http://www.lengel.us/2009/05/going-green-what-does-it-mean/ A New Look at Jobs, Work, and Careers ... Mon, 06 Sep 2010 10:30:40 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 http://www.lengel.us/2009/05/going-green-what-does-it-mean/#comment-905 John Afonso Wed, 19 Aug 2009 02:17:53 +0000 http://www.lengel.us/?p=496#comment-905 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. 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.

]]> http://www.lengel.us/2009/05/going-green-what-does-it-mean/#comment-844 Norma King Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:22:14 +0000 http://www.lengel.us/?p=496#comment-844 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. 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.

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