Adult learning provider ACL Essex, which is part of Essex County Council, has partnered with The Retrofit Academy to deliver innovative retrofit training to residents of Essex.
Those interested in improving the energy efficiency of homes can gain qualifications from Level 2 through to Level 5 that could be fully funded, opening the door to job opportunities in an exciting new industry.
Retrofitting is the process of upgrading existing homes to make them more energy efficient, with the aim of eradicating fuel poverty, contributing towards sustainability, and improving people’s lives, homes and their local community. Around 27% of all CO2 emissions come from heating, lighting and electricity used domestically.
Lisa Jarentowski, ACL Essex Principal, said: “We are delighted to champion The Retrofit Academy with their mission to train 200,000 competent retrofitters by 2030. As a learning provider, we are proud to provide training that will improve the environment.”
She continued: “At ACL Essex, we also offer courses that provide information on the issues of sustainability and how we can all contribute to a greener future.”
Using a blended learning approach (at ACL centres and online), the course offers flexibility for those who work onsite in the construction industry and will help open the door to extensive job opportunities for tradespeople as well as those interested in improving the energy efficiency of their own homes.
Learners can complete a fully funded Level 2 Award in Understanding Domestic Retrofit with ACL Essex. This course will see them develop a good understanding of what domestic retrofit involves, what it can achieve, what they need to know when working in the industry and what to look out for when installing energy efficiency measures in homes.
The Level 2 course is open to everyone, while those who wish to develop further can progress onto Level 3 to 5 courses including a Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Management, which teaches participants how to become a Retrofit Coordinator.
Councillor Tony Ball, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, is also championing the new courses.
He said: “There are always new emerging technologies and careers that will change the world and lives for the better. ACL’s partnership with the Retrofit Academy showcases the exciting environmental career pathways people can follow to improve the future climate, for themselves and others.”
Councillor Lesley Wagland, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Renewal, Infrastructure and Planning added: “Training people to build more sustainable homes will help reduce carbon emissions while also providing the people of Essex with the opportunity for growth in their career. It’s excellent that we are bringing Retrofit courses to Essex, to build a better environment and community as a whole.”
Retrofit courses are available to enrol on to via the ACL Essex website at www.aclessex.com.
To find out more about retrofit courses on offer at ACL Essex and the opportunities available, visit www.aclessex.com/retrofit.
