The Retrofit Academy Work Placement Scheme
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN RETROFIT TRAINING AND RETROFIT EMPLOYMENT
Over 10,000 people have trained with The Retrofit Academy to become Coordinators, Assessors, Designers, Advisors and more. But for many, there’s still one final hurdle: gaining the experience to put their learning into practice, and finding their dream job.
Many of our qualified learners – particularly those who are self-employed, recently trained or unemployed – struggle to access the roles they’ve worked hard to prepare for. Often, the barrier isn’t skills or motivation, but experience and access.
The Retrofit Academy Work Placement Scheme (RAWPS) solves that challenge. It connects our graduates with high-quality employers, offering short-term work placements across the country.
These placements help candidates build confidence, develop a real-world portfolio and take meaningful steps toward employment. For employers, it’s an opportunity to assess a candidate’s capabilities before making a hiring decision – with no obligation to recruit.
Together, we’re helping build a stronger, fairer retrofit workforce for the future.
HOW YOU BENEFIT FROM THE SCHEME
The Retrofit Academy Work Placement Scheme is a structured, low-risk way to connect qualified retrofit professionals with employers ready to grow their teams.
Whether you’re a graduate looking to launch your career, or an organisation building teams for the future, this scheme is here to support you.
Every placement includes a guaranteed job interview, giving both sides the chance to make informed, confident decisions about the future.
For Candidates
Gain real-world experience with reputable employers near you
Build confidence and practice what you’ve learned
Many Work Placements are paid
Interview for paid work at the end of your placement
COST
Free to join for TRA Graduates and Professional Members
– no fees, no obligations, no pressure
For Employers
Access verified graduates from trusted training routes
Receive matched, job-ready candidates based on your criteria
Trial new talent with zero upfront cost
Interview and hire if it’s the right fit
COST
Free to apply as an Employer
- only pay a fee if you recruit
TWO PATHWAYS, ONE PURPOSE - THE RAWPS PROCESS
CANDIDATES
What you do:
- Tell us where you’re based, what roles interest you, and upload your CV
- We match you with employers looking for someone like you
- You complete a short placement, followed by a guaranteed job interview
What it costs you:
FREE – there is no charge to Retrofit Academy graduates or learners.
EMPLOYERS
What you do:
- Share your current needs – role type, location, preferred experience, remuneration
- We advertise your Work Placement opportunity and start reviewing applications
- We shortlist and introduce suitable candidates for the placement
- You run a short placement and decide whether to hire via a formal job interview
What it costs you:
- No charge for the placement or candidate matching process
- You only pay if you decide to recruit: 20% of first-year salary
OUR PLACEMENT NETWORK IS GROWING
We’re focused on building strong local matches between employers and candidates – supported by our national network of training providers, Skills Bootcamp partners and over 70 Corporate Members.
Unlike general recruitment platforms, we already have full visibility of our learners’ qualifications, employment status and career goals – and we hold trusted relationships with the employers who need them.
SOME OF OUR KEY PARTNERS
