Goodwill Putting People to Work in the Green Industry

The green collar economy may not be new, but as the United States continues to research the benefits of clean energy and energy efficiency, the industry is on the brink of a revolution.

Private organizations such as The Pew Charitable Trust recently released a report, “The Clean Energy Economy,” that notes that between 1998 and 2007, clean energy economy jobs — described as a mix of white- and blue-collar positions ranging from scientists and engineers to electricians, machinists and teachers — grew by 9.1 percent. The report estimates that about 770,000 jobs fall into this sector.

In another report prepared by Global Insight for the United States Conference of Mayors and the Mayors Climate Protection Center, researchers call the potential growth in green jobs “significant,” and project that it could be the fastest-growing segment of the nation’s economy over the next several decades.

Under the leadership of Larry Stevenson, Coordinator for Goodwill's Youth Maricopa Workforce Connections program, our organization is getting involved in the green movement.

In November 2009, Greenbuild, the world's largest conference and expo dedicated to green building, was held in Phoenix. Thousands of building professionals from all over the world came together at Greenbuild for three days of educational sessions, renowned speakers, green building tours, special seminars and networking events.

Stevenson and his staff brought nine youth participants ranging in age from 18-24 to the Greenbuild conference. During the conference, the youth were surrounded by dignitaries and leaders in the green industry, listened to a keynote speech delivered by former Vice President Al Gore and were treated to a concert featuring recording artist Sheryl Crow.

"The green jobs industry in the 21st century is positioned to surpass the 'dot-com' boom of the 20th century," said Stevenson. "Because of this we must ensure that our youth participants have the training, tools and education it will take to compete in the green industry for the newly defined 'green collar' high growth, high demand jobs."

Stevenson said that nine youth program participants were certified as green specialists, along with himself and career advisors Sylvia Moreno and Candis Dixon-Connor. Goodwill recently developed a relationship with Becoming Green Inc. that made it possible for staff and the youths to receive Certified Green Specialist Certification Training and Testing in conjunction with the Green Build Conference.

"They learned so much at the conference," explained Stevenson. "They were educated about indoor air quality, energy conservation, lighting efficiency, water as a resource, recycling, reducing our carbon footprint, greenhouse gases, evaluating homes, businesses including government offices and assisting them in meeting green standards/reducing carbon footprint."

Stevenson said some of the youths are preparing to launch their own green businesses and some have been placed in a green work experience program.

"Because of the training and certification our youth participants received, they are positioned to be the consultants, advisors, officers and/or technicians in high-growth areas where the jobs will be abundant," Stevenson stated. "We are no longer looking to put them or push them into already existing and/or dead-end jobs, we are building the next generation of business owners and entrepreneurs and 'putting people to work.' ”