Solar Skills

Renewable Energy Training Program


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Iron & Earth is an initiative led by oil sands workers looking to expand the skills and work scope of the energy trades to include more renewables.

Our training programs prepare trainees for the boom in solar energy jobs and allow oil, gas and coal workers to both transition to the solar energy sector and take their new skills and knowledge back to their job sites to do three important things: minimize the impact of carbon based energy industries, advocate for a more sustainable future, and speak knowledgeably about the applications and opportunities offered by solar technologies. Priority will be given to out of work or underemployed electricians in the oil, gas and coal industries.

The best part? They will do this while building clean tech infrastructure on schools in or near their community.


Iron & Earth is a worker-led not-for-profit. We are energy workers excited to build renewable energy projects. Join us! Sign up for updates.



Alberta is on track to produce 2000 megawatts of solar by 2025, 385 of which is in the development pipeline right now.

Iron & Earth was founded and operates on Indigenous land within Treaty Six Territory and Métis Region 4 in amiskwaciy-wâskahikan (in Nehiyawewin/Cree), so-called Edmonton. The home of many Indigenous Peoples including the Nehiyawak/Cree, Tsuut’ina, Niitsitapi/Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Haudenosaunee/Iroquois, Dene Suliné, Anishinaabe/Ojibway/Saulteaux, and the Inuk/Inuit.

We pay our respects to all Indigenous Peoples of this land. Through their spiritual and practical relationships with the land, a rich heritage for our learning and our life as a community has been created and maintained. We recognize that the transition to a low-carbon future must be led by Indigenous Peoples and that there will be no justice unless we acknowledge and repair our relationship with the land.

We are committed to responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and upholding the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and acknowledge that we are always learning and unlearning practices that minimize harm and lead to the development of trust between us and Indigenous Peoples across Nations and urban centers.