Green Technology Jobs Still Uncertain for Students

The advent of green technology has created a number of benefits for the technology industry, the environment, and for the workforce.  With new opportunities created by the green industry, students are now pursing career paths specifically related to the green movement.   

But with the novelty of the green technology industry and the uncertainty of the economy, the question arises as to whether these opportunities will create security for students looking to dedicate their education and careers to the field.

As of right now, with the state of our economy, the green job market is still questionable. For a green education to pay off, the green market has to be in better shape to create more positions.

Is it worth a student paying hefty tuitions for a career path that is still unstable? One solution is the option to become certified before a student makes the decision to go into a green degree program.

According to the Valley Vanguard, new course offerings will be offered this spring and summer to train and certify students with “green” technologies and standards such as wind farm machinery, solar panels and LEED-certified building specifications.

Marketing assistant Tanya Blehm of the Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development says these courses are meant to prepare students for “a higher demand for these types of jobs as companies become more green” by using or selling eco-friendly products.

But just because the expectations for companies to go green are there, it doesn’t mean that these positions will remain secure. The Telegraph reported that “for every green job that is created, another 2.2 jobs are lost in the real economy.”

For students interested in pursuing their career paths in the green sector, it may be a better idea to major in something more stable and obtain certifications in green technology as an addition to their education while the market is still uncertain. Only time will tell what the future holds for green technology in the workplace.

Stefanie Mosca is a Web editor for TMCnet. Previously she worked as a freelance copy editor for Digital Surgeons LLC. She holds a master's degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University and a bachelor's degree in communication from the University of New Haven. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Janice McDuffee