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Finding your niche in the renewable energy sector

Listen: Oil and gas worker tackles a renewable energy career

The oil and gas sector has been providing a living for workers and their families for generations. But that is changing as the world moves to a net-zero economy. It isn’t a case of ‘if’ it happens – but when and are we ready.

The biggest challenges are finding ways to reduce emissions to reach our goals while making sure workers are treated fairly.  That also sums up the mission of Iron & Earth to “empower fossil fuel industry and Indigenous workers to build and implement climate solutions”.

Two pilot projects we completed last year lived up to that mission by training workers as they re-purposed inactive well sites into solar power generation sites.

In a poll commissioned by Iron & Earth in 2021, 88% of fossil fuel workers who responded were interested in training and upskilling to transition to a net-zero economy.

Shawn Hubbard was a worker who was ready for some of that additional training to make a career move. Through our RenuWell program he received hands-on experience installing a solar power generation system in southern Alberta. His career story has been much like the story of Iron & Earth – how to get out of the boom-bust cycle of the oil and gas industry and be an active part of climate solutions.

Shawn talked with freelance broadcaster Don Hill in this installment of our Renewable Conversations podcast.

 

 

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This blog is funded in part by the Government of Canada's Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program. 

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Iron & Earth was founded within Treaty 6 Territory and within the Métis homelands and Métis Nation of Alberta Region 4. We acknowledge this land as the traditional territories of many First Nations, including the Nehiyaw (Cree), Denesuliné (Dene), Nakota Sioux (Stoney), Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), and Niitsitapi (Blackfoot).

Iron & Earth acknowledges that our work takes place on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of Indigenous Peoples across Canada. We recognize the ongoing impacts of colonialism and the deep connection that Indigenous communities have with the land, water, and environment. Our commitment to a Just Transition is informed by Indigenous land stewardship principles. We are dedicated to fostering partnerships with Indigenous communities, respecting their sovereignty, and learning from their knowledge and traditions. We strive to ensure that our initiatives are inclusive and support community-driven climate solutions, contributing to a sustainable and equitable future for all. We honor the diverse histories, languages, and cultures of Indigenous Peoples and commit to continuing our journey of learning and reconciliation as we work together toward a thriving green economy.