The Retrofit Academy has opened a new Training Hub in Hampshire as part of a partnership with workforce solutions and training specialist SERT Training.

As Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) and Homes Upgrade Grant (HUG) funding increases demand for retrofit talent, The Retrofit Academy Hampshire has been established to meet this demand by upskilling workforces and unlocking new career opportunities for individuals.

The new training partnership will provide contractors and housing providers in the region with the highest quality training for Retrofit Advisors, Assessors and Coordinators required to work on upcoming programmes.

The academy’s UK network of Training Hubs is licensed to provide retrofit courses which are delivered by experts in retrofit knowledge and skills, and allow contractors and social housing organisations around the country to access sector-specific qualifications ranging from Levels 2 to Level 5.

Specific course offerings include:

• Level 2 AIM Qualifications Level 2 Award in Understanding Domestic Retrofit
• Level 3 AIM Qualifications Award in Domestic Retrofit Advice
• Level 4 AIM Qualifications Award in Domestic Retrofit Assessment
• Level 5 AIM Qualifications Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Management

Successful participants will be able to unlock new career paths which the SHDF and HUG have provided, helping contractors, local authorities and housing associations to address their practical retrofit skills gaps.

As more organisations begin to understand the labour requirements that their projects present, they can work with The Retrofit Academy to develop a workforce capable of delivering high-quality retrofit at scale.

With hubs across the North East, Midlands, South East and South Wales, The academy’s licensing gives technical colleges and other further education centres the tools to deliver the leading, nationally recognised retrofit training. Licensed partners are granted access to a host of helpful resources and support, including a ‘train the trainer’ programme for two staff members, learner and tutor support with full Retrofit Academy membership for 12 months.

Mark Edwards, CEO of SERT Training, says: “We are thrilled to announce our exclusive partnership with Retrofit Academy to deliver their qualifications across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. This milestone of a 10th hub nationally signifies our commitment to providing individuals with the skills needed to drive their own retrofit plans forward.

“With our range of domestic clean heating and power courses, these qualifications will complement our offering perfectly. We are grateful for the support we have received from The Retrofit Academy, and we are excited to welcome the first cohort of learners onboard in November. Both our organisations share the same high standards in learner experience and content quality, so alignment has been very straightforward and a lot of fun.”

David Pierpoint, Chief Executive at The Retrofit Academy, adds: “The launch of TRA Hampshire in partnership with SERT Training is another great step in extending the capacity for delivering retrofit at scale in the South East. Learners who train at The Retrofit Academy Hampshire will get access to the nation’s leading and most established training courses and graduate in a strong position to support with delivery of high-quality, large-scale retrofit across the UK.

“Our work with training providers to create career paths for qualified retrofitters and bring graduates together with employers is important to address the practical retrofit skills gap for SHDF programmes. With 10 training partnerships established and over 5,500 learners having put their trust in us to date, we are keen to replicate this model other key UK regions to increase numbers and develop the workforce even further.”

The launch of TRA Hampshire in partnership with SERT Training is another great step in extending the capacity for delivering retrofit at scale in the South East.

For more information on how to become a training partner with The Retrofit Academy, visit https://retrofitacademy.org/training-licence-partnerships.