I’ve been a way for quite some time as work projects came over me like a waterfall!  I started teaching construction classes at the college level and my own company gained many new contracts, all I had time for was work, sleep, and eat!

Some of you may ask, how are you so busy when the economy is the worst it’s been in years, and many people have lost their jobs?  I work in the green building/energy efficiency sector; it is the one area that is experiencing exponential growth.  I, in fact was hired at the college (City College of San Francisco), in hopes I would help “green-up” the construction curriculum.  Green Building and Energy Efficiency are the two areas that are looking for qualified people for many job openings now and in the near future.

The key word is qualified!  Employers that I have met with are having a hard time filling positions for managers, technicians, engineers, and tradespeople because individuals who possess the skills necessary to do these types of jobs are few and far in between.  President Obama made good on his promise to send economic stimulus money to provide job training for Green Jobs.  I know this for a fact, many of the programs I work at have been funded to provide such training.  The task now is to get the people to go back to school to refresh their skills or acquire new ones in order to be able to fill these positions as they open up.

If you are looking for work, I strongly encourage you to consider a career that is related to Green Building/Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency/Weatherization.  We have the money for the jobs and training, what we don’t have are the people.  This is across the US not only my neck of the woods!

Look for future posts as I will give data and statistics on which areas show the most growth and what employers are looking for in employees.  Stay hopeful my friends!

An event for anyone in the construction or building trade, ‘The Day Of Reclamation’ takes place in Brighton on 27th March 2009

Hosted by Tiger Enterprise Ltd this event has pulled together key industry experts leading a packed schedule of talks and discussions about the important issues in sustainable construction. Including  how to save money by using reclaimed materials, how to use reclaimed building materials and how to implement your site waste management plans efficiently. The varied and entertaining seminars will provide some of the main talking points for the event.

This event will also include a selection of interesting and interactive stalls including BRE and Remade S.E, Brighton’s Green Centre and Brighton and Hove City Council.

For more information about attending or having a stall contact event@reuseitdontloseit.co.uk

This is a free event with limited places, so book early to avoid disappointment. To find out more and to register visit www.reuseitdontloseit.co.uk

Hi Everyone-

I’m back after a very long break. I wasn’t on vacation or anything; just trying to finish up school and get through this wretched exam. I’ve been working on my certification in sustainable building, and can now officially say I am a Certified Sustainable Building Advisor (CSBA). This distinction was hard earned – the test was the equivalent to passing the bar exam and you only had three hours!

In addition to finishing school I had begun teaching as well at the local city college. This summer I taught a hands-on construction course to adults looking for a career change and to young students hoping to get into the trades. I’ve also been approached to pen a green building textbook!

I am happy to be back to normal (somewhat) and look forward to resuming posts on what’s going on here in the US of A as well as any and all things related to sustainable design and building as I am up to my eyebrows in it.

Ciao for now,

Arcadia Maximo, CSBA!

PS: If you have any questions or comments regarding green building please feel free to drop me a line.