As I sat down with Lisa Harrington, a lecturer at New College Durham and one of the principal architects of the newly introduced retrofit courses, her enthusiasm was unmistakable. The North East Institute of Technology (NEIoT) has recently unveiled three tailored courses to tackle the pervasive shortage of retrofitting skills. These courses are meticulously designed to ensure that students are ‘industry ready,’ with Lisa playing a pivotal role in this groundbreaking initiative.
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“The collaboration between education and industry has never been more crucial,” Lisa began, her passion evident. “We face a significant shortage in retrofitting skills, and these courses are a direct response to that pressing need.” Retrofit, as Lisa elaborated, involves implementing essential works and integrating renewable technologies to augment the energy efficiency of existing homes. Given the UK’s dismal energy efficiency ratings, among the worst in Europe, this initiative is not merely timely but indispensable. “Our objective is to assist the UK in achieving its net zero target by 2050,” she stated. “And the North East is at the vanguard of this effort.”
The suite of courses is designed for a diverse demographic. “We’re offering something for everyone,” Lisa highlighted. “Whether you’re unemployed and seeking to reskill, or already employed in the construction sector aiming to upskill, there’s a course tailored for you.” These three courses, available part-time at New College Durham and in partnership with institutions such as Middlesbrough College, East Durham College, and Tyne Coast College, are meticulously crafted to align with industry standards and best practices. Participants who complete these courses will obtain essential certifications covering various aspects of the retrofitting process, compliant with the PAS 2035 quality standard.
Inquiring about the significance of these certifications, Lisa explained, “These certifications are fundamental. They not only qualify you to work in the sector but also render you a valuable asset in aiding the region to decarbonise its housing stock.” The collaboration behind these courses is noteworthy, with the NEIoT and its industry partner Esh Group playing significant roles. “Esh Group has been exemplary,” Lisa remarked. “Their Corporate Affairs and ESG Director, Darush Dodds, has been a staunch advocate for this initiative.”
Darush Dodds himself has lauded this collaboration, emphasising that these courses have been developed with industry partners at the helm. “Employers can rest assured that their employees will receive a high-quality, accredited learning experience,” Darush noted during a recent engagement. “They will emerge as proficient retrofit professionals equipped for the tasks ahead.” The accessibility of these courses is further enhanced by funding arrangements. “Courses are either fully funded or part-funded, contingent on your employment status or employer size,” Lisa elucidated. “This is achievable thanks to Skills Bootcamp and CITB funding.”
The qualifications themselves boast accreditation from prestigious bodies. The Retrofit Co-ordinator and Assessor qualifications are accredited by the Awarding Body for the Built Environment (ABBE), while the Advisor course is accredited by City & Guilds. “These accreditations ensure that our courses adhere to the highest standards,” Lisa added.
As our conversation neared its conclusion, I asked Lisa about her personal experience with this initiative. “It’s immensely rewarding,” she said, her voice imbued with emotion. “We’re not merely imparting skills; we’re empowering individuals to effect real change. The intricate nature of the retrofit process necessitates specialised roles, and these courses present substantial opportunities for individuals across the North East and Tees Valley.” Lisa’s enthusiasm was indeed infectious. “It’s exhilarating to be part of this journey,” she concluded. “We’re not just addressing a skills shortage; we’re shaping the future of the industry.”
Leaving New College Durham, I was struck by the dedication and passion of educators like Lisa Harrington. The new retrofit courses represent a significant stride towards making students ‘industry ready,’ addressing a critical skills shortage while contributing to the UK’s overarching goal of achieving net zero by 2050. With devoted educators and committed industry partners at the helm, the future for the North East indeed appears promising.
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