U.S. Department of Labor Tells Women Its Time to Get Green Jobs

For all the talk about "green jobs" being a driver of the economy, the fact these jobs are historically dominated by men has largely been omitted from the conversation.  In its latest report, the U.S. Department of Labor looks to change that.

In terms of employment opportunities, women have had fight continuously to be seen as equals in the workforce.  And, although gender equality may seem antiquated by some, the fact is, on the whole, women are valued less than men in the labor market -- even in new economic industries such as renewable energy.

However, U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis holds a different vision for America, one in which the country creates good jobs for everyone.  This vision was the driving force behind the Department's investigatory research into green jobs and women.  The report, entitled, Why Green Is Your Color: A Woman's Guide to a Sustainable Career highlights several very promising opportunities in the cleantech sector for women.

The report shows numerous green occupations which have been designated "Bright Outlook" jobs by the Department.  A "Bright Outlook" occupation is one that is expected to grow rapidly -- increase by 100,000 openings or more -- between 2008 and 2018.  Some of these positions include wind turbine service technicians and solar photovoltaic installers.

Practical vocational development for the renewable energy industry is growing in leaps and bounds as student demand for these programs increases. 

One institution, the Ecotech Institute, has been established with the sole intention to train America's workforce for careers in clean energy and sustainability. 

Ecotech, says it is seeing more women become interested in renewable energy careers.  As Susan Pawlak, Ecotech's Director of Career Services, says, "We are focused on making Ecotech a welcoming environment for women because we know they have a lot to offer in current and emerging green careers."