Retrofit Training Coordinator

Course Structure

The Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Management is delivered in a modular fashion. Our programme is divided into 7 modules, some of which are split into a number of sections. Each module has its own assessments and then at the end of the course there is a final case study based exercise and a structured interview.

For each module, we provide all necessary teaching resources, delivered by our eLearning platform. This allows candidates to progress through their learning activities at a rate which suits them and which can be monitored and supported by their tutor. We also provide a range of relevant presentations, exercises and case studies that have been developed to give a deep knowledge of both theory and practice.

Further, we do not just want our learners to complete their qualification - we want them to gain all the necessary skills and understanding to confidently begin working in the field as a Retrofit Coordinator upon completion. We therefore provide site-based training, the ability to shadow one of our own Coordinators in the field, and practical demonstrations on various software tools and platforms, including the TrustMark Data Warehouse.

Modules

Our candidates will undertake 7 modules in total (6 'core' modules with an introductory module), which focus on deep low energy retrofit, carbon cost-effectiveness, and the use of software modelling tools for retrofit and how to use these to make guided decisions throughout the process. We believe it's intuitive that learning should follow the order of the stages outlined in PAS 2035, and so our course closely mirrors these. When working in the field post-qualification, we believe it will strongly benefit our learners that their training has followed the same journey they will take each property or project through.

• Introduction to the retrofit standards framework - as well as 'housekeeping' and getting to know your tutor
• Module 1: Introduction and preliminary considerations
• Module 2: Retrofit risk assessment
• Module 3: Dwelling assessment
• Module 4: The Retrofit Design stage
  • Air tightness and ventilation
  • Building fabric improvements - floors and roofs
  • Building fabric improvements - walls and windows
  • Building services improvements
  • Renewable energy technologies
  • Evaluating improvement options and forming medium-term retrofit plans
• Module 5: Working with installers
• Module 6: The post-installation PAS 2035 stages

You may find it useful to look at our pages on PAS 2030 and MCS certification and the energy efficiency measures they include in conjunction with the above. We have recently adjusted the content of our Retrofit Coordinator training to cover the requirements outlined in the latest version of the standard - PAS 2035:2023.

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Delivery

On initial admission to the course, your assigned tutor will discuss the learning outcomes with you and help to form a plan and delivery method that suits you and fits around your other commitments. You will then be given access to our eLearning platform, through which the majority of your learning will be undertaken and coursework submitted.

We deliver face-to-face training throughout the course, which is usually undertaken online through Microsoft Teams, but can be delivered in a classroom environment or at your office if required. This is usually done on a one-to-one basis, or in small groups with your own colleagues. We keep our group sizes purposefully small, with no more than 6 learners per session for group training.

The number of hours of tutor-led training that you'll undertake per module is entirely variable. Existing construction or design professionals may choose to complete their training in a self-guided fashion, whilst those requiring more in-person support can request any amount at any time.

Throughout training, Trade Engine and Synergy will offer regular online seminars and field-based learning opportunities. Whilst these are optional, we believe they will be highly beneficial for learners who are looking to understand the practical activities that Retrofit Coordinators undertake in the course of their work. Examples include: calculating and verifying U-values, avoiding and mitigating thermal bridges, ventilation design options, and how to process and lodge work using the TrustMark Data Warehouse.

Assessment

The Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Management is assessed by Trade Engine and Synergy's internal tutors and verifiers, who are themselves regulated by the awarding bodies, ABBE and NOCN. All assessors are Retrofit Coordinators themselves and hold the Level 5 Diploma, as well as having many years of industry experience.

The assessments to be completed are:

• A multiple-choice test at the end of each of the core modules
• Short written answers to questions that are presented throughout each of the modules
• A final assignment, which comprises a presentation on a case study and a structured discussion with one of our assessors

The case study material focuses on example retrofit projects that have gone wrong, been poorly designed or installed, or have unintended consequences as a result of retrofit work. These vary in scale and type of project and our learners have the opportunity to select a final assignment that best suits their interests. For example, they may have a specific interest in historic or traditional buildings, or indeed, they may be looking to pursue a career in managing large-scale retrofit programmes. We always work to find the most fulfilling learning outcomes for all candidates.

Certification

The outcome of our Retrofit Coordinator training course is the award of the Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Management from either ABBE or NOCN, both of which are Ofqual-regulated awarding bodies. We offer both options, since one route may suit a learner better than another, although both awarding bodies are entirely equivalent. It will usually be at the discretion of your assigned tutor to determine which awarding body is best for you.

Once you have achieved and been awarded the Level 5 Diploma, you are a qualified Retrofit Coordinator. The next steps in starting work involve enrolling with a suitable certification scheme (e.g., Elmhurst Energy or ECMK), who will then register you with TrustMark. Retrofit Coordinators can only begin practicing once they have a TrustMark license number, which is to be used on all declarations of conformity they issue for all projects. The Trade Engine team will guide you through the post-qualification process from start to finish.

The advantages of Retrofit Coordinator training with us

We are confident that our unique approach to Retrofit Coordinator training delivery assists all our learners in becoming qualified quickly and in a manner that fits in with their other day-to-day activities. We are always happy to accommodate requests from our learners and to ensure that their training needs are met.

Experienced trainers, all with over 15+ years' experience Blended learning using the latest eLearning technologies One-to-one support from your assigned tutor Small group sizes, with 2-6 learners being typical Easily accessible training locations throughout the UK Fast-track options available for construction or design professionals. We're retrofitters ourselves and can offer practical field-based learning opportunities

Government-funded training places are now available.

As winners of the Government's Warm Homes Skills Programme, Trade Engine and Synergy Training Centre are pleased to be able to offer heavily-subsidised places on our Level 5 Retrofit Coordinator training course.

The usual cost of this course is £2300 + VAT, but funding from DESNZ can reduce this to a learner contribution of £695 + VAT. Furthermore, this course is eligible for a CITB short-term qualifications grant of £600, which CITB members can claim upon completion.

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