With International Women’s Day (March 8th) fast approaching, it’s time to talk about women and the green energy labor market.
A recent report released by the Department of Labor, entitled “Why Green Is Your Color: A Woman’s Guide to a Sustainable Career” highlights the fact that green jobs tend to be dominated by men. However, opportunities abound for women as well.
Ecotech Institute, a pioneer college dedicated to renewable energy and sustainability, recently held a Women in Renewable Energy meeting on February 16 to bring together women at the campus to “share ideas, help each other with classwork and empower one another as they embark on a green career.”
The institution says that an increasing number of women are interested in pursuing a career in green businesses. And the green market is a good place to be. The Labor Department states that according to The National Center for O*NET Development, several green occupations are “Bright Outlook” occupations, meaning they are expected to grow rapidly from 2008 – 2018, with a combined increase of 100,000 or more job openings. Some jobs designated as “Bright Outlook” are wind turbine service technicians, solar photovoltaic installers and recycling coordinators.
The report was produced to support Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis’s vision of “Good Jobs for Everyone.” The downloadable green jobs guide is designed to help women learn about the opportunities available in the renewable energy space, which they may not have previously considered.
Article by Antonio Pasolini, a Brazilian writer and video art curator based in London, UK. He holds a BA in journalism and an MA in film and television.
