A new qualification has been launched to help tradespeople spot the potential to install energy-saving measures in homes and businesses.
The Level 2 Award in Understanding Sustainable Refurbishment (QCF) from EAL, the specialist awarding organisation for industry qualifications, has been designed in close partnership with Parity Projects, a specialist in low-energy retrofit services.
The qualification will show tradespeople how to identify low carbon business opportunities through government’s flagship Green Deal, a multi-billion pound retrofit scheme. It will consist of 35 hours of learning, when builders, architects and other professionals will be taught by experts in sustainable refurbishment.
Learners will be taken through the need for energy efficient buildings, the energy relationship between building materials, systems and occupancy and how to develop their roles onsite so they can improve the energy performance of a building.
Ann Watson, Managing Director at EAL, said: “Workplaces and homes across the country need retrofitting with energy efficient measures to conserve fuel and protect the environment. This EAL qualification gives builders and other tradespeople the essential knowledge to offer a complete service for businesses and consumers – from providing energy advice to making improvements to their properties.
“Nationally recognised qualifications show that tradespeople have the knowledge and skills to offer a trusted service that meets the standards demanded by industry. Getting qualified will put them ahead of the competition, as well as improve their level of service and support. It will also create new business opportunities and help employees looking to progress in their careers by becoming Green Deal advisors, Green Deal remote advisors or domestic energy assessors, among other roles.”
Russell Smith, Managing Director of Parity Projects, added: “Through our experience of delivering retrofit training courses to industry and collecting detailed feedback, we intimately recognise where the gaps in understanding lie. As leading practitioners, this ties in with our unique view of the way the retrofit industry is developing, so the qualification is perfectly pitched to help learners gain access to this emerging market.”
To find out how to register for this qualification through an EAL recognised Centre contact customer services on 01923 652400 or email customercare@eal.org.uk.
