We are supporting The Retrofit Academy CIC with their mission to train over 200,000 competent retrofitters by 2030. We have started to deliver their courses at ACL, find out more below.

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Retrofit Courses

WHAT IS RETROFIT?
Retrofit is the process of upgrading our existing homes to make them more energy efficient. This usually involves; improving the fabric of the house through installing insulation upgrading the building services Introducing renewable energy and heat sources.
We currently offer Level 2 and Level 5 qualifications. Find out more about these courses & enrol below.

Level 2 Award in Understanding Domestic Retrofit

Qualification Aim/Level
Level 2 Award in Understanding Domestic Retrofit. To achieve this qualification you will need to complete all 6 e-learning modules and finally sit a formal, invigilated multiple choice exam.

Who is this course for?
The course is applicable to a wide range of people, including those already working in the sector, those considering joining it and those impacted by it. Initial Assessment: You will be required to complete a BKSB English assessment, complete a subject specific questionaire and attend a meeting with the course Tutor to discuss the course objectives, structure and content and to ensure your suitability for this course.

You may also be eligible for funding for this course if you live or work in the Essex area, this will also be discussed.

This course will be delivered using a blended learning approach.

What can I expect to learn?
The course features six modules: 1. Introduction to Domestic Retrofit – Busting all the jargon, introducing key concepts like Fabric First and Whole House Retrofit 2. Domestic Retrofit Information – Getting to grips with the different types of information and documents used in retrofit projects. 3. Health and Safety – Understanding the current legislation relating to domestic retrofit, how to respond to and report emergencies and workplace accidents and how to identify and report risks and hazards. 4. Domestic Retrofit Materials & Building Services – Building assessments. Becoming familiar with the types of materials used in domestic retrofit projects and how to ensure they are up to standard. Building Services 5. Retrofit Processes – Preventing installation problems. Introducing installation 6. Working Practices – Introduction to tools and materials. Methods of communication

How will I learn?
You will be supported by a Tutor throughout the course, who will meet with you remotely, to assess your progress through discussions and questioning as you work through 6 E-learning modules. These knowledge based modules will include questioning throughout each unit, so you can self assess your own progress. Once all e-learning modules have been completed, you will then be able to book via your tutor to attend a 3.5 hour workshop. This session will enable you to consolidate your learning, as a tutor leads you through a structured session, which will include interactive assessment activities and you willl have the opportunity to ask the tutor any other questions that you require support with. There will then be a break for lunch and on your return you will sit a 1 hour multiply choice exam.

Domestic Retrofit Advice Level 3 Award

Retrofit Advisors will play a key role as the UK reduces its carbon emissions by improving energy efficiency and retrofitting many of the country’s 27 million homes. A retrofit advisor is a customer service focus role, and they are able to give independent support and advice to homeowners or residents, with a view to help them understand retrofit and the impact it will have on their property. They also provide administrative support throughout the retrofit project, as they liaise with assessors, coordinators, designers, and installers to ensure everything is going to plan.

This course will be delivered using a blended learning approach.

Further information
For all enquiries regarding this course please contact 0345 603 7635.

What Will Happen At My First Lesson
Firstly you will be inducted onto the course, which will include course expectations, structure and provide an overview of the content. Your tutor will then lead you through a variety of learning activities that will introduce you to the modules.

Qualification Aim/Level
OCN (AIM Group) Level 3 Award in Domestic Retrofit Advice To achieve the award you will need to complete all 4 e-learning modules. The course is then assessed via: – End of module multiple choice tests – Short written assignments relating to the key learning objectives – End Point Assessment:: Presentation and professional discussion, relating to the case study (5th module)

Who is this course for?
To become a Retrofit Advisor you must have experience of working in the retrofit industry or a recognised retrofit (minimum Level 2 certificate in Understanding Domestic Retrofit) or construction qualification At least 6 months Customer Service experience A relevant Skills Qualification Certificate and CV or employers� reference, will be required to support your application Initial Assessment You will be required to complete a BKSB English assessment, complete a pre course questionnaire and attend a one to one Teams meeting with the course Tutor to ensure your suitability for this course.

What can I expect to learn?
The course features 4 modules that covers all aspects of retrofit advice, 1. The Role of Retrofit in Home Energy Consumption All you need to know about climate change, the importance and meaning of retrofit, fuel poverty and the role of a Retrofit Advisor 2..The Retrofit Industry and the Role of Advisors Get to grips with the organisations involved in retrofit, the funding and grants available, the typical retrofit customer journey, PAS 2035 and the role of the Retrofit Advisor 3. Retrofit Principles Learn the basics of construction and building services, energy efficiency and heat loss, retrofitmeasures and technologies and the major risks in retrofitting 4. Understanding the Principles of Retrofit Advice The skills and knowledge you need to do the job properly, including site visits, health and safety, common challenges in retrofit and energy efficiency and how to deliver good retrofit advice

How will I learn?
There is a mix of online group sessions, e-learning modules, casestudy (EPA) and one to one support sessions with your allocated assessors. During the online live sessions your tutor will use a number of different teaching and learning methods, for example; presentations, interactive activities including discussions, questions and answers. These sessions will then be supported by e-learning. You will be expected to complete 4 e-learning modules and self assessments. Each of the 4 e-learning modules feature a variety of activities that are designed to give you an in-depth understanding of both theory and practice Once you have completed and successfully passed all of the e-learning modules you will need to complete an End Point Assessment, which includes a casestudy, presentation and professional discussion, and this will enable you to consolidate and demonstrate your learning. Your tutor will also offer one to one support at regular points throughout the course.

Domestic Retrofit Assessment Level 4 Award

One of the most important roles in the PAS process is that of the Retrofit Assessor. The PAS requires change in the way in which we conduct surveys and collect data about people’s homes. It is therefore necessary to upskill Domestic Energy Assessors to better understand retrofit and ensure they are skilled to carry out the task to the required standards.This course will be delivered using a blended learning approach.

Further information
For all enquiries regarding this course please contact 0345 603 7635.

What Will Happen At My First Lesson
Firstly you will be inducted onto the course, which will include course expectations, structure and provide an overview of the content. Your tutor will then lead you through a variety of learning activities that will introduce you to the course modules.

Qualification Aim/Level
OCN (AIM Group) Level 4 Award in Domestic Retrofit Assessment To achieve the award you will need to complete all 9 e-learning modules. The course is then assessed via: Short written assignments relating to the key learning objectives Multiple choice self assessments 2 Property (reports) assessments End point assessment = Professional discussion

Who is this course for?
Pre requsites for this course: The minimum qualification is a Certificate in Level 3 Domestic Energy Assessor with at least 6 months experience working as a DEA or in a similar assessor role A CV, or an employer�s letter of endorsement, will be required to support your application Brief details of any DEA bodies or schemes you are, or have been, accredited to Initial Assessment You will be required to complete a BKSB English assessment, complete a pre course questionnaire and attend a one to one Teams meeting with the course Tutor to ensure your suitability for this course.

What can I expect to learn?
The course features 9 modules that covers all aspects of the retrofit assessor The modules are as follows: Module 1 PAS 2035 and retrofit assessments Module 2 Context of dwellings Module 3 Assessing the condition of a dwelling and recording any defects Module 4 The requirements of occupancy assessments Module 5 Ventilation requirements of a dwelling Module 6 Energy performance of a dwelling Module 6 Energy performance of a dwelling Module 7 Significance of a dwelling Module 8 Retrofit assessment reports Module 9 Retrofit advice to customers

How will I learn?
There is a mix of online group sessions, e-learning modules, completion of 2 property reports, casestudy (EPA) and one to one support sessions with your allocated assessors. During the online live session your tutor will use a number of different teaching and learning methods, for example; presentations, interactive activities including discussions, questions and answers. The session will then be supported by e-learning. You will be expected to complete 9 e-learning modules and assessments. Once you have completed and successfully passed all of the e-learning modules you will need to complete, 2 property reports and then an End Point Assessment, which includes; presentation and professional discussion, and this will enable you to consolidate and demonstrate your learning. Each of the 9 e-learning modules feature a variety of activities that are designed to give you an in-depth understanding of both theory and practice. Your tutor will also offer one to one support at regular points throughout the course.

Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Management

Qualification Aim/Level
OCN Level 5 Diploma – Retrofit Coordination and Risk Management To achieve the diploma you will need to complete all 12 e-learning modules. The course is then assessed via: – End of module multiple choice tests – Short written assignments relating to the key learning objectives – A verbal presentation relating to the case study (13th module)

Who is this course for?
To become a Retrofit Co-ordinator you need to have a qualification in a built environment subject that is at least Level 3 with a minimum of 12 credits (your credits should be detailed on your certificate). Level 3 qualifications are equivalent to an A Level certification. AND Display built environment professional competencies as defined by PAS 2035 (e.g. project management, risk assessment, contract administration, etc); AND Have a minimum of 2 years of experience working on retrofit or energy efficiency projects (this will need to be evidenced by a CV or letter of endorsement from your employer). If you hold a university degree relevant to the built environment this would easily meet the entry requirements for this course. Initial Assessment You will be required to complete a BKSB English assessment and attend a one to one Teams meeting with the Tutor team to ensure your suitability for this course.

What can I expect to learn?
– The requirements of PAS 2035 – The background to domestic retrofit in the UK – The technical requirements of whole house retrofit – The work required of Retrofit Coordinators The course features twelve modules along with a comprehensive case study. 1. Introduction to Domestic Retrofit 2. Retrofit Quality Assurance and Risk Management 3. Building Physics and Thermal Efficiency 4. Building Physics and Managing Moisture Risk 5. Assessing Dwellings for Retrofit 6. Improvement Option Evaluation and Medium-Term Retrofit Plans 7. Improving the Building Fabric – Floors and Roofs 8. Improving the Building Fabric – Walls and Windows 9. Improving Air-Tightness and Ventilation 10.Improving the Building Services – Heating, Hot Water, Lighting and Power 11.Improving the Building Services – Renewable Energy Systems 12.Post Retrofit Testing, Monitoring and Evaluation (13.Case study)

How will I learn?
6 online live group class sessions will take place bi-Weekly at the beginning of the course. Each session will be 3.5 hours in length. During the online live sessions your tutor will use a number of different teaching and learning methods, for example; presentations, interactive activities including discussions, questions and answers. These sessions will then be supported by e-learning. You will be expected to complete 12 e-learning modules and assessments. (The 13th module is a case study which will be released once all 12 units and assessments have been completed, this will enable you to consolidate your learning. Each of the 12 modules features extensive teaching materials, expert presentations, case studies and activities that are designed to give you an in-depth understanding of both theory and practice. Your tutor will also offer one to one support at regular points throughout the course. This course can be completed in as little as 6 months, however you have up to 12 months to complete this course.

Why Learn at ACL?

We know we’re not the only provider with these types of courses in Essex but here’s why we think you should choose us:

We Only Teach Adults

We teach a wide range of ages from 19+ come to learn with us, there is no upper age limit!

Our Courses Could Be Free

We might be able to help you out with course fees as well as funding support for things such as resources, childcare and IT equipment.

Centres Across Essex

We have centres all across Essex, so wherever you are there will be a centre close to you. There are also lots of opportunities to learn online if you prefer.

Rated "Good" by Ofsted

We have been rated good by Ofsted and are constantly improving so we know that we can give you the best learning experience.

Progression Opportunities

With our wide range of courses including retrofit level 2 and level 5, there are a range of ways you can progress.

First Class Tutors & Resources

We only hire the best tutors to give you the best learning experience possible. We make sure all our resources are up to date with the latest information and accessible to everyone.

No Experience Needed

You don’t need any experience of retrofit to start off on our level 2 course, we will teach you from the very beginning.

Find the Right Level for You

We use pre course assessments to make sure you are enrolled onto the best level based on your current skills.

Very Positive Learner Feedback

We regularly ask our learners for feedback to see what we are doing well and how we can improve, so far we have got some very positive feedback.

Opportunities to Learn Online

If you don’t want to travel to a centre to learn we also have lots of online courses for you to sign up to.

Get in Touch & Register Interest