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Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Management

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The Retrofit Academy CIC is at the heart of delivering leading-edge training and professional development to a new generation of retrofit professionals in the UK.

Adopting a central role in the future of retrofit, we are driving PAS 2035 compliance by shaping retrofit best practice, training skilled retrofit professionals, sharing our technical expertise with industry peers, and advancing the sector through our Academy.

To fulfill our vision of a world where every home is warm, healthy and low carbon, we need skilled operatives and managers in vast numbers. With over 27 million homes to treat and just 29 years to do it, the volume of skilled professionals in both blue and white collar roles is simply not adequate to meet the demand and hence numbers must swell rapidly.

The Retrofit Coordinator plays a pivotal role in delivering the UK’s net zero ambition. Central to PAS 2035, the role protects homeowners and clients by managing projects in compliance with the Standard. Without Retrofit Coordinators, there is no assurance that the high standards required and vast volume of installs will be reached, and the effects of that would be felt globally.

  • What is a PAS 2035 Retrofit Coordinator?

    To create the warm, comfortable, and energy efficient homes needed to meet our emissions goals it is essential we develop exacting retrofit standards; advance best practices; and develop the processes, roles, and skills needed to achieve this.

    PAS 2035 is a publicly available specification which outlines the necessary standards for the future of domestic retrofit. It is designed to enhance retrofit standards, improve processes and introduce new skills, capabilities and roles. PAS 2035 was written by The Retrofit Academy CIC’s Technical Director, Dr Peter Rickaby, and is fully supported by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

    The built environment professionals responsible for facilitating, managing and delivering retrofit work to the PAS 2035 standard are called Retrofit Coordinators.

    The role of the Retrofit Coordinator was introduced by PAS 2035, and is mandatory on all domestic retrofit projects delivered under TrustMark. TrustMark is the recognised Quality Mark for the energy efficiency sector and compliance with TrustMark and PAS 2035 is required by government-funded schemes.

What does a Retrofit Coordinator do?

Retrofit Coordinators manage the PAS 2035 process throughout a project. Crucially, the Retrofit Coordinator ensures compliance with the procurement, specification, and delivery of measures in all domestic retrofit projects.

Guiding the decision-making process, the Retrofit Coordinator protects the resident or homeowner’s interest from survey to handover.

  • The PAS 2035 Process Map

    The Retrofit Coordinator contributes throughout the PAS 2035 process. The role is end to end spanning steps 1 to 6.

  • The Roles of PAS 2035

    PAS 2035 introduces six distinct roles and outlines the responsibilities of each role as determined by the assessed level of project risk. The PAS also clarifies what accreditations and qualifications the individual must have to become accredited in each role.

    • Who should become a Retrofit Coordinator?

      To become a Retrofit Coordinator you need to have a qualification in a built environment subject that is at least Level 3 with a minimum of 12 credits (your credits should be detailed on your certificate). Level 3 qualifications are equivalent to an A Level certification.

      If you hold a university degree relevant to the built environment this would also meet the entry requirements for this course.

      Retrofit Coordinators can be currently operating in a wealth of jobs and disciplines. Some of our most recent graduates include:

      • Asset Manager
      • Architect
      • Building Surveyor
      • Technical Manager
      • Consultant Engineer
      • Project Manager

    About the course

    • The Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Management

      The Open College Network West Midlands Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination & Risk Management gives you the knowledge and skills needed to become a Retrofit Coordinator; a crucial new role required by the PAS 2035 standards. It is ideal for built environment professionals looking for a career defining and managing retrofit projects.

      If you are looking to practise as a Retrofit Coordinator on domestic retrofit projects, you must be registered and accredited by TrustMark. To achieve this accreditation, you must already have the Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination & Risk Management.

      The Retrofit Academy CIC was instrumental in the development of the diploma. We developed the course with the Open College Network West Midlands, in consultation with the experts and technical authors behind the PAS 2035 specifications.

      The Retrofit Academy CIC is the only approved provider of the diploma in the UK.

      Holding this qualification is required by all of TrustMark’s Accreditation Scheme providers in order to become a registered Retrofit Coordinator.

    • Course Structure

      The course features twelve modules along with a comprehensive case study. Each module features extensive teaching materials, expert presentations, case studies and activities that are designed to give you an in-depth understanding of both theory and practice.

    • Course Modules

      1. Introduction to Domestic Retrofit
      2. Retrofit Quality Assurance and Risk Management
      3. Building Physics – Thermal Efficiency
      4. Building Physics – Managing Moisture Risk
      5. Assessing Dwellings for Retrofit
      6. Improvement Option Evaluation and Medium-Term Retrofit Plans
      7. Improving the Building Fabric – Floors and Roofs
      8. Improving the Building Fabric – Walls and Windows
      9. Improving Air-Tightness and Ventilation
      10. Improving the Building Services – Heating, Hot Water, Lighting and Power
      11. Improving the Building Services – Renewable Energy Systems
      12. Post Retrofit Testing, Monitoring and Evaluation

    • Assessment Methods

      All learners are assigned to one of The Retrofit Academy’s assessors, who will provide guidance and feedback on all of your assignments. All assessors are graduates from the Level 5 Diploma, hand- picked for their experience and expertise.

      The course is assessed via:

      • End of module multiple choice tests

      • Short written assignments relating to the key learning objectives

      • A verbal presentation relating to the case study

    • Certification

      All learners successfully passing the assessments will be recommended for the award of the Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Management from the Open College Network West Midlands, an Ofqual-regulated Awarding Body.

    Methods of Study and Course Costs

    When you sign up to the course you will get access to The Retrofit Academy Learner Management System; our state-of-the-art eLearning platform through which the course is delivered and your assignments are submitted. The eLearning modules are enhanced by our unique Retrofit Coordinator bootcamps which give you a crucial peer learning experience supported by our expert tutors, who are also practising Retrofit Coordinators.

    Bootcamps are available online via virtual learning or in a Retrofit Academy training centre depending on your preference.

    If you are already a qualified construction or design professional, you may be eligible for our ProTrack programme which is a 100% self-guided pathway.

    For all CITB registered employers this course is recognised and is grant supported (£600 per person upon completion) please get in touch with your local CITB advisor for further information CITB in your local area – CITB

    Select your pathway to retrofit excellence

    • Essentials Online
      £2,000 +VAT

      • Self-guided eLearning with a 12-hour expert-led Zoom Bootcamp, delivered over four sessions
      • Must be completed within 12 months
      • Includes learner membership of The Retrofit Academy plus additional 12-months as a graduate member post qualification (up to 2 years total)
      • Includes a copy of the PAS 2035 standard

    • Essentials Classroom
      £2,200 +VAT

      • Self guided eLearning with a 12-hour expert-led Zoom Bootcamp, delivered over two consecutive days
      • Learn from peers and expert tutors in a physical classroom
      • Must be completed within 12 months
      • Includes learner membership of The Retrofit Academy plus additional 12-months as a graduate member post qualification (up to 2 years total)
      • Includes a copy of the PAS 2035 standard

    • Fast-Track
      £2,500 +VAT

      • Self-guided eLearning with a bespoke 12-hour expert-led Bootcamp, delivered online via Zoom or in a classroom
      • Can be completed in as little as 6 weeks
      • Assignments marked within 48 Hours
      • Includes learner membership of The Retrofit Academy plus additional 12-months as a graduate member post qualification (up to 2 years total)
      • Includes a copy of the PAS 2035 standard

    • Pro-Track
      £1,700 +VAT

      • Self-guided eLearning and online assessment
      • For built environment professionals with Level 4 qualifications or higher only
      • Must be completed within 12 months
      • Includes learner membership of The Retrofit Academy plus additional 12-months as a graduate member post qualification (up to 2 years total)
      • Includes a copy of the PAS 2035 standard
      • Option to upgrade to 48-hour assessor marking time (further details available upon request) 

    Course Eligibility

    As a regulated qualification, the Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Management has some specific eligibility criteria. The minimum requirements for all methods of study include the following key criteria:

    • Hold 12 Level 3 credits* in a built environment subject; AND
    • Display built environment professional competencies as defined by PAS 2035 (e.g. project management, risk assessment, contract administration, etc); AND
    • Have a minimum of 2 years of experience working on retrofit or energy efficiency projects – (as evidenced by a CV or letter of endorsement from your employer)

    There are also some additional requirements specific to the study method:

    • Pro-Track

      You must also hold a minimum Level 4 qualification (e.g. HNC, NVQ or CertHE) in a built environment subject. This is an intense study method, and you’ll need to maintain a high level of discipline without the additional support of tutor-led sessions and peer networking.

    • Essentials Online / Classroom

      If you don’t hold a Level 4 qualification, you will ONLY be eligible for Essentials Online or Essentials Classroom. You must still be able to meet the eligibility criteria outlined above and provide evidence of your qualifications. If you meet some, but not all, of the eligibility criteria you may still be able to become a learner by sitting our pre-assessment.

    • Fast-Track

      The eligibility requirements for our Fast-Track study method are the same as those for our Essentials packages. 

    Apply Now

    (*) Proof of all qualifications and/or any professional body memberships you may hold will be required upon application. Decisions on eligibility are solely down to The Retrofit Academy. For further information on our eligibility requirements, please see our FAQ page on our website.

    Testimonials

    • “I will now think of the install as part of a whole package rather than a single measure. What impact it will have on a building and how it can be altered to better fit with other measures either present or potential.”

      Installer

    • “The course gave me new insights into testing, monitoring and evaluation. This will have an immediate positive impact on how we collect data and how it will collate with other potential improvements.”

      Insulation Installer

    • “The training is invaluable to anyone working, managing or specifying building projects – especially in energy retrofit.”

      ERDF Project Manager

    • “As a result of the course I will now ensure handovers on site are thorough and all considerations and solutions are imposed in order to make a property as air tight as possible”

      Main Contractor
    • “I completed the course last month and just wanted to say a massive thanks. The course has showed me lots of new things and help develop my own business. An extra thanks to Alan Pither who has been a big help and a real fountain of knowledge.”
      Rob Garner, Installations Director at Green Hut Energy
    • “Following several challenging years of delivering the Energy Company Obligation this course has gone a long way in re-igniting my passion for domestic energy efficiency.”
      Andrew Powell, Commercial Developer, Domestic Energy Services, npower
    • “I completed the course last month and just wanted to say a massive thanks. The course has showed me lots of new things and help develop my own business. An extra thanks to Alan Pither who has been a big help and a real fountain of knowledge.”
      Rob Garner, Installations Director at Green Hut Energy
    • “Thermal bridging and condensation are a day to day part of what I do and I am already wording my onsite reports in a different way as a result of the course.”
      Energy Assessor
    • “The qualification has allowed me to give more professional advice to customers looking to improve the energy efficiency of their homes”
      Energy Assessor
    • “I completed the course last month and just wanted to say a massive thanks. The course has showed me lots of new things and helped develop my own business. An extra thanks to Alan Pither who has been a big help and a real fountain of knowledge.”
      Rob Garner, Installations Director, Green Hut Energy
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      Apply Now

      If you are ready to enrol for the Level 5 Diploma simply click “Apply Now” below to start the process. Please have your qualification certificates to hand as we will need a digital copy as proof of eligibility.

      Join us in shaping the future of retrofit today.

      Apply Now

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      E: info@retrofitacademy.org
      A: Barn 4, Dunston Business Village,
      Stafford Road, Stafford, ST18 9AB

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