Minister O’Donovan welcomes record numbers trained in retrofitting courses in 2024
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From: Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
- Published on: 3 January 2025
- Last updated on: 3 January 2025
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan today welcomed the number of enrolments in retrofitting courses increasing by almost 50 per cent in 2024.
Provisional end of year figures show there were 6,423 enrolments in the retrofit and Zero Energy Building (NZEB) training courses offered by the national network of Centres of Excellence operated by the Education and Training Boards (ETBs).
This figure is up from 4,452 enrolments in 2023, and female participants also accounted for a record 11 per cent of participants this year.
Minister 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.”
Notes
The numbers of workers availing of the upskilling and reskilling opportunities in NZEB and retrofit continue to increase steadily each year following the opening of the first centre in 2020.
Enrolments have risen as shown below:
- 363 enrolments in 2020
- 793 enrolments in 2021
- 2,034 enrolments in 2022
- 4,452 enrolments in 2023
- 6,423 enrolments in 2024
Courses are offered in six NZEB/ Retrofit Centres of Excellence operated by Waterford and Wexford ETB, Laois and Offaly ETB, Limerick and Clare ETB, Cork ETB, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB, and City of Dublin ETB. Courses are also provided by Tipperary ETB.
These courses are free, fast and flexible with weekend and evening provision available.
In many cases, where a person has an existing construction-related qualification, knowledge or experience, they can learn these skills within three-four days. The Centres provide the highest standards of training and qualifications to people attending them.
Those in the sector interested in upskilling can find out more details by visiting www.gov.ie/therightcourse.