Lynna Wong learns how to train others in solar installation at Ohlone College in Fremont, Calif.

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The recent report, "How Baby Boomers Can Help the Nation Go Green," details eight growing job categories that are a good match for the skills and interests of people seeking encore careers.

The authors of the report, the Council on Adult and Experiential Learning and Encore Careers, offered a free webinar on green encore careers in honor of Earth Day on April 21, 2010. Here are links to information shared during the webinar:

• PowerPoint of slides shown during webinar (PDF)
• Audio recording of webinar
• More resources on green encore careers. (You must be a member of Encore.org to access)

The emerging green economy needs the talent and experience of the boomer generation to create jobs, cut carbon and save energy. The webinar explored key roles where encore talent is needed now, current green jobs data and emerging encore career opportunities, new strategies for work-force development and case studies of employers that are tapping encore talent, and real-life stories from people who have made the transition.

The report found that the boom in weatherization and energy efficiency retrofitting is driving demand not only for weatherization installers and crew leaders, but also energy auditors to identify projects and certify results. The growing demand for commercial and residential solar energy systems is creating opportunities for solar contractors and for solar installation trainers to equip young people and others for green-collar careers. Because sustainability strategies are increasingly being seen as good business practices, companies large and small are adding conservation and sustainability consultants and advocates. And the growing public attention is fueling opportunities for outreach workers.

Many skills from other fields easily transfer to the green economy, such as construction and maintenance, finance and planning, marketing and information technology, and engineering and entrepreneurship.

As a recent op-ed in the San Francisco Chronicle acknowledges, obstacles have slowed green growth and green jobs, like all jobs, are still hard to find.

But those problems are opportunities in disguise - for boomers and others to be part of the solution. The emerging green economy needs the talent and experience of the boomer generation now.

Read more: Learn why a noted labor economist predicts workers over age 50 are the key to closing the coming labor shortage and about emerging job opportunities in education, health care and the green economy.