Retrofits: A Key Skill for Construction Tradespeople

Retrofits: A Key Skill for Construction Tradespeople

As the UK grapples with soaring energy prices and the urgent necessity to slash carbon emissions to achieve net zero by 2050,, the retrofitting of existing buildings has become essential. 

 What is a Retrofit?

Out with the old, in with the new! Retrofit refers to any improvement work on an existing building which enhances its energy efficiency. Efficiency can be achieved by using renewable energy and ensuring the building retains heat better. By retrofitting, you cut the occupant’s energy costs and reduce the reliance on fossil fuels.

Why Retrofit Skills Are In-Demand

The demand for retrofit skills among construction tradespeople is growing for several reasons:

- Government Initiatives: There are various government programs and incentives aimed at promoting energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions, creating more opportunities for tradespeople skilled in retrofitting.

- Economic Benefits: Homeowners are looking to reduce their energy bills, and retrofitting provides a practical solution. Skilled tradespeople can capitalise on this demand.

- Environmental Awareness: As awareness of climate change grows, more people are motivated to make their homes eco-friendly, increasing the need for retrofit expertise.

Helping Homeowners:

Approximately 38% of UK properties were built before 1946,, characterised by poor insulation, draughts, dampness, and condensation. These issues lead to significant energy wastage as heating systems work harder to maintain warmth, driving up costs.

By retrofitting, you’ll help the homeowners address these problems, leading to:

• Reduced Energy Bills: Improved insulation and draught-proofing reduce the energy needed to heat homes, resulting in lower bills.

• Enhanced Comfort and Health: A well-insulated home stays warmer, which can improve overall health and well-being by preventing issues associated with cold living conditions.

• Environmental Benefits: Retrofitting reduces the carbon footprint by minimising energy waste and promoting the use of renewable energy.

Starting Your Retrofit Journey

Between 135,000 and 725,000 net new jobs, could be created by 2030 in low-carbon sectors, such as building retrofits. Learning retrofit skills will open doors in your career!

Why not pick up this skill through helpful courses? They’ll prepare your ability to assess a home’s construction, adaptations, and usage to recommend the most effective measures. Your expertise will ensure that retrofits are done correctly.

Some tradespeople may assume upskilling yourself to work retrofits may be daunting. But these are simple and approachable courses with varying degrees of challenge:

1. Level 3 Award in Introduction to Domestic Retrofit

2. Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Assessment

3. Level 3 Award in Energy Efficiency for Older and Traditional Buildings

4. Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Energy Assessment, and Retrofit Assessor Training, (package for new entrants)

5. Retrofit Assessor Training (for existing DEAs)

There may even be opportunities for your studies to be funded!

Retrofit Academy  offer FREE retrofit training courses,! Special funding is also available to ex-service and military personnel through ELCAS,!

Conclusion

Everyone can relate to the cost-of-living crisis in the UK, but performing retrofits is a chance to help people combat this crisis.

Retrofitting is more than just a trend; it’s a necessity for achieving net-zero targets and tackling rising energy costs. For Construction Tradespeople, developing retrofit skills opens up a world of opportunities in an expanding market. By helping homeowners make their properties more energy-efficient, tradespeople are not only contributing to a greener future but also ensuring a healthier, more cost-effective living environment for everyone.

Thinking About a Change of Career – What About Teaching?

Thinking about a change of career – what about teaching?

Are you experienced in your industry but in need of a change? Maybe you work in construction or as an electrician but you’re now looking for a new challenge. Why not consider teaching and sharing your knowledge and passion onto the next generation? 

According to research from the Department for Education, 45% of people interested in teacher training are ‘career changers’,; moving to teach from their current industry. A lack of experience educating doesn’t need to be a barrier to the right understanding of your career.  

Here’s some advice which could help you make that final decision to move into teaching:

You have “real world” experience

Your practical industry experience can make you a suitable educator with knowledge beyond what it is taught in.

As well as many years “on the job,” you may have mentored apprentices. These interactions have been preparing you for educating others. 

You will be able to teach the students many useful things about construction and bring transferable skills such as organisation and communication. However, it will be important to transfer your experience to the curriculum, ensuring you are educating in line with assessment standards. All of this has to be learnt on the job or through study.

How do I become a lecturer?

If you’re a master of your vocation, Further Education offers a great route into education. Depending on your industry experience, you may be able to go straight into a teaching role if you meet the college’s requirements. However, the easiest way to get into teaching is to complete a Level 3 Award and Training qualification (AET),. Courses are available at training providers across the UK and can take as little as a few weeks to complete.

Key skills needed for a teaching role

Every teacher is unique in their teaching style and methods. However, to be an effective teacher, you will be required to demonstrate a varied set of skills. These include:

·      Good communication skills

·      Patience

·      The ability to inspire a class

·      The ability to be relatable to your students

·      In-depth subject knowledge

These skills can be finessed over time, and with the variety involved in a teaching role, you will gain new skills in return.

Teacher benefits

Of course, the main reason that most people move into teaching is because they want to work with the next generation of students in their profession. It’s particularly rewarding to teach within Further Education as your students have elected to be there and pursue the subject that first inspired you. But there are many other benefits to teaching in further education:

You can move into it gradually. By taking a part-time contract, you can mix the hours with your current role or slow down as you start transitioning to retirement.

Career progression. Your career in education can progress by working your way up in your department and having your eyes on the role you want next. From Technical Assistant to Head of Department they are opportunities to move up the career ladder.

Training support. There are many opportunities for personal development in education. Often, the education provider you work with will fund your further qualifications. In 2022, the UK Government stated that almost 30,000 teachers and leaders started a fully funded National Professional Qualification (NPQ),. If you show your worth, colleges will invest in your future.

Comfortable pension. Careers with FE Colleges, often offer impressive pensions. When applying for a college, it’s worth researching the pension scheme as educators often receive more than the average 3% employer contribution,.

Golden hello. Saved for the highest-achieving educators, to attract them into education from industry. These rare benefits are a one-time incentive payment when you begin your placement. This Golden Hello is offered by some further education providers.

FE teachers are in demand. The FE sector is growing and is constantly looking for skilled professionals to teach the next generation in their profession. As a result, the salary offering can be quite competitive.

Healthy holiday entitlement. Typically speaking, full-time FE lecturers enjoy around 37 days of holiday plus bank holidays. Spend time with family or for yourself, as the term breaks give you extensive time to relax.

So, if you’re looking for job security, a competitive salary and, most importantly, an inspiring career change, moving from industry to teaching may be your next goal.

Contact our team at 0203 011 0044 to discuss your options and our current opportunities.

Tackling the Transition from Tradesperson to Teacher

Tackling the Transition from Tradesperson to Teacher

Tradespeople are often the best educators. Not only can they pass onknowledge and skills from the industry, but “real world experience” and “tried and tested” techniques too. People coming from trades into teaching also play an important role in filling the skills gap. According to the 2023 Trade Skills Index,, the UK needs 937,000 new recruits in building and construction trades over the next ten years to meet the ever-growing demand needed by 2032 and the educators to prepare them.

So, You’ve Decided To Move Into Education. But What Can You Expect in The First Term? 

A Change of Pace 

While your adjustment should be smooth, the changes in scene and responsibilities will be noticeable. Moving into education from a trade requires not just new daily tasks but a shift in mindset. You are no longer working at your own pace, but your students, too. You’ll likely soon experience the benefits of this symbiotic relationship with your class, but here are a few handy guidelines for that change of pace:

1 – Stay Adaptable

Flexibility is key to adjusting to the pace and needs of your students. Changes are common in colleges, so adaptability is crucial. Don't aim for a rigid schedule every week; learn to be flexible and go with the flow.

2 – Master Your Craft

Get acquainted with the curriculum content and what is expected ahead of time so there’s no surprises. The right lesson plan can make all the difference!

3 – Collaborate

From day one, go out of your way to make new connections, the fellow educators at your college who have been through it before or the students themselves who can help you learn the best way to reach them.

The Mentor-Mentee Dynamic

As a tradesperson, you may have experienced mentorship when training apprentices. In the classroom, this experience intensifies as you forge individual learning methods for your apprentices. This dynamic offers the chance to lead by example and provide the support necessary for students to flourish. You will learn a lot about each other and have apositive influence over the approaches those students take.

Continuing Professional Development

When lecturing, you will have the ability to move up into higher academic roles if you show interest and are passionate about this career.

You will also begin learning about your own skills and developing new ones. It’s important to reflect on your abilities and take advantage of courses and workshops, that specialise in resources for adult educators. 

The new skills you learn bode well for future job applications and can open doors to new roles. For example, you can develop Technician experience into Lecturing and, before long, entering faculty roles as the Head of Department or even Vice Principal / Principal if you keep going. 

With so many options for career progression, the only reason to stop is when you’re satisfied.

Engaging with the Larger Education Community

Participate in education conferences,, collaborate with peers, and become active in community initiatives. Engaging with the wider education community amplifies your impact, and connects you with a diverse network of passionate educators and like-minded ex-tradespeople.

One of the greatest gifts you can give as a teacher is the love of learning. 

Transitioning from a tradesperson to a lecturer is not just about embarking on a new career path — it's about passing on your craft and shaping the next generation. With correct planning and research, entering the world of education can be a comfortable transition. If you’re interested in passing down your knowledge and working in further education, call us today on 0203 011 0044. With the help of our consultants, you can take on this new direction with our support every step of the way.