A Manchester-based social enterprise is tackling a lack of specialist construction skills with a new training programme that can be accessed online as well as through a dedicated workshop, and on-site
Temperature records have been shattered across the UK this summer. People across the country suffered in homes that aren’t designed to handle fierce heatwaves. The UK’s homes also struggle in cold months: draughts put strain on our heating systems; problem condensation results in mould and even structural damage.
Some of this is due to properties’ age. In England, as of 2020, ~4.7 million owner occupied houses were built before 1919 vs. 2.8 million which were built after 2002 (Statista). But even many modern homes aren’t fit for purpose.
This means retrofit an existing building to increase its energy efficiency is becoming more and more important. More and more householders want to make energy efficiency improvements to their homes, but even those with the savings to pay for measures are struggling to find trusted professionals to carry out work. The number of people skilled in this type of work is far outweighed by the demand.
Updated Skills
To tackle the cost-of-living and climate crises, contractors need to be aware of energy saving technologies and materials, and be able to install them with skill and care. If energy efficiency measures are installed poorly, they can be ineffective or cause long-term damage.
Retrofit involves some new technologies, but many retrofit measures aren’t brand new. For example, switching out windows for triple-glazed units requires installers to build on their existing expertise and develop skills in airtightness to ensure that replacement windows deliver the desired energy efficiencies.
Each person working on a retrofit project also needs to understand how the work they do impacts other energy efficiency measures. A multi-skilled approach is important for successful ‘deep’ retrofit projects, where multiple measures are being installed.
Tackling the Skills Gap
Construction education providers are making some progress with retrofit qualifications, especially for specific roles like Retrofit Assessors and Coordinators. Retrofit must become part of all construction training pathways. Colleges need investment to develop retrofit facilities and to hire and train staff, and existing qualifications need to be updated.
Those already working in the industry need to up-skill at scale. Everyone in the construction industry is busier than ever, so it’s important for training providers to adapt their provision to fit with the realities of work. A flexible approach to training helps, with a mix of classroom, online, and on-site provision.
In Manchester, People Powered Retrofit is running its Retrofit Fundamentals training courses both at an accessible workshop and online, to widen access to anyone in the UK who wants to attend. They also host on-site ‘toolbox talks’ for their network of retrofit professionals to learn new techniques on the job.
Local networks, forums for peer learning, and spaces for people entering the industry to learn from others also help to encourage knowledge sharing and best practices. The AECB’s local chapters with events and training on sustainable building topics.
A skills transformation is needed across the construction sector to deliver on targets for reducing energy use and future proof our homes in the face of skyrocketing bills. To learn more about the retrofit challenge and the skills to become part of the solution, book onto People Powered Retrofit’s upcoming ‘Retrofit Fundamentals’ courses.
For further information on People Powered Retrofit training visit https://retrofit.coop/
