“Green” jobs continue to develop. The Department of Labor has increased its research and surveying of the green industry and sustainability of job-related opportunities. The occupations are broken down into the following three categories: Green Increased Demand Occupations,
Green Enhanced Skills Occupations and Green New and Emerging Occupations. This
categorization of green occupations was developed by the National Center for O*NET Development for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. According to outlook there are other categories that relate to specific occupational interests, specific geographical locations, and generic work skills sets.
Another growing factor in the green industry is the opportunities that are opening up for women. Because the industry is rather new, the glass ceiling phenomenon* has not had the chance to take hold. The Department of Labor lists green jobs as having bright futures for upcoming years. Training for green industry occupations has accelerated to meet the needs for qualified workers. The Midwest, Northwest and Central regions of the United States are key areas of location for green occupations.

Job Types and Categories

Renewable Energy

Wind Turbine Service Technician

Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Environmental Protection

Recycling Coordinator

Environmental Scientist

Green Building and Energy Efficiency

Weatherization Installer and Technician

The State of Michigan is committed to the green industry and the University of Michigan is listed as a major information and reference source for data and research in this area by the Department of Labor and Careers Outlook.

*www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glassceiling an intangible barrier within a hierarchy that prevents women or minorities from obtaining upper-level positions.