The renewable energy field is gaining momentum. More individuals enter the industry each year to become professionals in the field and work toward creating a better environment and economy.
What Training Do You Need to Work in Renewables?
Emily Folk | Conservation Folks
If you are considering a career in renewable energy, there are several things you should know first. From new energy developments to professional degrees, keep the following in mind.
The Changing Industry
The future holds promising growth for renewables. In 2021, the industry will see a higher global total of renewable energy usage than ever before. This growth equates to more career and educational opportunities.
In 2016 alone, the wind and solar industries added 25,000 and 73,000 new jobs, respectively. This momentum is not slowing down.
It's critical to follow these changes — the industry is a versatile field that requires a sharp eye. For instance, costs have long been a top critique of renewable energy. However, prices for solar and wind have been dropping dramatically, making them more appealing than fossil fuels. Keeping up with trends like these is critical for preparing for a renewable career.
Degrees and Experience
As you work towards a future job, degrees are invaluable. For the renewables industry, almost any kind of degree can potentially be a good fit. However, some of the biggest fields are the sciences, along with engineering and environmental studies. Here's how bachelor's degrees and work experience can help:
Chemistry
A chemistry degree is an all-inclusive experience. With different specialties like biochemistry or chemical engineering, you can focus on the scientific side of renewables. Chemical compositions and molecular studies will come in handy for research and project designs. You can also look into biology degrees, which have several different applications — environmentally and business-wise.
Environmental Studies
Degrees in environmental studies will work well for conservation and efficiency jobs. Additionally, in the discipline of sustainability, you can focus on optimizing workplaces and renewable practices to be as environmentally-friendly as possible. Helping businesses become more sustainable through renewables is a popular job.
Engineering
Engineers study the designs, impacts, efficiency and implementation of different machinery and structures. For the renewable industry, this degree is versatile. It can apply to onshore or offshore wind, solar panel installations, tidal plants and any other sustainable energy system.
Internships
Education is critical, but so is experience. Remember the importance of internships — they provide you with direct, hands-on learning. Working with renewable companies will be a step in the right direction for your career. Online training courses, too, are always available and provide the key knowledge that you need to progress onwards.
Careers
Renewable energy is a vast field, with career opportunities showing up in all varieties. From renewable energy generation to efficiency, here are a few examples of careers you can pursue:
Solar Panel Installer
Solar panel installation is a flourishing field. By 2028, experts predict that these jobs will grow by 63% — a remarkable feat.
With the necessary rooftop safety knowledge for panel installation, these opportunities will gain even further attention. Quite often, solar is the face of the renewable movement. Here, you'll be able to understand that popularity and focus on which locations need solar the most.
Wind Farm Developer
Both onshore and offshore wind development are taking off. For instance, New Jersey is focusing on vastly improving its offshore wind production by 2030. Other states will follow and additional jobs will open up. Those who work with wind energy will understand how turbines operate and how to maintain them for the best output.
Energy Consultant
An energy consultant focuses on meeting with different companies to explain how they can best improve their consumption. Using renewable energy is almost always part of the plan, alongside switching to more efficient equipment and processes.
Making Connections
These degrees and careers are just a few of the seemingly endless possibilities that come with working in the renewable industry. To aid your journey, remember to network and make connections whenever possible. Companies, professionals, employees and advisers should be your allies. When you connect with them, you open yourself up to new opportunities.
The content & opinions in this article are the author’s and do not necessarily represent the views of AltEnergyMag
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