Certificates are nondegree awards for completing an educational program of study after high school. Typically, students finish these programs to prepare for a specific occupation. And they do so in a relatively short period of time: Most certificates take less than a year to complete, and almost all are designed to take less than 2 years. Among…

In the search for new energy resources, scientists have discovered ways to use the Earth itself as a valuable source of power. Geothermal power plants use the Earth's natural underground heat to provide clean, renewable energy. The geothermal energy industry has expanded rapidly in recent years as interest in renewable energy has grown. In 2011,…

This article talks about solar photovoltaic (PV) installer and features Rebekah Hren, a solar PV installer who puts solar panels on roofs and in other sunny places to turn the sun's power into electricity. Hren enjoys promoting renewable energy, in part because it's an emerging field. In solar PV systems, solar cells--devices that convert sunlight…

Suggests that women with the right skills and characteristics can look forward to challenging, high-paying jobs in the construction trades. Gives employment and earnings data, describes how to enter and advance in trades, and explains how counselors can support girls' career choice. (JOW)

Addresses four questions regarding employment in the construction industry: (1) what have the long-term trends been, (2) how does the business cycle affect construction, (3) what are the seasonal patterns, and (4) what is the impact of these trends on workers. (JOW)