Students today are naturally worried about their future. On one hand, they hope to find a stable and rewarding career path; on the other, they are concerned about the vulnerable environment and the uncertainty it will bring. Green Collar Careers is a program that helps students bridge the connection, engaging students to choose a path that promises both a prosperous livelihood and a sustainable future.

By introducing secondary school students to the green energy sector through workshops, tours and experiential learning opportunities, the Green Collar Careers program will help develop a workforce that can fill new (and existing) jobs needed for an environmentally-responsible tomorrow.

GCC will equip grade 11 and 12 students with a better understanding of their role in a sustainable future as they gain valuable work skills and exposure to the growing green sector.

A Green Collar Career is one that directly or indirectly facilitates the reduction of waste and pollution and benefits the environment. It includes both traditionally “white collar” and “blue collar” jobs, but it should pay livable wages and benefits that can support a family, with the potential for upward mobility.




The Green Collar Careers program aims to expose students to key issues in areas that include: energy efficiency, renewable energy, natural resource conservation, sustainable agriculture and environmental education. Jobs considered in this program can relate to manufacturing, research, installation, maintenance, sales, policy and regulation, event coordination and education.

Click the links below for more information on the growing green sector:

National and Provincial Labour Trends

Ontario's Green Energy and Green Economy Act

Green Collar Careers Student Awareness surveys

• Student Recruitment presentations for Energy and Environment SHSM schools
   
• Reach Ahead and Experiential Learning activities for SHSM schools
  
  
• Curriculum-linked workshops and tours for Environmental Science, Civics/Career Studies and all science-stream courses (ie. Physics, Biology, Chemistry) (grade 10-12)
   
• Youth-oriented information sessions on green collar careers and the education pathways towards them
   
• Hands-on, curriculum-linked solar workshops demonstrating valuable skills specific to the green energy sector (grade 9-12)
   
• Professional development tours and workshops for teachers and employment professionals aiming to enhance their understanding of the growing green industry in Ontario, and the opportunities it presents
  
  
•   Research and recruitment services for green collar co-op placements