Lecture Notes: Retrofit Qualifications and Micr Credentials

Introduction

• Presenter: Brian Horn, Director of Qualifications at OCN London.
• Host: SLP in partnership with the Mayor and the Green Skills Academy Hub.
• Focus: Development of retrofit skills, qualifications, and micr credentials funded by the Greater Southeast Net Zero Hub and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Background

• Funding & Support: Funding from Greater Southeast Net Zero Hub for retrofit skills pilots and qualifications.
• Retrofit Challenge: Approx. 17 billion GBP investment over the next 10 years; 635,000 properties requiring retrofitting; Need for 66,000 person-years.
• Skills Development: Encouraging new talent pipeline and skill development in existing trades.

Brian Horn's Experience

• Background: Construction sector experience, including CI ITB and vocational qualifications development.
• Current Role: Director of Qualifications at OCN London, prior experience working with Offqual.

Overview of Retrofit Qualifications

• RQF Framework: Levels structured like books on shelves—ranging from basic to advanced levels.
• Construction Sector Levels:
  • Level 1: Not job-ready.
  • Level 2: Job-ready skills (e.g., carpentry and joinery).
  • Level 3: Skills or supervisory level.
• Available Qualifications:
  • Level 2: Entry-level retrofit qualifications for tradespeople.
  • Level 3: Professional roles such as retrofit assessors.
  • Level 5-6: High-level roles in coordination and risk management (Construction site managers).

Job Roles in Retrofit Sector

• Retrofit Advisor: Provides advice on energy efficiency improvements.
• Retrofit Assessor: Performs detailed assessments of buildings' energy performance.
• Retrofit Coordinator: Manages retrofit projects, ensures work adheres to standards like PAS 2035.
• Retrofit Designer: High technical skill; typically architects.
• Retrofit Installer: Tradespeople specializing in retrofit work.
• Retrofit Evaluator: Assesses the performance post-retrofit.

Importance of Retrofit Coordination

• Public Funding: Must adhere to PAS 2035 for eligibility.
• Roles Defined by PAS: Standards required for funding and ensuring quality work.

Skills and Learning Requirements

For Advisors

• Knowledge of building codes.
• Strong communication skills.

For Installers

• Existing trade skills with additional retrofit-specific training.

For Assessors

• Broad knowledge base, including energy modeling software.

Micr Credentials

• Purpose: Small, bite-sized learning modules for specific skills; Ideal for upskilling tradespeople.
• Advantages: Online courses, flexibility, shorter duration (10-40 hours).
• Types of Badges:
  • Attendance badges for CPD events.
  • Digital badges for specific skills.
  • Certification badges for accumulated learning.

Implementation and Partners

• Development Process: Partner consultation, content development, badge creation.
• Partners: South London, BIM Academy, Supply Chain Sustainability, Local London, CITB.
• Outcomes: Digital badges and certificates for various skills, including retrofit and green economy.

Specific Examples

• Building Information Modeling (BIM): Suite of micr credentials for comprehensive understanding.
• Green Skills: Developed with University of East London and Supply Chain Sustainability.

Future Developments in South London

• Current Work: Developing course materials with South Thames Colleges Group and University of Roehampton.
• Local Focus: Specific to the needs of South London boroughs.

Additional Opportunities

• Teacher CPD and Upskilling: Potential use of micr credentials for training trainers.
• Public vs. Private Funding: Criteria for eligibility; flexibility in usage.
• Grant Funding: Available for qualified programs through CITB.

Conclusion

• Continued Efforts: Ongoing development of micr credentials and qualifications to meet the demand in the retrofit sector.
• Collaboration: Encouraged partners to reach out for bespoke micr credentials.