Since the world is turning greener, how can you establish yourself in this new career field? Green-collar jobs have been cropping up in the past few years – we first heard about them in the presidential primaries from candidates on both sides of the political fence. Now with the America Recovery and Reinvestment Act, President Obama has promised to spend $150 billion over 10 years to create 5 million new green-collar jobs.

How can you take advantage of the added funds to this new career field? Can you just transition your skills over – or will there be additional training? These are the questions many people are asking themselves, especially when jobs are already scarce.

But, there’s good news! Since the government is willing to fund these new green jobs, that means there are possibilities for your current career or a new one. Take your current skills and apply them to:

• Hybrid auto repair, maintenance and assembly
• Clean coal production
• Green construction
• Green public transit operators
• And more!

There are new careers hitting the green-collar job field that might take additional training and skills. Explore some new areas of green jobs, like:

• Wind energy
• Solar panel production, repair and maintenance
• Green Information Technology
• And more!

Learn more about green careers and training today!

Most of us are already familiar with “white collar” and “blue collar” jobs. Now, there’s a new collar in town – the green collar. What does having a green collar really mean? Career experts explain that green collar workers often work in many of the same industries and career fields as their blue and white counterparts. The difference is that green collar jobs contribute directly to generating energy cleanly and improving the environment.

Some green collar jobs require specialized training, but President Obama’s administration wants to help. In addition to allocating about $20 billion for creating a greener economy, the President’s stimulus plan supplies $500 million to green training and education programs.

Every time wind turbines pop up, or new solar panels are installed, knowledgeable workers are needed to construct, maintain and repair them. In a shaky economy, people want to achieve employment and financial stability more than ever. Many people see the green industry as a step in this direction.

In March, Vice President Joe Biden said people who made $20 an hour before a green jobs training program can make $50 per hour after. Additionally, these green jobs pay an average of 10 to 20% more than similar work outside the green industry.

For many workers and students, the choice to join in on the green movement is an easy one. With rising energy costs, some homeowners have no choice but to improve their energy efficiency. To environmental and career experts, this means an increase in demand for skilled green collar professionals.

Want to be a part of the green movement? You have lots of options! Whether a green career in business, construction and manufacturing, or engineering most interests you, you can contribute to a healthier planet. Check out the programs offered at schools in your area and get creative. There are countless ways to turn green ways of life into a rewarding career.