Consultants Forum Advertise
Subscribe
Close

  • Free for qualified executives and consultants to industry

  • Receive quarterly issues of Area Development Magazine and special market report and directory issues

Subscribe Now
Renew

Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Society of Manufacturing Engineers and Purdue Partner on Green Job Certification

11/12/2010
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and Purdue University's Technical Assistance Program (TAP) have partnered on a Green Manufacturing Specialist Certificate program to prepare the next generation of green collar workers. The program aims to expand green collar jobs into industry sectors besides the energy industry.

"When we hear about green workers in the media, most people think of jobs in alternative energy fields," said Jeannine Kunz, director of marketing and professional development for SME. "But the reality is that just about any job can - and should - be green. It's about developing skills within the current work force so they can identify opportunities to implement environmentally friendly solutions on the plant floor."

Recently, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics officially defined green jobs as business roles that produce goods or provide services that benefit the environment or conserve natural resources.

SME worked with eco-experts to craft the Body of Knowledge for the Green Manufacturing Specialist. A panel analyzed job tasks for green elements in each production employee's job.

The resulting SME Green Specialist Outcome Assessment measures knowledge levels and identify areas to improve green training. Those interested can pursue training through Purdue TAP or online tools, such as SME Tooling U. Once training is complete, workers can complete an exam to earn Green Manufacturing Specialist certification.

Exclusive Research