Green Education Programs
(add your green education program)
When making the transition to a green job, training or extra certification may be required depending on your experience and your new desired field. However, with sustainability and environmental divisions opening at more major companies and eco-friendly programs blossoming at institutions across the nation, you’ll never be at a loss for guidance. Green jobs are becoming easier to achieve, and most people possess easily transferable skills that can apply to a green field.
START WITH YOUR SKILLS
Begin by focusing on your current experience and background. You might have to
perform some in-depth research if you’re a physicist hoping to begin an organic
farm, but for most people, the transition won’t be so drastic. With openings
like green accounting jobs, solar installer jobs, and environmental specialist
jobs emerging, any set of skills can be applied to an environmentally conscious
purpose.
Research the green version of your current job. If you are a videographer, study green job videos and contact the companies who make them. You'd be surprised by the existence of eco-friendly versions of many commonly held 9 to 5 jobs in addition to freelance, entrepreneurial, or artistic positions.
YOUR CONTACTS
Does your company have a non-profit division or do they organize any sustainable
friendly events? Do any of your contacts have any green affiliations? If you
do some research, you may discover your company makes corporate donations to a
fund or allies with another non-profit to provide scholarships, or to initiate a
local recycling program. Ask around and ask your friends and others you know,
and and you may discover an already existing network of green employment
resources.
GO ONLINE
Research nearby green organizations and contact them to inquire how they hire
people, where they find applicants, and the necessary qualifications for various
positions. Request an informational interview if possible.
GO BACK TO SCHOOL
For more specialized positions or those completely differing from your current
field, you may want to look at various green training programs. The University
of New Hampshire has the nation’s oldest higher education sustainability program
and offers studies in biodiversity education, climate education, food and
society, and culture and sustainability. World Wildlife Fund also offers
workshops and the opportunity to reach post-graduate level accreditation in
sustainability. The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher
Education, and Aarcher Institute of Environmental Training also all offer
advanced certification.
VOLUNTEER/INTERN
Not sure which green field to enter or whether higher education is for you?
Contact a local organization and devote a few hours a week. Not only will this
help you decide, but it’ll also give you a chance to make contacts and observe
others in the field. Pitching in a few hours a week can help determine your
career track and help you find the right green job opportunity.
The U.S. government has
allocated over $65 billion dollars to the creation of Green
Jobs in their recent stimulus bill.
$20 billion is directed at green jobs to make wind turbines, solar panels and improve
energy efficiency in schools and federal buildings.
Click on the below links to find green job training programs which may assist
you obtain green employment.
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