Going Green in Your Career
People today are aware of how to be "green" – we've recycled for years, bought hybrid cars and inserted energy-efficient light bulbs throughout our homes. Organic products are available at the grocery store and Energy-Star rated appliances are the norm, but are we really doing all that we can? The bigger "green" picture is real change… renewable energy sources, energy management systems and green building products. Start green training today and become part of the green economy!
Environmental awareness is not new – it originated as early as the 1930s. Since then, there has been increased awareness – the 70s and 80s brought the National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Air Act, the founding of Earth Day and the Water Pollution Control Act. Today, there's more consumer consciousness than ever before – people telecommute, use mass transit, grow gardens and strive to help the environment.
Why Start a Solar Career?
A solar career offers an abundance of opportunities – it's an ideal way to start a career that has a positive environmental impact in an industry that is experiencing dramatic growth. According to a 2008 economic study by Navigant Consulting, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008’s extension of solar tax credits through 2016 will lead to some 440,000 permanent jobs and $232 billion in investment. Greenjobs.com predicts that the solar sector could employ two million people by 2020: 60 percent in manufacturing and installation, 20 percent in sales and marketing, and 20 percent in engineering. And a report by the American Solar Energy Society and Management Information Services suggests the overall renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors could generate 37 million jobs by 2030, with solar energy leading the way.
New Focus for the Future
The current administration has addressed America's energy needs head on, bringing new focus to the crisis at hand – The New Energy for America Plan lays the groundwork for dramatic change and opens the gateway for Green Career opportunities:
- Provide short-term relief to American families facing pain at the pump
- Help create five million new jobs by strategically investing $150 billion over the next ten years to catalyze private efforts to build a clean energy future
- Within 10 years save more oil than we currently import from the Middle East and Venezuela combined
- Put 1 million Plug-In Hybrid cars -- cars that can get up to 150 miles per gallon -- on the road by 2015, cars that we will work to make sure are built here in America
- Ensure 10 percent of our electricity comes from renewable sources by 2012, and 25 percent by 2025
- Implement an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050
(www.my.barackobama.com)
Green Collar Opportunities
"The new green economy is going to have plenty of room for innovative thinkers and entrepreneurial types who have what it takes to strike out on their own."
(Bronwyn Llewellyn)
The opportunities in the new "green" era are going to be abundant – it's just a matter of finding the right niche. Be on the look out for truly green companies that are dedicated to producing renewable energy or products and environmentally sound services. What opportunities to look for? The following sectors will need professionals to produce, install and sell products, or promote their services:
- Solar
- Wind
- Biofuels
- Recycling
- Energy efficiency
- Water conservation
- Green building
Get started with a school that has the right credentials. Allied Schools
is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance
Education and Training Council (DETC). 
