The Technical Academy
What is Retrofit?
Retrofit is the process of upgrading our homes to make them more energy efficient, reducing carbon emissions and creating homes that are healthier and cheaper to live in.
There is currently a skills gap in the Retrofitting industry and therefore we need more skilled workers to help the region future-proof their homes, reduce their carbon footprint and create more energy-efficient, comfortable homes.
Retrofitting buildings – installing upgrades to make them more energy efficient, environmentally friendly and cost-effective – is at the forefront of the UK’s mission to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Construction industry experts estimate that the Retrofitting market could be worth between £3.5bn and £6.5bn over the next 25 years.
East Durham College is partnering with the North East Institute of Technology (NEIoT), construction group ESH and other regional employers to help train more workers.
This surging demand for Retrofitting requires trained and skilled tradespeople to carry out the work.
Who can do the courses?
You may be:
- Already working within construction or customer service sectors and are looking to move into Retrofitting
- Work in Retrofitting but want to work at a more advanced level
- Have little experience but want to get into the field of Retrofitting
- An employer who wants to train or upskill your workforce in Retrofitting
What courses can I study in Retrofit?
Here at East Durham College, we run the Retrofit Assessor and Retrofit Coordinator courses. These combine theoretical knowledge and practical application for beginners and more experienced people to assess or co-ordinate Retrofit projects within the sector.
In addition, via our college partners, people can also choose to train as retrofit installers or retrofit advisors.
How much do Retrofit courses cost?
All courses are part-time and last approximately 16 weeks so that you can fit them around your daily life and we will give you lots of support and help whilst you are studying with us. We will also help you to get interviews in the housing sector at the end of your course if you are not already working in the industry.
What’s more, Retrofit courses are Skills Bootcamps and may be FREE depending upon your personal circumstances. If you are living in County Durham and are currently unemployed or employed and earning less than £33,210 per annum you could be eligible.
Please enquire, as anyone on benefits may still be able to claim their benefits and not lose out whilst doing the programme.
Why study with East Durham College?
- Qualifications are accredited and aligned to job roles stipulated by PAS 2035, the industry standard
- We have trained and experienced tutors in Retrofit
- Classes are taught face-to-face but there will be some online modules to ensure you have access to course content and support materials
- Courses are evidence-based based and students will collate evidence from their employers and mentors to meet the requirements
- We are rated Ofsted rated Good with two Outstanding features
- We are a partner in the North East Institute of Technology – a quality badge for technical training
- Partnerships with Esh construction and other employers in the housing sector
- First-class support from our dedicated student support team while you are learning
- Individual learners – your course may be free
- Employers – you may only have to pay a small fee for your workforce to be trained and upskilled
Where can I find jobs when I am qualified?
There will be plenty of jobs across the local regions working for local councils, energy hubs, contractors and installers, maintenance and repair companies, large construction companies, property developers and housing associations.
How do I apply?
Please see the courses below or complete this form on the NEIoT website to express your interest in the Retrofit courses.
The Technical Academy Location
East Durham College's retrofit courses take place at the Technical Academy, found on the South West Industrial Estate in Peterlee.
The Technical Academy is East Durham College's specialist training facility for trades just like retrofit. It was designed to simulate a realistic working environment for our students, where they can get to grips with life in retrofit with all of the facilities, tools and training they need.
BPEC Approved Centre
As a BPEC-approved centre, East Durham College’s plumbing and heating engineering courses run at The Technical Academy are officially accredited as part of the UK’s leading network of quality education and training providers in the plumbing, heating and gas and wider energy sectors. So, you can rest assured you are getting a top-quality training experience with us.
The college's plumbing and heating engineering workshop also includes a brand new building services engineering and renewable energy suite, ensuring learners on this course get access to the latest equipment and facilities to be up-to-speed with changes coming in the renewable energy sector.
