Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 February 2022
185. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason that there is no dedicated course for retrofitting for new entrants; if there are plans to establish dedicated courses for retrofitting and apprenticeship programmes to address competition for labour in retrofitting and construction industries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8744/22]
View answer186. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way that he plans to ensure there are sufficient numbers of apprenticeships for new entrants to meet the targets of the new national home retrofitting scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8745/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 186 together.
There are a range of options for people who wish to train in retrofitting. There are short term courses for those who are involved in the construction industry and longer courses for those who are not, The majority of courses are three days in duration. This is a blended model with two days online and one day in the training centre. A pilot Virtual Reality programme is in development also to support NZEB/retrofit training. These courses are provided through Skills to Advance. They are free, flexible and fast.
Longer training programmes of one – three weeks will be offered to existing skilled, semi-skilled workers, construction professionals and new entrants to the construction/retrofitting sector in retrofitting external cladding, attic & wall insulation along with other areas that will be identified by the training providers.
There are a total of 4,550 retrofit and NZEB standard places to be provided by the end of 2022 and my Department is working with the Construction Industry to increase demand for these places.
