Record Enrolment In Retrofitting Courses Across The Country In 2024

Retrofit Vs Non Retrofit House

Twenty Twenty Four set a record for the highest numbers of enrolments in courses for retrofitting and Zero Energy Building training courses with 6,423 trainees enrolled in courses across the country. This marks an increase of 6,060 since the courses were first offered in 2020. These courses are available to any person with a construction related qualification and offer the opportunity to upskill in the area of green construction to keep up with the changing world of property building. Operated by Education Training Boards across the country these courses provide a high level of training in a free, fast and flexible way.  

Speaking about the rise in enrolments to these courses, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan said: “The continuing increase in the number of workers taking advantage of the NZEB and Retrofit upskilling and reskilling courses is hugely positive for reaching the government’s Housing for All target of retrofitting 500,000 homes by 2030. A pipeline of highly skilled workers is key to delivering this goal. 

“2024 has been another record-breaking year for enrolments in this vital area. Adding more people with the necessary skills to carry out retrofitting will help us lower our emissions, as set out under the Climate Action Plan. It also means we can reduce home heating costs for consumers, creating warmer and more comfortable homes. 

“My department has worked with SOLAS and the ETBs to create improved models of delivery for these courses, so that it is as easy as possible for anyone looking to upskill or reskill to get the training they need. 

“The programmes offered in these Centres of Excellence will appeal to anyone looking to further their careers in green construction. 

“Through our efforts to tackle gender bias in the sector, we have seen an increase in female participation compared to last year, as more opportunities are opened up to everyone. This includes off-site manufacturing, planning and design, as well as on-site roles. 

“In 2025, we plan to reach even more students and workers and further expand the numbers enrolling in NZEB/ Retrofit training.” 

Tipperary ETB currently offers 3 Full Time courses and 1 Evening course dealing with retrofitting and Zero Energy Building Concepts.