Top 5 Reasons to Get Green Jobs Training
Mounting concerns regarding global warming, carbon footprints and other environmental matters have many individuals and businesses wanting to “go green.” With green jobs training, you can sail on this wave of the future. Not only will it help you get a valuable, sustainable career, but it can also have a lasting impact on the environment. Many companies are already working toward a greener way of living. As a result, they need qualified individuals to implement and maintain these practices. In addition, the President of the United States has been initiating efforts for clean energy and green jobs. In fact, the White House blog posted an article on April 19, 2010 that included this statement: “…building the new clean energy economy will help provide these careers while making America more competitive in the global marketplace.” Why should you get green jobs training? Here are the top 5 reasons to get green jobs training now:
Reason 1: Benefit From Recovery Act Funds for Green Jobs Training
In the beginning of 2010, the U.S. Department of Labor awarded $100 million toward green jobs training grants, and aims to prepare more than 120,000 Americans for environmentally friendly jobs by 2012. This means that across every industry, there will be a growing demand for individuals with green jobs training to bridge the divide between an aging, fossil-fuel-based economy and a new, energy-efficient one. According to data accessed on WhiteHouse.gov in November 2010 and the U.S. Department of State’s U.S. Climate Action Report 2010 from June 2010, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) included more than $80 billion in clean energy investments to jump-start our economy and build the clean energy jobs of tomorrow:
- $11 billion for a bigger, better and smarter grid that will move renewable energy throughout the nation
- $5 billion for low-income home weatherization projects
- $4.5 billion to green federal buildings and cut our energy bill, saving taxpayers billions of dollars
- $6.3 billion for state and local renewable energy and energy efficiency efforts
- $500 million for green workforce training
- $2 billion in competitive grants to develop the next generation of batteries to store energy
Reason 2: Increased Demand for Individuals With Green Jobs Training Is Growing
Between 1998 and 2007, the number of jobs in America’s emerging clean energy economy grew by 9.1%, while total jobs grew by just 3.7%, according to The Clean Economy: Repowering Jobs, Businesses and Investments Across America study, published June 2009 by The Pew Charitable Trusts. That’s nearly two and a half times faster. Now, thanks to the ARRA funds, that number should grow exponentially. These funds will help facilitate the jobs being created today, as well as the growing need for individuals with green jobs training in the future. President Barack Obama is expecting to create five million green jobs in the next decade. The clean energy provisions of ARRA have already saved or created 63,000 jobs and are expected to generate more than 700,000 by 2012, according to information posted on WhiteHouse.gov in January 2010.
Reason 3: Green Jobs Training Offers a Career With a Future
Currently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics is working toward a way to accurately define and count green jobs. Starting soon, they will be providing reporting on this important job segment. Green jobs growth is expected to continue to increase. Especially since a White House Energy and Environment report accessed November 2010 states that, “Of all the challenges we face as a nation and as a planet, none is as pressing as the three-pronged challenge of climate change, sustainable development and the need to foster new and cleaner sources of energy.” Obviously this will be a priority and provide sustainable jobs for years to come. The impact of green jobs growth is already significant. This can be seen in The Pew Charitable Trusts survey, which reports strong green jobs growth in the clean energy economy between 1998 and 2007, especially in these four main categories:
| Growth of Jobs in the Clean Energy Economy 1998 to 2007 | % of Growth | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Environmentally Friendly Production | +67% |
| 2. | Clean Energy | +23% |
| 3. | Energy Efficiency | +18% |
| 4. | Conservation and Pollution Mitigation | +3% |
Reason 4: You’ll Stand Out With Green Jobs Training
This Energy and Environment report also states, “That is why we have set a goal of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.” This includes establishing “a national low carbon fuel standard and institut(ing) a national portfolio standard that requires 25% of electricity to come from renewable sources by 2025” and “demanding that the federal government use renewable sources of electricity and by making federal buildings ‘zero-emission’ by 2025.” These goals can only come to fruition with the help of qualified individuals with green jobs training. In addition, during a February 2009 speech to Congress, President Obama said the U.S. is going to double its supply of renewable energy over the next three years. To make this happen, he is calling for a new class of workers to be trained in environmental fields and has allotted $500 million from the stimulus for green jobs training programs. Professionals who have green jobs training will distinguish themselves as experts in the field and continue to excel. By training for green jobs now, you can become a sought-after professional and gain employment for a solid career with bright future.
Reason 5: Green Jobs Pay More
At a February 2009 summit in Philadelphia, Vice President Joe Biden said, “People who make $20 per hour before a green jobs training program can make $50 per hour after. On average, the clean-energy jobs pay 10 to 20% more than similar work outside the field.” A Reuters survey published June 2009 showed that “The average green-collar worker makes $76,000 per year, with half of respondents receiving an annual bonus of around $11,000.” This survey also reported that “U.S.-based workers were the best paid, receiving salaries averaging $100,000.”
How to Create a Greener Supply Chain
In August 2010 the World Resources Institute reported that currently 60 corporations are measuring the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of their products and supply chains. International giants, including Nike and Cisco, are spearheading new efforts to create a better environment. Moreover, Cisco has reduced its GHG by 40% compared to fiscal year 2007, in part by implementing energy-efficiency programs, according to the company’s 2009 Corporate Social Responsibility Report. You can work towards a greener supply chain as well with premier green jobs training. To implement further enhancements across your supply chain and develop the expertise required to lead green and Lean initiatives, you’ll benefit from the University of San Francisco’s 100% online certificate courses including, Green Supply Chain Management, Lean Supply Chain Management and Corporate and Environmental Sustainability. Ranked as one of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report, the University of San Francisco provides comprehensive certificate training programs, including a three-course Master Certificate in Supply Chain Management and Advanced Specialized Certificates that help you get ahead in today’s competitive workplace.
Secure Your Future by Earning Valuable Supply Chain Management Credentials – 100% Online
Far-reaching issues – such as global expansion and sourcing, the rapid growth of multinational corporations and strategic partnerships, fluctuating gas prices and environmental concerns – dramatically impact every organization’s corporate strategy and bottom line. These emerging trends have made supply chain management the most critical business discipline in the world today. To help meet this unprecedented demand, the University of San Francisco offers this expert-led supply chain management training – 100% online:
The Master Certificate in Supply Chain Management uncovers every aspect of the supply chain, from preliminary planning to end of lifecycle. This three-course master certificate program provides you with the “big picture” perspective you need to keep projects on track and cut costs without cutting corners.
Green Supply Chain Management reveals the implications of today’s most pressing environmental issues and demonstrates how green practices can actually save money, increase efficiency and reduce delivery time. In only eight weeks, you’ll gain proven tools to successfully implement green initiatives throughout the supply chain.
Lean Supply Chain Management shows you how organizations in every industry are achieving substantial cost savings, lead-time reductions and quality enhancements with proven Lean practices. In as few as eight weeks, you’ll also find out proven ways to apply these same tools and strategies to develop your own world-class Lean supply chain.
Corporate and Environmental Sustainability explores how to integrate sustainability in every aspect of your business – from strategy and planning to product design and marketing. In just eight weeks, you’ll master the critical concepts, tools and techniques required to put your organization on the path to sustainability – and greater success!
Now that you know why green jobs training is important to your career and your future, find out how you can get started today!
