Heritage bodies collaborate to improve retrofit training 

The UK’s government heritage bodies have published a new handbook to support learners undertaking retrofit qualifications.

Cadw, Historic England and Historic Environment Scotland have been working together to improve the standard of retrofit training delivery in response to skills and knowledge gaps in the workforce.  

A particular focus of this work is a qualification that centres on older buildings.

The level 3 award in energy efficiency measures for older and traditional buildings is a requirement for certain retrofit roles under PAS2035 and PAS2038 where buildings being treated are of traditional construction. 

The new publication is aimed at learners undertaking the level 3 award or other retrofit qualifications. 

It is designed to be used as an additional resource to support training delivered by a registered provider. 

The qualification gives learners an understanding of how older and traditional buildings perform and the suitability of energy efficiency measures for their construction type. 

Ian Morrison, director of policy and evidence at Historic England, said: “This collaboration with Cadw and Historic Environment Scotland demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that our historic buildings play a key role in tackling climate change. 

“By improving the standard of retrofit training, we are ensuring that our historic buildings can be made energy efficient and climate resilient while preserving their unique heritage.” 

Just 28% of respondents to Historic England’s recent Skills Needs Analysis are confident that existing training provision for work on traditionally constructed buildings will give tradespeople the skills they need to install low carbon and energy efficiency measures.  

Cadw, Historic England and Historic Environment Scotland are therefore collaborating with awarding bodies and industry to strengthen the training available.  

Gwilym Hughes, head of Cadw, said: “Our historic buildings can and should be part of our journey to net zero and this partnership demonstrates how the UK’s heritage bodies are working together to champion practical, sensitive approaches to adapting our most treasured buildings.” 

David Mitchell, director of cultural assets at HES, added: “There is no route to net zero without viewing the buildings we already have as assets. The retrofit of these traditional buildings has the potential to bring many wider gains, including economic and employment opportunities as well as environmental benefits. 

“To deliver these, it’s crucial we are able to develop and deliver vital skills training to ensure we have a workforce equipped to undertake retrofit in a way that works for both buildings and their occupants.”  

Download the course handbook for Historic England; Cadw; Cadw (Welsh version); and Historic Environment Scotland. 

Main image credit: Historic England