Green — More Than a Fad
Many people believe that being concerned about the environment is merely a trend, soon to be replaced by the next hot topic. I disagree. A trend implies something fleeting, but green is here to stay. Green represents so many things vital to our prosperity, such as energy, growth, and progress. Plus, it represents job opportunities and a healthier way of life for our nation’s teens, young adults, and breadwinners.
Although the exact numbers are debatable, it’s pretty clear that green-collar jobs are growing at a rapid pace and will continue to increase in the years ahead. Numerous studies prove it to varying degrees. Here’s one: the Pew Charitable Trusts reports that the number of green jobs grew at a rate of 9.1 percent between 1998 and 2007, nearly two and half times faster than traditional jobs. And that’s even before you consider the impact of President Obama’s $50 billion in stimulus funds targeted at encouraging jobs in this sector.
What is a green-collar job anyway? According to an October 2009 report by the Sightline Institute, it is a job in which a worker devotes most of his or her time to benefiting the environment, either by boosting energy efficiency, increasing renewable energy, or reducing waste and pollution. To meet the growing demand for individuals skilled in green trades, the report recommends providing our nation’s under-skilled, low-income workers with green-jobs training programs that lead to credentials or certification as well as creating green career ladders that link training, employment, and education.
That is exactly what Foundations is doing with its new Green Jobs Training Program, launching this month. Through the program, out-of-school youth ages 17-24 years will receive work readiness training, literacy and numeracy instruction, and GED preparation. Each afternoon will be spent in paid on-the-job training, led by employers in one of three fields: sustainable agriculture, sustainable landscaping, or green building.
Foundations’ existing programs – the Seeds for Learning farm and marketplace, and Teens-Go-Green, a youth-run landscaping company – will serve as business models and readily available venues for hands-on learning. Upon completion of the 21-month program, participants will be equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to pursue careers in a variety of environmental fields.
Taking care of our environment should never be considered a fad; neither should taking care of disengaged youth living in our nation’s urban and underserved communities. Our commitment to both must never waver, regardless of the fluctuations in the stock market or unemployment figures. We must view this time of change and readjustment as an opportunity to prepare young people today for the jobs of tomorrow, jobs that can help both them and the planet thrive in the years to come.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )
