It's no secret that the economy is suffering from one of its lowest points with the unemployment rate at almost 10 percent. Fortunately, the Obama administration is finally putting together its act and funding towards the creation of green jobs, which it hopes will awaken the sluggish growth in the job market. This is made possible by the granting of a $2.3 billion in tax credits for companies involved in the manufacture of solar panels, wind turbines and other green technologies.

In many ways, the move is reflective of the thrust towards combining the promotion of the economy with the protection of the environment. The reasons behind it may lean more towards the economy than the environment but we can only be thankful that, finally, something is being done for the green sector.

So, how can you join the growing green career industry? Well, there are many ways, of course, but let's start with two of the most common.

Immediately Join the Green Workforce
The green collar workforce is a force to be reckoned with. Internet search engines can yield millions of results for "green jobs" even before Obama announced the stimulus plan. With the stimulus plan in full swing, however, the green workforce is set for what appears to be exponential growth. This is possible when one considers that the green industry covers virtually every other sector of the economy from architecture to zoo-keeping.

You need not often go back to school simply because you may already have transferable skills. In fact, the green industry appears to be hiring more engineers than it does environmental scientists! This can be attributed to the fact that more than anything else, the green industry at present is about building practical solar and wind systems than it is about understanding the details of environmental workings.

Anyways, just go through the green jobs listings over the Internet as well as in offline sources in the public and private sectors. There are many green career opportunities from skilled labor to engineering work to management positions, all of which require transferable skills. Training in specific position requirements is often provided for on the job.


Head Back to School
Another way to join the green industry is to head back to school, which will provide you with an added advantage over the others who chose to immediately join the workforce. At the very least, prospective employers need not worry about provisions for training precisely because you have already been trained. Plus, by the time you are finished with your short training, the economy will have improved considerably and the opportunities in green jobs will then be bigger.

There are many schools, both online and offline, offering training in solar and wind energy technologies. The trick is in choosing which one is able to combine industry-approved training with innovations of its own. With the green sector as fast-paced as it is now and with money being scarce, you cannot afford to pay for tuition for a technologically-obsolete program.

There are many ways to go for green jobs and profit from it, all while doing your share for the environment. You can start by greening your job but the most important ticket to success at present is to get training in renewable energy technologies. We suggest either solar or wind or both technologies for greater impact on your resume.

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For additional information on green jobs visit the Environmental portal of Wind and Solar education.

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