Working World

Yes, the definitions can be a bit murky. We all know that white collar refers to office or professional jobs and blue collar refers to predominantly manual labor. What green collar refers to is the sector more than a specific role, and there is no doubt about the real growth potential for green collar jobs.   

With President Obama’ s stimulus bill about to put $20 billion into environmental uses, there will be close to $500 million slated for training programs. Several community college districts are beginning to offer classes in subjects like solar panel installation, wind technology and fuel cell engineering. Typically, programs are short, certificate or associate level. Even with the temporary downturn, as the money starts flowing and the economy picks up, placement should be a cinch.

Several students of the field regard it as ideal for people who have barriers to employment, like those who did not finish high school, have been incarcerated, or out of the job market for a long period of time. Many jobs are low tech and require no more training than entry-level construction experience. As long as applicants have basic skills like the ability to follow directions and reliability, the door is wide open.

Green collar jobs can offer possibilities for advancement, on-the-job training, good wages and substantial benefits. Think green!   

See the feature "Is There a Green Collar Job in Your Future?" for more information on the Los Angeles Community College District and its newly developed programs for green collar jobs. While you’re there, check out WebWorks and find out who’s hiring.