Workforce diversity

Clean energy jobs

Chicago program helps people transition from prison to solar jobs

Safer Foundation is using funding from Illinois clean energy laws to give formerly incarcerated people the training and support they need to enter the workforce.

By Kari Lydersen . 10 November 2026

A man in a light-blue button down shirt stands in a high-ceilinged space with home-building materials — Mark Yates, president and CEO of the Safer Foundation, at one of its job-training sites in Chicago (Kari Lydersen/Canary Media)

Solar

How one Chicago program is diversifying the solar workforce

Founded by a former public-housing resident, the 548 Foundation provides training, stipends, and support to build Black generational wealth through clean energy.

By Kari Lydersen . 14 October 2026
Heat pumps

Colorado group looks to boost heat pumps with $200M federal grant

It’s a rare example of a Biden-era climate grant moving forward under Trump — and could grow heat pump adoption across the Denver area.

By Alison F. Takemura . 2 February 2026
Solar

Illinois' push to train workers for solar industry jobs is paying off

A state-funded hub for clean energy workforce development is creating employment and business opportunities in the surrounding community.

By Kari Lydersen . 12 September 2025
Clean energy jobs

From EVs to HVAC, clean energy means jobs in Central Illinois

Decatur has been losing factory jobs for years. A clean energy workforce hub promises renewal — and provides training for students from disenfranchised communities.

By Kari Lydersen . 19 May 2025
Clean energy jobs

Illinois’ clean energy transition needs workers. ComEd is training them.

The utility’s Academy programs are helping women and people of color start careers in clean energy. A new crop of workers just graduated.

By Audrey Henderson . 1 May 2025
Workforce diversity

This CEO is finding win-win scenarios for clean energy

Energy Storage executive Sonia St-Arnaud on the importance of partnerships, moving fast, and the opportunities for new talent in clean energy.

By Eric Wesoff, Maria Virginia Olano . 6 June 2024
Workforce diversity

This VP helps turn clean energy into high heat to decarbonize industry

Antora Energy’s Nicole Geneau talks to Canary about tackling industrial emissions and the need to be direct. Plus job moves and a panel on growing power demand.

By Eric Wesoff, Maria Virginia Olano . 23 May 2024
Workforce diversity

CleanCapital’s Zoe Berkery has no time to waste

The COO talks to Canary about leadership, teamwork, and knowing your worth. Plus, big job moves and an invitation.

By Eric Wesoff, Maria Virginia Olano . 3 May 2024
Workforce diversity

From the UN to AES, how Madelka McCalla found her calling

The AES leader talks about building clean energy projects around the world and navigating impact-driven careers. Plus, job moves and a birthday.

By Eric Wesoff, Maria Virginia Olano . 11 April 2024
Workforce diversity

Celina Mikolajczak was working on batteries before they were even a thing

The chief battery technology officer at Lyten and longtime industry veteran talks shop with Canary Media. Plus, big job moves and venture funding news.

By Maria Virginia Olano, Eric Wesoff . 22 March 2024