The Clean Energy Resource Teams want to help you understand green career possibilities, where you could work, and how to get started. Whether you're exploring career opportunities for the first time or as a seasoned professional, we've got the scoop and the stories to help you find where you fit.
Careers in the Green Economy
Diverse Jobs, Impactful Change, Endless Opportunities
Career Story Feature: Angeline Quilt, Senior Energy Auditor
Angeline Quilt works as a home energy auditor — someone who assesses the energy efficiency of homes and buildings. In each assessment, the auditor visits homes to perform an inspection: examining heating and cooling systems, insulation, windows, doors, and appliances. Then the auditor works with the residents to help improve energy efficiency and lower utility costs.
Why Work in the Green Economy?
62k+
Over 71% of those MN workers are in the energy efficiency sector, according to the Clean Jobs Midwest report.
5x
Clean energy jobs grew at a rate nearly five times faster than MN's overall economy.
200+
Think beyond solar and environmental roles, green careers also include research, marketing, and so much more.
Where You Could Work
FIND THE RIGHT PLACE FOR YOU
Fastest Growing Careers in Clean Energy
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineers, scientists, technicians, and installers are the fastest growing careers in the United States.
How to Get Started
Whether you're starting your career or starting over, these resources can help you move forward.
Find your fit to get started: This short quiz from the Center for Energy Workforce and Development helps narrow the types of jobs that could be a match for your personality and preferences.
Career Development Resources
MN Green Workforce Connect
A MN guide to training programs and employers in the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors.
Climate Solutions 101
A series of video-based educational resources around climate challenged and available solutions from Project Drawdown. Explore the possibilities for your future role.
SDG Academy
Free, open access, educational resources from the leading experts on sustainable development.
Training
On the job training
Explore apprenticeship options across Minnesota, hear what apprentices have to say about their experiences, and find out how to get started from the MN Department of Labor and Industry.
Conservation training
Conservation Training provides free online training, over 400 hours of courses in multiple languages, to the global conservation community.
Renewable energy training
Midwest Renewable Energy Association offers online renewable energy training, and in-person continuing education opportunities whether you want to start a career, maintain a credential, or do a project.
Solar Photovoltaic NABCEP Associates
White Earth Tribal & Community College's workforce training in solar includes a Registered Unlicensed Electrician credential and preparation for the NABCEP exam, setting you up for solar success.
Join a professional association
Professional associations offer networking and training opportunities, as well as demonstrate your commitment to your field. Find the right group with CareerOneStop.
Match your skills
Need another quiz? Select the level of your current skills and see what roles you match with this CareerForce assessment.
Degrees & Certifications
Building science certificates
The Building Performance Institute offers building science information and certificates for beginners up through specialized professionals. Whether you plan to be a home energy auditor or an HVAC specialist, there is a BPI certification for you.
Energy certificates and degrees
Explore various energy career pathways with the MN State Energy Center of Excellence.
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration programs
Minnesota State offers HVAC certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees through the state.
Science & Engineering Technology program
The Science and Engineering Technology certificate or associate degree from Saint Paul College is designed for students who are seeking to transfer to a four-year program.
Environmental Science Degrees
University HQ offers a database of undergraduate and graduate programs to search through for different types of green careers.
Land the job
Explore CareerForce's Creative Job Search guide for tips on how to make the most out of networking, guidance on developing your best resume, how to prepare for interviews, and much more.