Gut Check: Green jobs

SEATTLE – For Alla Weinstein, the ocean’s not dark blue, it’s green

Some people are skeptical that government will be able to lead the drive to create green jobs, even with billions of stimulus dollars at its disposal. Others are afraid there won’t be opportunities to train for the jobs, or that the emerging industry will fail, leaving workers who invested in new skills among the millions of Americans already unemployed.

But others are as bullish on green jobs as Weinstein. People like David Bass, who pursued such a job after leaving the Army. And Jeff Schwede, who was laid off by United Airlines and is starting a new career in the renewable energy industry.

In truth, the prospects for green industry are as complicated as these diverse views. Despite the hundreds of millions of dollars the government wants to pour into the infant industry, not everyone starting a green company will qualify for money. And skills don’t guarantee a job.

MSNBC