
We automatically think of Solar Power, Biofuels, and Wind Power…hybrid automobiles and recycling. But do you think of traditional occupations such as carpenters, cement masons, HVAC, plumbers, and roofers? Building retrofitting is a hugh “green” area.
We encourage you to research your state and local businesses and their offering of “Green Jobs”. Most Labor Market Information divisions of Employment Security Commission agencies will offer you some great resources. You are welcome to check out ours in South Carolina (www.sces.org/lmi) for examples of jobs, wages, and education needed.
The interesting thing we found in our research: the majority of these jobs require skills that can be obtained through On-the-job training and Associate Degree programs. Since many of today’s job seekers are lookng for short-term re-training options, these opportunities can really fit the bill! Check it out for yourself!
Requesting a copy of “Green Jobs” was eye opening for me. Many are Electrician, Roofer and Construction occupations with the additional knowledge for expanding traditionl skills into the future, allowing people to enrich their current career for a “Greener” America.
I have been to multiple conferences on ARRA (stimulus money for workforce investment). The Green Jobs question often is discussed - what are green jobs? Well, based on information shared by professionals across MA, its short term certification to enhance the value to the worker. That is, maybe a custodian will be certified in bio-friendly cleaning products, or maybe a builder will learn about energy saving materials. From a ideological sense it seems like a step in the right direction- planting the seed for a greater sense of “green” responsibility, maybe even, in some cases, a slight pay raise. However, what does this do for folks who have slim-to-none job skills? The “Green Job” focus does not truly assist these folks (might help “some” skilled workers) because they are lacking in the STEM skill set - math and sciences. High-end, high skilled manufacturing/building and bio-tech industries are the fields that most folks in MA work in to maintain a sustainable family wage. Many employers indicate that if you have critical thinking skills, and good soft skills then they will pay for the required degree, free!
This should be our focus in MA. as well as other parts of the U.S. In my opinion these simple “Green” add-ons can wait until we have a grasp on overwhelmed food banks, high unemployment and homeless families. Use green money to realistically train and transition them to real sustainable wages 18-21 per hour! Unfortunatley, I’ll have to say that while “Green Jobs” will open doors to environmental conciousness, it’s really make believe in terms of the U.S. workforce. I can name at least two green friendly trainings that low skilled (low STEM) workers will flock to and as a result will end up on the bread line, once again - Weatherization and Brownfield. Washington, try again.