Friday, February 26, 2010

Green Job Opportunities - A Solution For the Unemployment Problem

Green-collar jobs are good for the economy, the environment, and the people. There's nothing not to like about the upcoming green-collar workforce. Good green jobs pay well, have a positive impact on the planet, and provide room for advancement. Green job opportunities are open to anyone willing to learn a new skill or amend an existing one.

Can Green Jobs Reduce Poverty?

It's believed that green jobs will help millions of lower- and middle-class move into a new tax bracket. Most of the jobs require nothing more than a high school education. Many low-income workers have a high school education, and are only eligible for low-paying positions. The green-collar workforce turns this around.

For example, think of a single-mother working for minimum wage in a grocery store. She earned a high school diploma but never attended college. Upon graduation, she discovered the only jobs she could get were low-paying minimum wage jobs. But what would happen if this single-mother received training for a green-job?

The green-job would pay more than minimum wage. Plus, the necessary training would be provided. So the single-mother could create a good life for her family without the expense of attending college

Now apply this scenario to thousands of low-paid workers all over the country. Do you see now how green job opportunities help lower- and middle-class people? Instead of slaving away for minimum wage, more people will be able to provide a decent living for their families.

However, some green collar jobs do require a college degree. You'll need a college education to pursue careers in areas such as engineering, science, or medicine.

Use Your Existing Skills

Some green job opportunities overlap with non-green jobs. Most jobs require a new set of skills. For example, the job of renewable energy technician didn't exist a few years ago. So you'd need training to accept that position. But many other green jobs take existing skill sets and apply them in a new way.

For example, a mechanic can transfer his combustion engine knowledge to an electric engine. A doctor can talk to his patients about the benefits of organic fruits and vegetables. Or a schoolteacher can teach her class about the benefits of renewable energy.

Green Job Opportunities Build a Better America

At a time when American unemployment is at its highest, green job opportunities offer hope. Green jobs can't be outsourced to other countries. You can't ship your house overseas to have solar panels installed. You also can't send your backyard away for a wind turbine installation. These jobs and others like them have to be done locally. That's great news for the economy.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_J_Marentis

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