Quick Answer:

With recession clouds darkening the economy, it’s a relief to report a ray of sunshine on the employment horizon. The Go Green movement stands to help create more “green collar” jobs, and it is much bigger than solar power. Clean fuels and technologies are gradually replacing traditional fuels. Homes and businesses need to be weatherized and made energy efficient. The nation’s antiquated electrical grid cries out to be modernized.

President Obama continues to back the green sector as an important way to rebuild and stimulate the economy. Under his green jobs plan, he plans to promote energy from the sun, wind and other renewable sources as well as energy conservation. He has spoken of tax credits and loan guarantees to clean energy companies, and his economic stimulus package includes billions of dollars for green industry and training.

One local institution responding to the call for vocational job training for the region’s “green collar workforce” is the Los Angeles Community College District. At the forefront of LACCD’s Green Jobs Initiative is L.A. Trade-Tech College. In an exclusive interview, Marcy Drummond, vice president of Workforce and Economic Development, outlined the green training L.A. Trade-Tech offers today and is developing for the future. Another force for local green development is the Los Angeles Apollo Alliance Green Jobs Initiative, a coalition of business, labor and environmental groups that champions green employment.

Longer Answer: See Full Articles

Is There a Green Collar Job in Your Future? by Burt Wetanson

Where to Look for Sustainable Jobs by Katy Allgeyer