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Green Jobs: Get Trained Without Breaking the Bank

How to get trained for a green jobPoliticians have been chattering about green job and careers in clean tech and sustainability even got a shout out the State of the Union. Green gigs sound like a great option for both future employability and the environment, but if you're a young person interested in working in these expanding industries, how do you get your foot on the career ladder?
Environmental website The Daily Green has some ideas, none of which will leave you massively in debt. The site is offering five affordable types of training to help you turn green jobs hype into reality.

  • Renewable Energy Training. Cost Range: $2,000-$25,000 -- Renewable energy programs come in all shapes and sizes. Programs can specialize from solar to geothermal. If you are not the college type, don't worry. There are all kinds of degrees and programs that cover the spectrum. The North American Board of Energy Practitioners offers classes and certifications that can help people start in a green field very soon. Another great place to get certification is the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association, which offers geothermal workshops with a quick turnaround. If you are looking to go back to school.... Check with your local community college first to see if they have classes. You may be pleasantly surprised.
  • LEED Certification. Cost Range: $500-$1,000 per course, $250 for the exam -- State and local governments have been updating building rules, with some mandating more efficient designs. And more and more homeowners and businesses are opting to follow the stringent standards of the US Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Luckily, finding a class to get LEED certified is simple. First, check with the USGBC, which offers many courses. One of many institutions that offer certification is Everblue.
  • Ecotourism. Cost Range: $200-$10,000 -- Working in ecotourism can be a great career for those who love the outdoors. Some colleges now offer degrees in ecotourism, which combines science, nature and travel. There are also opportunities for travel agents to specialize in going green... If you are feeling really adventurous, try getting your training overseas at the Ecotourism Training Center. For travel agent training, one place is Gatlin Education Services.
  • Wind Programs. Cost Range- $2,500-$25,000 -- Wind turbines create all areas of green careers, in addition to green power. Machinists, engineers and others are needed to start in this burgeoning field. For most training you will need to get a college diploma. However, the NABCEP is in the process of creating a small wind certification program. The Interstate Renewable Energy Council offers classes about wind energy and turbines.
  • Energy Auditors. Cost Range- $600-$15,000 -- An energy auditor can go into any business, large or small, and help them save on energy costs. You do not need a background in engineering to start in this field. There are many places that offer certification and training, such as Everblue and the Association of Energy Engineers.
Read More on BNET: (Image of green jobs sign by greenforall.org, CC 2.0)
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