Want to change your job but don’t know where to start? How about with one of these:

•Air Traffic Controllers: $117,200. Typically, two to four years of training are needed in order to become fully certified, although previous military experience can cut that time down significantly.

•Industrial Production Managers: $77,670. A college degree is preferred, but not necessarily mandatory. They often work in industries such as aviation and automobiles.

•First-Line Police and Detective Supervisors: $69,300. Police officers can advance through the ranks to become supervisors by passing exams and achieving good performance reviews, and advanced training can help win promotions.

•Funeral Director: $49,620. College programs in mortuary science usually last from two to four years. You typically must also serve a one-year apprenticeship, pass an exam and obtain a state license.

•Police and Sheriff Patrol Officers: $47,460. Applicants usually must have at least a high school education, and some departments require a year or two of college or even a degree.

•Advertising Sales Agents: $42,750. 20% has a high school degree or less, and 10% have an Associate’s degree.

•Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents: $39,760. While advanced coursework is not necessarily required, new entrants must pass an exam and get a state license.

•Occupational Therapist Assistants: $42,060. These workers usually need an associate degree or a certificate.

•Occupational Therapist Aides: $25,000. These employees receive most training on the job.

•Physical Therapist Assistants: $41,360. Assistants, who have greater responsibilities, typically need an associate’s degree.

Start looking for your career training today with CareerExplorer.com!

All salary information is according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The economy’s been in rough shape over the last few months – even the last few years. Last February, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was passed, and it’s time to look at the overall impact.

Overall, things are still pretty grim – while the rate of job loss has slowed, unemployment is still on the rise, at 9.7% in August. Some industries, however, are doing better than others – namely manufacturing, construction and retail trade. The energy sector is also on the rise – particularly with the emphasis on ‘going green’.

While things are still grim, some recruiters tend to be slightly optimistic about the future, expecting job openings to start picking up again at the beginning of 2010.

Some unemployed are using the time to try to update or freshen skills through career training. Others are attempting to take advantage of as much temporary work as possible. And almost everybody is applying everywhere they can – making this a very rough and competitive job market.

Do you feel like things are really getting better??

“Green” can be considered a new spin on common sense, when you think about it. It’s a set of guidelines that people, businesses and government use to eliminate wasteful habits and practice being practical. It’s another word for progress, and progress needs people to pitch in to make it work. So why not earn a paycheck pitching in for progress?

Many businesses in the emerging Green Collar sector are beginning to receive their grants and stimulus packages to begin making impact locally, regionally and nationally. But if you’re not a business owner and are just a Regular Joe looking to help, where do you find these jobs?

•Networking through social media is no joke
There are lots of strategies for successful networking, especially in the digital age. Find a digital network like LinkedIn.com, set up your page, and then (this is important) participate in the network’s social gatherings in your area. It’ll take shoe leather and a lot of handshakes, but eventually you may make a breakthrough.

There are also professional organizations that welcome new members such as EcoTuesday and GreenDrinks that get businesses and people who want to help together for low-pressure social events. Use this opportunity to listen just as much as you use it to talk to people what kind of work you’re interested in.

•E-mail job listings
There are a number of specialized e-mail lists that distribute green job postings. The good news is, most of them are free to join including EnviroJobs on Yahoo Groups, Green Job List, and Young Non-profit Professionals Network (YNPN.org).

•Green recruiters
Because Green is now operating in the black, there are an increasing number of recruiters that focus on careers based on sustainability. A number of these organizations will post positions for which they are currently seeking candidates. Two places to start would be Commongood Careers and Bright Green Talent.

•Go to school, even if you aren’t enrolled
Academic institutions, community colleges, technical colleges and career colleges are all now on the lookout for Green Collar job postings. So if you’re enrolled currently in a one of these institutions, make sure to specifically ask about them at your career services office. If you aren’t enrolled, many times community colleges will allow anyone looking for work to enroll at their job fairs, so don’t be afraid to ask!

Find out about the next career fair at your school or in the area and make sure you’re on the list. Green Collar is becoming bigger all the time, so there are now many urban and regional job recruitment fairs dedicated specifically to Green Collar jobs for both skilled and unskilled workers.

Looking to switch careers? Want to go back to school but don’t know what industries will survive economic downturns? Career Explorer wants to help you by listing the top 10 fastest-growing industries.

Now, you can find the industries where projected growth is guaranteed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has compiled a list according to percentage of growth in a 10-year period from 2006-2016.

10. Internet publishing and broadcasting: Expected to increase by 44%.
9. Securities and commodity contracts, brokerages, and exchanges: Expected to increase by 46%
8. Facilities support services: Expected to increase by 46%
7. Other financial investment activities: Expected to increase by 47%
6. Community care facilities for the elderly: Expected to increase by 50%
5. Educational support services, public and private: Expected to increase by 53%
4. Home health care services: Expected to increase by 55%
3. Gambling industries: Expected to increase by 66%
2. Services for the elderly and persons with disabilities: Expected to increase by 74%
1. Management, scientific, and technical consulting services: Expected to increase by 78%

Most of these industries have a number of careers and positions within each sector. Begin searching for a career that has positive growth and stability. Career Explorer can help you achieve your professional and academic goals. Search for programs that could fit into one of the industries and start building a better life!

Right after you add The White House to your Facebook or Myspace social network (assuming that someone who works there is interested in your terrible band or latest Mobsters acquisition), have a look at how Obama is stepping up the funding related to education. You might like what you see.

On the Organizing America page of his website, Obama outlines his plan for a return to civic responsibility and volunteerism. But it’s also civic service with something in it for you! Here’s how Obama’s plan features a way for high school students who need a head start on education funds to make a positive impact in their communities.

Integrate service into learning
Obama will set a goal that all middle and high school students do 50 hours of community service a year. But there is more offered for kids who show a little more ambition. He will establish a new tax credit that is worth $4,000 a year in exchange for 100 hours of public service a year. That’s a big head start on your tuition for college or career training.

The tax credit opportunity is continued once the student reaches their college or training center of choice. It is also another $4,000 based on 100 hours of community service. Since it’s a tax credit and not a school loan, you aren’t confined to spending it only on education. It can be used for whatever you need. For some people, this could mean anything from a new laptop, to babysitting service money, to car repairs. It can be for whatever you need to make a better change in your life.

Another option - College Serve-Study
Obama wants to ensure that at least 25% of College Work-Study funds are used to support public service opportunities instead of jobs in dining halls and libraries. This means they are trying to open up private and public sector roles so you can gain valuable work experience while in school. You can even choose to contribute your service to emerging energy technicians or green collar job corps to get practical experience in fast-growing career fields.

It’s up to you. Will you take this opportunity to make your communities a better place to live, in exchange for a leg up on your dreams? How will you spend your tax credit? Let us know!