There’s plenty of “bad” economic news to go around, but one thing you don’t actually hear much about is President Obama’s plan that is now in action to add thousands of jobs to state and civic offices. They’re up and open for inspection.

But understand one thing: you will be in competition with LOTS of people for these jobs, so be honest with yourself about your abilities and professional experience. Save your energy for the jobs you stand a chance of landing. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for the lowest of the low on the ladder. Be ambitious, but apply for what you know.

Where are they?
The most abundant industries the Obama administration has listed as priorities are:

• Renewable or Green Energy Careers
  
• Natural Resources Careers
• Infrastructure Careers
  
• Health Care Careers
  
• Education Careers
  

Lily Whiteman, an industry analyst, says jobs are particularly plentiful for contracts managers, financial managers and auditors, network specialists and people who are bi-lingual.

Extra tips for those who are finishing up their education

• A good route to a permanent government job is a federal internship. The site www.makingthedifference.org lists 200 federal internship programs.
• The 100 largest government contractors send job openings out weekly, which are listed at www.usaspending.gov.
• Federal job postings are at www.usajobs.gov There are literally thousands of jobs to fill right now, including the positions that Obama’s stimulus package and domestic policies have created. Many of those positions will be filled through accelerated hiring procedures, so get moving!

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!

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.