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Green Careers

Exploring Environmental Sustainability Careers

Green CareersExploring Environmental SustainabilityCareers
Green careers represent a growing field that focuses on jobs aimed at preserving and enhancing environmental quality. As highlighted in various resources, including the Global Green Skills Report 2025, there is an urgent need to transition to a green economy to address the climate crisis. Green jobs can be found not only in traditional sectors like renewable energy and agriculture but also across diverse industries such as fashion, finance, and sales
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Occupational Profiles Show Us: Occupational Profiles Show Us:

  • Projected Employment
  • Typical Wages
  • Education, Certifications, Licensure & Apprenticeships
  • Activities, Knowledge, Abilities & Skills
  • Related Occupations

Green Careers

A green career is defined as any occupation that is affected by activities such as conserving energy, developing alternative energy, reducing pollution, or recycling. Green careers fall into three groups:

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Green Career Skills

Green skills’ is an umbrella term for the knowledge, behaviours, capabilities and technical skills required to tackle the environmental challenges we face and to unlock new opportunities for growth.

Higher Demand Green Occupations

In these fields, the job duties aren’t changing but the occupation itself will probably grow because of the increased demand for green goods and services. Some examples include: Chemists, Hydrologists & Materials Scientists.

Green Career Skills
Higher Demand Green Occupations
Green Jobs- Building for the Future

Workforce Spotlight: Hydrogeology Workforce Spotlight: Hydrogeology

What is Hydrogeology?

I am in High School. How Do I Get Started? I am in High School. How Do I Get Started?

Enroll in a state-approved Career Tech Education (CTE) Program

To get started talk with your school counselor and review your school’s course guide to explore availability and enrollment requirements. Consider courses in Business, Web Design, Graphic Design, Art, Information Technology, and audio/video technology.
  • Check out this resource to see which CTE (Career Technical Education programs) your school district offers

The following CTE Programs can help build a pipeline to Green Jobs including:
  • Applied Horticulture

  • Drafting & Design Technology

  • Fashion Design

  • Engineering Technology

  • Mechatronics

Job Shadow

Job shadowing offers high school students a firsthand look at various careers, helping them explore their interests and gain valuable insights into potential career paths. By observing professionals in real work environments, students can make more informed decisions about their future, build connections, and develop a clearer understanding of the skills and education required for different roles.

How To Job Shadow for Career Benefits

Volunteering

Volunteering provides high school students with the unique opportunity to “try out” a job and gain full immersion. This provides the opportunity to develop essential skills, gain practical experience, and explore potential career interests. It also allows them to make meaningful contributions to their community, build a strong network, and enhance their resumes, all of which can significantly benefit their future career development.

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Short-Term/Job Training/Pre-Apprenticeships Short-Term/Job Training/Pre-Apprenticeships

Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency logo
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Wayne Metro - Grow Green Jobs Training Program
The Greening of Detroit logo
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The Greening of Detroit - Workforce Training Program
Focus: HOPE logo
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Focus:HOPE - DTE Tree Trim Academy
Emerging Industries Training Institute
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Emerging Industries Training Institute - Renewable Energy Programs
Michigan department of Natural Resources logo
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Department of Natural Resources - Seasonal Parks & Wildlife Positions
DTE Energy logo
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Green Jobs on the Rise: Workforce Training in Detroit
DTE/Walker Miller Energy Efficiency Academy
Detroit Training Center logo
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Detroit Training Center - Blight Removal Training Program
Michigan Works! logo
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SEMCA Michigan Works! - MI EV Jobs

Apprenticeships Apprenticeships

Detroit EITC logo
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DEITC Electrical - Apprenticeship
Great Lakes Water Authority logo
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Great Lakes Water Authority Apprenticeships
Great Lakes Water Authority Internships
GLWA Recruitment video 1_Water Warriors

Local Certificate/Associate Degree Programs Local Certificate/Associate Degree Programs

Henry Ford College logo
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FAFSA Code: 002270

HFC - Battery Technology Programs
HFC - Environmental Science - Associate in Science
HFC - Engineering Technology - Associate in Science
Schoolcraft College logo
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FAFSA Code: 002315

Schoolcraft College - Environmental Science - Associate of Science
Wayne County Community College District logo
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FAFSA Code: 009230

Wayne County Community College - Renewable Energy Technology Programs
WCCCD- Water & Environmental Technology Certification
Michigan State University logo
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FAFSA Code: 002290

MSU- Agriculture Technology
Urban & Community Forest Program (Offered In Detroit Fall 2026)
Detroit Partnership For Food Learning & Innovation
Macomb Community College logo
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FAFSA Code: 008906

Macomb Community College - Renewable Energy Certificate
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Green Job Boards Green Job Boards

Green Jobs Network: Environmental Jobs Worldwide

Green Jobs Network empowers people seeking careers in sustainability and environmental responsibility to find jobs, career resources, and build their professional network.

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Best Jobs Near You, Remote Jobs, Nonprofit Jobs

Best Jobs Near You, Remote Jobs, Nonprofit Jobs

Join Idealist to find a social-impact job and take your career to the next level

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About Green Dream Jobs

About Green Dream Jobs

Why Green Dream Jobs? Because we've been online since 1996 and have earned our position as one of the preeminent green job sites on the web!

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Financial Aid & Scholarships Financial Aid & Scholarships

Steps To Apply For FAFSA

  1. Obtain FSA ID
  2. Complete the FAFSA Form
  3. Add the FAFSA school code

More Helpful Financial Aid Resources

  • 1-2-3 approach to paying for college
  • Comparing financial aid offers
  • Decoding financial aid offers
Green Scholarships - Scholarships.com

Green Scholarships - Scholarships.com

Scholarships.com - Green Scholarships

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This document includes just a sample of programs available in the Metro-Detroit area. Remember to check websites for program offerings. Your school’s career exploration tools will also highlight a variety of related careers and education and training institutions.


References: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook


Note: Inclusion of a program in our database does not indicate an endorsement by Wayne RESA. The database is for informational purposes only.

Educate.Equip.Elevate. Educate.Equip.Elevate.

Department of Workforce Development, CTE, Adult Ed and Career Counseling

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Wayne RESA
https://linktr.ee/WayneRESACareer

Career Counselor Corner is brought to you by Wayne RESA's Department of Workforce Development, CTE, Adult Ed and Career Counseling.

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