Changes to the Level 5 Diploma
The retrofit sector is constantly changing as it grows. The Retrofit Academy has been central to championing this growth and ensuring standards are applied consistently and effectively across the industry.
As part of our mission to achieve this we have engaged with professionals, organisations and other stakeholders in the sector and listened to your feedback. As a result, we are very pleased to announce important changes to our Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Management.
Structured learning
The Level 5 Diploma consists of 150 hours of guided study available in four new study routes, available from Monday 6th September: Essentials Online, Essentials Classroom, Fast-Track, and Pro-Track. Visit our updated Level 5 Diploma page for more information about the structure and content of the course.
The learning is delivered as a high-quality eLearning course featuring tutor video lessons, self assessments and written assignments. Graduate learners will give a verbal presentation to demonstrate competence to practice.
In addition to the eLearning programme, we have developed learning “bootcamps” to provide important tutor guidance, peer discussion and networking opportunities. This gives learners crucial support to put their eLearning into context and build relationships that will be invaluable in their future careers.
These learning bootcamps will be available via videoconferencing or in a physical classroom; and are now a requirement of the course unless candidates are eligible for the Pro-Track programme.
Supporting career development
As well as providing industry-leading professional training for the role of Retrofit Coordinator we also believe we have an obligation to support the ongoing professional development of candidates and graduates of our course. This is how we are going to help graduates put learning into practice, and build the next generation of retrofit specialists.
To achieve this we are offering those enrolled on the diploma access to our Centre of Excellence (CoE). The CoE provides specialist support for learner and graduate Retrofit Coordinators in the form of ongoing training, mentorship and access to our growing archive of technical learning resources. These resources include video lectures, technical documents, podcasts, and a monthly PAS Club gathering hosted by Retrofit Academy Technical Director Dr Peter Rickaby.
We are also pleased to announce that learner membership of the Centre of Excellence will continue for 12 months after graduation. This will ensure graduates get the professional support they need to get their retrofit career off the ground in those crucial early months.
Building connections
Membership of the Centre of Excellence also gives learners and graduates of the Level 5 Diploma access to our exclusive Retrobook platform; a digital matchmaking service connecting retrofit coordinators, assessors, and designers with projects posted by social landlords and local authorities.
Shaping the future of retrofit
Thanks to industry feedback we are confident our new Level 5 Diploma offers a comprehensive learning and professional development programme that is uniquely designed to deliver on our vision of shaping, sharing, and advancing best practice in the retrofit industry.
