Coventry College to train 200 workers to make West Midlands homes more energy efficient

Coventry College is helping homes in the region become more energy efficient after launching new qualifications in retrofit.

The college will deliver Level 2 Understanding Domestic Retrofit qualifications to 200 people after receiving £120,000 in grant funding from the Midlands Net Zero Hub.

The project, funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero through the Decarbonisation Training Fund, will increase the number of professionals capable of installing retrofit technologies in homes in line with the government’s target to be Net Zero by 2050.

Homes with retrofit technology, which can include enhanced insulation, ventilation and heating, use less energy and are better protected against energy price increases.

The course, announced by the college as part of Green Careers Week, can be studied remotely and is aimed at those already working in the sustainability and built environment sectors, or anyone wishing to upskill or gain a better understanding of retrofit.

Coventry College will work with a range of employers including Westdale Construction and Dyson Energy Services to help provide practical experience and job opportunities alongside the qualification by the end of March 2024.

Gemma Knott, Vice Principal for Business Growth, Engagement and Partnerships at Coventry College, said: “Our ultimate goal with this project is to give our workforce the skills to implement a range of positive changes in homes across the region, which will not only help to reduce carbon emissions across the board, but help residents to save money on their bills.

“The built environment is one of the key areas where emissions and energy consumption can be dramatically reduced, and it is important to have skilled, qualified people to bring about these changes, which will benefit everyone. We are thrilled to be involved.”