The Renewable Skills Initiative is designed to build up the workforce required to fill the growing need for skilled solar and wind energy industry workers while empowering fossil fuel industry and Indigenous workers to enter these industries. The primary trainee target is tradespeople across the spectrum, with a goal of gender parity in our programs.
Throughout 2020, Iron & Earth worked with Desmond Bull from the Louis Bull Tribe to develop two community-based rapid upskilling programs for fossil fuel industry and Indigenous workers. The 10-day solar program and a 10-day wind energy program each include five days of in-class work and five days of hands-on training which involves the installation of a small solar and wind energy system. Iron & Earth’s Renewable Skills training programs are rapidly upskilling fossil fuel industry and Indigenous workers into emerging solar and wind energy careers while supporting communities that are interested in installing renewable energy infrastructure.
We are proud to have partnered with Maskwacis Cultural College (MCC) to deliver these training programs for the first time in 2022. The Community Solar Skills Training Program took place in April 2022 and the Community Wind Skills Training Program took place in August 2022. Jason Courtepatte, Master Electrician from Tapitow Li Salay, was Iron & Earth's lead instructor for the programs. Borrum Energy donated a wind turbine and provided their expertise on small wind systems during the training program delivery. Upon completion of the training program, trainees have joined Iron & Earth's alumni network and have been invited to participate in the organization's Climate Mentorship Program to support them on their renewable energy career path.
Iron & Earth, in partnership with the Nunatsiavut Government, hosted its Community Solar Skills Training Program in Rigolet and Hopedale as part of the Nunatsiavut Government’s Youth Energy Training Initiative. The training program took place in July and early August 2022. Trainees were provided with access to Fall Arrest Certification Training and the in-class portion of the Community Solar Skills Training Program in Rigolet from July 11 - 17, 2022. Trainees were then provided hands-on installation instruction and experience working alongside Green Sun Rising at one of two installations located in Rigolet and Hopedale. Devin Keats, Journeyperson Electrician/Advanced Electrical Instructor, was the Lead Instructor for the Community Solar Skills Training Program. Five trainees successfully completed the training program and will be onboarded in Iron & Earth’s Climate Mentorship Program and alumni network.
In 2023 we will be bringing similar sustainable energy training programs with small scale renewable power generation systems across Canada.
Iron & Earth works with communities to develop customized sustainable energy programs which promote energy diversification and provide trainees with the knowledge, skills, and experience they need to pursue employment in a related career. All programs are specialized for delivery in rural and Indigenous communities and are fully funded by Iron & Earth and its partners.
Our goal is to have 90 participants in our Renewable Skills Initiative and to install renewable energy system in at least 3 communities in 2023. The energy transition is already underway in Canada and renewable power generation can be a prosperous transition for individuals and communities.
Iron & Earth brings change through action so if you or your community are ready to make a change use the Contact Us button on this page or send an email to [email protected] .