Green Occupations and Continuing Education
Green Industry Careers Focusing on Applications of Green Technology
Apr 26, 2009
The green industry has the hottest new occupations for anyone thinking about changing careers to join an industry that is expanding every day. So what is the purpose of the green industry and what type of continuing education is needed? The green industry is focused on eliminating or significantly reducing dependence on oil, green house emissions, and toxins. Education requirements typically include a bachelor degree and certification.
Sample green industry occupations include engineers, construction managers, and landscaping designers. These three and other green occupations require completion of continuing education programs beyond high school. Examples include earning a certificate, associate degree, and a master’s degree.
A new term beginning to surface for naming someone in the green industry is “green-collar” worker. This is opposed to the standard white and blue-collar workers. Green-collar workers focus on applications of sustainable natural resources, which is in contrast of the everyday use of toxins, oil, and increase in green house emissions.
Prior to enrolling in a continuing education program, evaluate the program to determine that the program meets valued requirements for the green industry. Besides the federal grants and loans available, investigate any free sources of money to help pay for continuing education. One final consideration is to ensure that any distance education programs are not diploma mills, because their diplomas a worthless.
Green Structural and Civil Engineers
These engineers have completed specific education designed to teach them how to incorporate low polluting materials into buildings and designing developments which follow Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) requirements developed by the U.S. Green Building Council in Washington, D.C.
Continuing Education – includes earning a bachelor degree in engineering and becoming a licensed professional engineer. This is followed by completing a certified energy manager training program, which leads to the title of green building engineer. Certification is earned by completing courses available through distance learning or local classes.
Green Landscaping Architecture and Design
Landscape designers are now incorporating green initiatives in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. These initiatives were originally developed for drought-afflicted areas; the principles are referred to as Xeriscape techniques. In support of environmental concerns water is now considered an expensive and limited resource in all landscaping projects.
Continuing Education – includes earning a bachelor or master’s degree in landscape architecture. Most states require landscaping architects to be licensed, which includes green landscaping techniques. The license is earned through completion of certification courses available through distance learning or local classes.
Green Construction Managers
Construction managers focus on installation of green initiatives developed to meet LEED certification requirements. The knowledge of these green concepts is essential because they are supervising the construction of buildings and other structures designed by green certified engineers. These managers also need a foundation of landscaping knowledge to support green landscapers during construction projects.
Continuing Education – includes earning a bachelor degree in business and a master’s degree in construction management. Both degrees must include green construction techniques. Upon completion of degree programs, construction managers must earn green building certification. Certification is earned by completing courses available through distance learning or local classes.
Making Connections in Green Industry Careers
With the president pushing his green environmental movement as a means to reduce reliance on foreign oil imports and reduction of global green house emissions, the demand is high in green occupations. White and blue-collar workers and professionals, who want to change their collars to a green, must begin continuing education programs today. Earning a certification or additional degree opens the doors to the green industry, along with helping to save planet earth.
