Two pilot schemes running in Essex thanks to £703k funding from UK Community Renewal Fund.

Residents and businesses are being given the opportunity to train in Retrofit via fully funded courses, thanks to Essex County Council (ECC).

Retrofitting is the process of adding new technology or features to homes in order to make them more energy efficient.

This can play an important role in helping to reduce Essex’s Co2 emissions and supporting the county’s journey towards becoming net zero.

ECC secured £703,000 from the Government’s UK Community Renewal Fund, which has seen the launch of two Retrofit pilot schemes in the county, delivered by The Retrofit Academy.

Courses are open to residents across Essex, with priority for those in Harlow and Tendring, two of ECC’s Levelling Up priority areas.

Under the pilot schemes, residents and those working in Essex can apply for a place on three courses in Retrofit - Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4.

The courses are delivered via e-learning with some face-to-face tutoring. Students are supported throughout and are guaranteed job interviews at the end of the programme.

Level 2: Award in Understanding Domestic Retrofit

This course is aimed at anyone looking to start their retrofit career as well as those looking to improve their understanding of it. The course includes detailed domestic retrofit needs and requirements, health and safety, protection of the retrofit workspace and common installation practices. This is an online course with 21 hours of e-learning, the application deadline is 14 November. Apply for Level 2 Award in Understanding Domestic Retrofit.

Level 3: Award in Domestic Retrofit Advice

This course is suitable for those who have already completed the Level 2 award or have relevant experience in retrofit/housing sector. It is an eLearning course that takes 4 weeks to complete, with a tutor led session at the end. The closing date for this course is the 4th November Apply for Level 3 Award in Retrofit Advice.  

Support for businesses

There is also funding available to support Essex-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The fully funded support for SMEs will allow them to gain PAS 2030 Installer accreditation, 12 months support from a reputable accreditation organisation and gain the prestigious Trustmark approval. This will make them eligible for Government funded retrofit projects now and in future, as businesses need to be accredited. ECC’s business funding support is worth £2,000. Apply for PAS 2030 accreditation.

Cllr Lesley Wagland OBE, ECC Cabinet Member for Economic Renewal, Infrastructure and Planning, said: “The Retrofit pilot is an exciting scheme offering residents and businesses the opportunity to learn new skills and gain qualifications in area which is vital to the Essex economy as we work to a create a more sustainable and energy efficient Essex.

“We are thrilled to be able to support not only our residents but also businesses to enter this emerging industry.”

Delivery of the courses ends soon, find out more or apply for a place on a course at: https://retrofitacademy.org/crf-essex/.