One company’s decision to open a new solar manufacturing plant will help to create Arizona state jobs.

Gov. Jan Brewer recently announced that Tower Automotive plans to build its solar component manufacturing plant in the Phoenix metro area, a move that will create up to 200 new jobs.

“This is a significant win for Arizona in that it advances our competitive position in the global market and further establishes Arizona’s foothold in the solar industry,” Brewer said. “My goal is to land the top solar manufacturers in the world; creating jobs that put Arizonans back to work and help Arizona families get back on their feet.”

Once Tower Automotive locates to Arizona, it will be eligible under the new Renewable Energy Tax Incentive program, which provides refundable tax credits and property tax reductions for manufacturers.

“Tower Automotive is excited to bring our technology and expertise to the Southwestern United States through the establishment of manufacturing operations in the metro Phoenix area,” Bill Pumphrey, President of the Americas for Tower Automotive, said.

“Through the support of our customer, Stirling Energy Systems, and the State of Arizona, both of which made this possible, we are confident that this is the start of exciting growth opportunities for our company, our colleagues and the communities we support,” he continued.

Tower Automotive is one of the largest independent global suppliers of automotive metal structural components and assemblies. The company is building the new plant in an effort to diversify its product line to manufacture parts for Stirling Energy Systems, which will be used to generate grid-quality solar electric power.

“We’re pleased that Tower Automotive, one of our full service supplier partners, will be joining us in Arizona with a state-of-the-art high tech facility to manufacture components for our SunCatcherTM technology,” Steve Cowman, CEO for Stirling Energy Systems, said.

“We commend Governor Brewer and congratulate the State of Arizona for their efforts in securing Tower Automotive’s location to Arizona,” he added.

Tower Automotive currently operates about 40 manufacturing and product development facilities in 13 countries throughout North America, South America, Europe and Asia.

If you’re looking for a high-tech career that pays well and has growth potential, a computer programmer job may be right for you.

Computer programmers generally write, test and maintain various computer programs. They’re responsible for figuring out which instructions to use to make computers complete specific tasks. Programmers often write programs according to specifications developed by computer software engineers and systems analysts, according to an article by U.S. News & World Report.

It is expected that demand for computer programmers will increase as intranets, extranets and Internet applications continue to expand. Programmers with specialization in client and server programming, wireless applications, multimedia technology and graphic user interface will be the most needed.

“Programmers also will be needed to create and maintain expert systems and embed these technologies in more products,” the article notes. “Finally, a growing emphasis on cybersecurity will lead to increased demand for programmers who are familiar with digital security issues and are skilled in using appropriate security technology.”

To become a computer programmer, most employers usually require a two-year certificate or a bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, information systems, accounting, finance or other business area. During May of 2006, computer programmers earned a median salary of $65,510 per year.

Computer programmers are at a higher risk of having their jobs outsourced than workers in more sophisticated IT functions, such as software engineers. There aren’t many other downfalls to the job, except for the physical inconveniences of occasional eyestrain, back discomfort and hand and wrist problems.

During December 2008, the nation’s information industry employed 2,933,000 workers, according to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. The industry had a 6.9 percent unemployment rate during December. During November 2008, the information industry had 37,000 job openings and 38,000 hires.