SRC Takes The Lead With Launch Of EWI Training Course

Southern Regional College (SRC) has officially launched the ‘Employ Me City & Guilds Level 2 Insulation and Building Treatments Course’ which focuses on the principles and application of external wall insulation (EWI) systems and is delivered at the Greenbank Campus in Newry.

SRC is taking the lead in NorthernIreland in the development anddelivery of specialist training,catering specifically for theemerging retrofit sector. ChiefExecutive, Brian Doran, spoke atthe launch stating how delightedthe College is to be collaboratingwith industry leaders Weber, SaintGobain and EnviroformSolutions in the delivery of thisinnovative new training in EWIsystems.

Buildings account for almost halfof our energy consumption and inhouses up to 45% of this energy islost through the walls. Externalwall insulation or EWI systems areproven to be one of the mostenergy efficient and effectivesolutions with benefits: includingimproved thermal performance;reduction in moisture penetration;and, diminished risk ofcondensation. The systems arerobustly designed to protect theouter walls of the home fromweathering and also significantlyimprove the aesthetics of thebuilding. Correct installation ofEWI is critical to ensure all cold­bridging around the hard-to-treatareas of the building’s envelope isaddressed. Through this course,participants will have theopportunity to develop thespecialist skills andknowledge requiredto successfullydeliver an EWI retrofiton a building withoutnegatively impactingon the physics of thebuilding’s fabric.

This event is timely inthat the eagerlyanticipated launch ofthe UK’S Green Dealis scheduled forJanuary 2013. TheGreen Deal aims to cut energybills and carbon emissions bymaking energy efficiency easy andaffordable for householders andbusinesses. If, as expected, theGreen Deal sets a target of severalmillion homes and businessesbeing insulated by 2020 there willbe a huge demand for highlyskilled and qualified workers.

Guests at SRC’s event includedthe Lord Mayor of Newry; councilofficials and representatives frombusiness and industry. Guestspeaker John Woods, ProjectLeader for the Northern IrelandGreen New Deal, commended theCollege’s innovation and forwarthinking in the area of retrofit andfor its collaboration with industryleaders.

Lindsay Bronte, Head of School ofConstruction and BuiltEnvironment, referred to theCollege’s commitment to ensuringrelevant training is available to upskill the construction workforceand to maximise employmentopportunities in new and emergingsectors such as retrofit.

This innovative training is beingdelivered as part of the College’sEmploy Me programme which istargeted at members of the localcommunity who are currentlyunemployed. The third year of theEmploy Me Programme willcommence in September 2013.

For more information pleasecontact the Employ Me office on028 3751 2825.