Lately, you’ve probably heard a lot about “green” career paths. But what are some of the more specific job titles that are out there, just waiting to be discovered?

How about: “wind turbine technician.” If you previously thought green and energy-efficient jobs were limited to residential or commercial construction, think again! Thanks to some exciting technological advances, some of today’s newest, fastest-growing green career tracks are in wind turbine installation, repair and maintenance.

Every day, new wind turbines are being installed all around the world. A recent report by the U.S. Department of Energy even estimates that by the year 2030, wind turbines could supply up to 20 percent of the entire nation’s electricity. Though the wind turbine industry may have been limited to just a few states several years ago, today, wind turbines now operate in 34 states across the United States.

Interested in harvesting the power of wind to help improve your career? The first step is finding the right schools that can help you learn the skills you’ll need to be a part of the wind turbine industry.

Pinnacle Career Institute’s Wind Turbine program is just one of many up-and-coming green energy degree and certificate programs. Want to learn more about this program and others like it? Career Explorer can help you search for the programs that interest you and find the schools in your area that offer these programs. Start searching now!

With recent concern for the environment, green building practices are becoming increasingly prominent. Expertise in green construction, which aims to reduce the environmental impact of buildings, is in high demand, and jobs are on the rise. Here are three construction jobs that will be necessary in promoting green practices.

Heat and Air-Conditioning installers: Environmental awareness has prompted the use of energy saving heat and air-conditioning units. Older units will be replaced with more efficient technology, and there will be higher demand for the maintenance of these increasingly complex systems. Boost your career with classes from a technical school, and increase your knowledge of energy-efficient heat and air-conditioning units.

Concrete pouring: Concrete is one of the most common and durable materials used in construction. With new green practices, packed gravel and permeable concrete are replacing the use of conventional concrete. Such methods encourage proficiency in water drainage. Concrete pouring skills can be in demand as methods become more specialized!

Window installers: High-efficiency windows help green buildings reduce energy usage. Recent window technology helps to maintain buildings’ internal temperatures. In addition, proper window placement on a building allows more natural light, decreasing the need for electrical lighting during the day. Learning about new window installation and placement techniques may boost your career.

Visit Careerexplorer.net to find a technical school that can help you start your career in green building practices 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.