The $787 billion economic stimulus plan signed by President Obama is intended to spur economic and job growth, helping the American economy and putting people back to work. Forty billion dollars of that plan is designed solely to create green jobs.

Many projects in several states are already underway with more in the works. According to MSNBC, there are 10 hot green job industries that are heading our way in 2009. Check out these five green industries highlighted below.

Advanced Biofuels – Green fuel originates from non-food crops, such as cornstalks or wheat straw, and emits 60% less greenhouse gases but performs like gasoline. Advanced biofuel production is expected to increase to 21 billion gallons per year in 2022, up from 2 billion gallons per year in 2012. This industry is expected to generate around 123,000 total new jobs, according to Bio Economic Research Associates. People looking for employment in this industry can expect to find jobs in agriculture, architecture, chemical engineering, chemical plant and systems operators, and more.

Building Retrofitting – Wasted heat and energy is a major concern on the global economy and residential, commercial, and public buildings are big contributors. The president’s administration wants to retrofit 10 million homes with energy saving materials each year until 2020. This is expected to generate nearly 1.25 million jobs directly and 6 million jobs indirectly. Positions in this industry include: home performance specialists, energy auditors, managers, marketers, and more.

Geothermal Energy – Natural – or geothermal – energy is created by steam and hot water produced from heated rocks underground. This industry is expected to create 100,000 construction and manufacturing jobs for up to five years and 23,000 permanent geothermal-plant jobs. Positions available in this industry vary from chemists to drivers to property managers to sales managers.

Green Chemistry – This industry works to reduce or eliminate the use of hazardous substances. Green chemists and engineers are needed to help reformulate products and replace 95% of the petroleum-based materials people use every day with nature-derived stock, according to the American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute.

Green Manufacturing – This sector is comprised of mainly traditional manufacturing used to create new parts for green industries. Jobs in this industry are expected to increase by 1 million with, 2.5 million indirect jobs in related industries to support the manufacturing sector. Positions you’re likely to see in this industry are factory workers, health and safety officers, and managers, among many others.

So, if you’re looking to change directions in your career, or you’re like many Americans who are out of work and in search of hope, these hot green jobs could be your ticket to a growing career. 

To see the top 10 hottest green job industries and more positions in these industries, check out MSNBC’s green jobs article.

Statistics Back Higher Education for Blue Collar Workers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for college graduates over the age of 25 was 4.1% in February, up from 2.1% a year ago. However, this rate is substantially lower than the 8.3% unemployment rate for people with only a high school diploma.

Economists say that in this tight job market, one reason college graduates have a lower unemployment rate is because they’re taking jobs that don’t require a four-year degree, making it increasingly difficult for blue collar workers to compete. Companies are hiring these overqualified employees over individuals who don’t have a higher education because they can. So, what can blue collar workers do to compete in the job market?

Be Flexible
To help with the job search, experts say that people need to be more flexible with their career options, because there’s no telling where the job growth will be 10 or 20 years from now. Economists speculate that in the future, job creation will be for new jobs that haven’t even been thought of yet, requiring more than a high school diploma. 

Continue Your Education
To be flexible in your career choices, continue your education. This will play a crucial role in your job search success. Jobs that are opening up now are not necessarily physical labor positions, experts say, causing many blue collar workers to be limited in their career choices. This means many blue collar workers are going back to the classroom. In a recent MSNBC story, a man whose career path was laid out at an early age planned to be a factory worker until his retirement. But, after 20 years of factory work and increasing competition from foreign manufacturers, he knew his job wasn’t secure. So, he went back to school and now plans to become a teacher.

So, as the recession continues to take its toll on entry-level positions and other job markets, blue collar workers need to increase their skills to become more flexible in their career choices, helping them in their job search.

Remember, change isn’t a bad thing. By reexamining yourself and finding a new career path, you just might find your dream job. Visit your local Express Employment Professionals office to help you get started on a new career today.

In today’s economy, leaving your job may seem reckless and ill-advised. But, when life presents you with a new and exciting opportunity, sometimes saying goodbye is a better decision for your future.

Leaving the security of your job is always a scary thing, so make sure you have properly analyzed – and are prepared for – every possible outcome. You never know when your path will cross again with your employer’s. Someday, you might need a good reference or you might even bump into each other at an industry conference. So, it’s always best to leave on good terms.

Whether you’re making a career change or life has thrown you a curveball, here are a few guidelines to help you say goodbye without burning bridges.

Use Discretion.
When you’ve arrived at your decision to leave, you may want to compile a list of colleagues that you want to break the news to. The person at the top of that list should be your direct supervisor. Having your manager hear of your departure from office gossip is the last thing you want. After informing your boss, begin telling others on your list if you want the news to become public.

Talk Face to Face.
Make every effort possible to inform your boss of your intentions face to face. An e-mail or telephone conversation is only appropriate when geographical location prevents an in-person meeting.

Be Professional.
When discussing your departure, be prepared to give your reason for leaving. Although you aren’t required to do so, it is the courteous choice. It can be as simple as, “I’ve found a new opportunity to advance in my career,” or “I’ve found something that better fits my talents and desires.” Keep in mind, this is not the time to point the finger or vent frustrations.

Account for Curveballs.
During your meeting with your supervisor, they might offer a raise or promotion. Chances are, you didn’t take your decision to leave lightly and you’ll stick to your choice, but take the possibility of another offer into consideration. That said, do not leverage your departure as a threat for a pay increase. This will not be appreciated and will most likely backfire.

Give Proper Notice.
The standard time for notification when you are leaving a job is two weeks. But for some jobs, as much as six weeks can be required. Check your employee handbook to see if there are any guidelines to follow. If there aren’t, try to give your supervisor an advanced notice of at least two weeks.

Write a Resignation Letter.
A formal letter of resignation should include the date of your last day of employment, reason for leaving (keep it professional), and a thank you for the opportunity to work for the company. Also, include you willingness to help with the transition period, whether it is training the new employee or making a list of your job duties. You may not be asked to, but the act of offering demonstrates, even in the end, your loyalty and character.

Leave on a Good Note.
Be professional and diligently work up until the last day you’ve agreed upon. On your final day, write thank you cards to your supervisor and your co-workers. You’re respectfulness can create a great final impression – one that’s as important as your first impression.

Even if you’ve struggled with the dilemma of leaving your job, you made the decision to go, so don’t burn bridges in your departure. Make sure things are in order before you say goodbye.

Have you experienced a former co-worker leaving on a sour note? How have you made clean breaks in the past? Post your stories in the comment section below.