The School Tool

Tomorrow's jobs will require skills that few possess unless they are studying now.  Many of these workers will be filling positions in brand new fields that are recently created or not even available just yet.  Whatever your background and training, you may not qualify if you haven't prepared.

Some of the greatest improvements for workers and the nation as a whole will come in the fields of energy and transportation. These will be permanent jobs that pay well, offer great benefits and provide opportunities for advancement.

It is predicted that the Energy field alone will create 500,000 jobs over the next two years.  These "green collar jobs," combined with state and local energy programs will improve how the nation gets electricity along with improving the job picture.   Improvements to the grid alone will get $11 Billion for updating transmission while renewable sources gets another $60 Billion.  Upgrading energy efficiency in Federal Buildings scores another $10 Billion.

The Transportation field is expected to add another 750,000 jobs in highway construction, and 200,000 jobs in public transit and light rail.

If all these big numbers have gotten your attention, here are a few more.  The Pell Grants for Higher Education is better funded now:  $15,840,000,000.  The individual amount per year has been raised to $5,50 and will likely be increased for the next few years.  State grants for adult job training offers another $500,000,000. The Dislocated worker-training program: $1.25 Billion.

It's staggering to comprehend these huge amounts.  What isn't too hard to comprehend is the amount available to you to start training now.  Contact your local two- or four-year institution or consider enrolling in online education.  Just keep in mind that whatever steps you take today will surely have a big payoff for you over your lifetime.  Studies have shown that even an associate's degree adds about $400,000 to your total lifetime earnings.  If you're going to work, you might as well make it count!

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