Outcomes and conclusions from the QualiBuild project which were presented at SEAI #deepretrofit conference on the 21st June 2017 in Avivia, Dublin

1. Quality and Qualibuild – Building capacity in the supply chain
Seamus Hoyne
Development & Public Engagement Manager, LIT

2. Background
EU Build Up
Skills Initiative
Build Up Skills
Ireland – Pillar 1
QualiBuild
Project – Pillar 2
Train the Trainers.
Foundation Energy Training for all
Building Construction Workers.
Quality Building Registration System
Quality Building Communications Campaign
National Roll Out Plan

3. Design/
Professionals
Materials/
Systems
Trainers
Building
Workers/
Crafts
Installers
Building
Owners
Supply Chain

4. The Train the Trainer Programme
• 4 module programme – 20
Credits at NFQ Level 7
• Certificate in Training in Low
Energy Buildings
• Blended Learning Approach
• Design and Delivered by IT
Blanchardstown

5. Programme Delivery
• 87 Trainers registered. 57 Trainers qualified
• Lower than anticipated levels of participation
• Low numbers of trainers in both the IoT and ETB sectors
• Lack of awareness at organisational level for need for training in
this area
• Lack of formal CPD structures for vocational trainers
“I really enjoyed the
course and would love
to get a chance to
deliver it in the future!!”
“I did find the volume of
work intense on top of an
already full work-life”

6. Foundation Energy Skills
Accredited as Level 6 (EQF level 5) - 5 Credit Module
• Relevant, Effective, Scalable
• Knowledge vs Skills
• Engaging, Valued, Accredited
• Practical
• Realistic

7. Delivery
• Content provided – hardcopy and on-line
• Demonstrations and workshops:
• Air Leakage
• Principles on Air Tightness
• Continuous Insulation
• Detailing and Thermal Breaks
• Controlled Ventilation
• Balanced Classroom and Demonstration Workshop
• 14 Pilot courses completed – 232 registered and 196
completed the course.
The content from the course can be downloaded from the
website www.qualibuild.ie/resources

8. Focus and Delivery
Tomas OLeary

9. Evaluation
FES Participants
• 100% would recommend to others
• Majority (90%) would pay for the
programme
• Majority (75%) feel it should be mandatory
• Majority (90%) had discussed with co-
workers and got positive reaction
• Majority (90%) felt all building construction
workers should complete programme
Employers
 100% recognised need to invest in staff
training
 Majority (90%) saw link between FES,
CPD and CIRI
 Majority (75%) indicated willingness to
pay for programme
 100% indicated benefits of being able
to market services based on quality
 100% would recommend to others
https://youtu.be/18SxI7oEf2w

10. Conclusions
Training Delivery 3 day FES course accepted by individuals and employers to achieve learning
objectives
Practical Training Practical demonstrations and/or hands-on training appropriate for cohort
CPD Training A majority of FES participants rated their knowledge of low energy buildings as
average and require further follow-on training.
Training Support Weekday preferred by large companies and evening/weekend preferred by
smaller companies and individuals
Training Costs Costs should be minimised or subsidised as the objectives of quality buildings
and energy savings should be supported by government.
Mandatory Training Many believe that FES should be a mandatory training requirement (similar to
Safe Pass).
Register Many participants want greater recognition of their qualifications and a
platform to show them.
Validation NFQ - The FES course should be revalidated at a vocational educational level
more appropriate to the 3-day training programme and the target cohort for
the training.

11. Construction Workers Skills Register
Online register of training for
individual construction workers in
Ireland
A platform for all construction
workers to join the Register and
display their training, skills and
qualifications.
Piloted and tested during QualiBuild
1/11/13 – 33 Months
BUILD UP Skills QualiBuild
IEE/12/BWI/339/SI2.659728

12. Current Status
• EU funded programme finished – time for Ireland to take this on
• LIT/ITB currently supporting FES continued delivery
• Galway, Dublin completed. Future course in Autumn 2017
• Supported by Sustainability Skillnet
• Failed to fill programmes in Cork and Limerick
• Fee: €340
• Continued engagement with relevant parties to progress to National
level
• Push and Pull required – Market demand & requirement for upskilling

13. Conclusions
• Significant lack of trainers with knowledge to upskill construction
workers
• Construction Workers want to learn but focus must be on practical,
realistic and achievable vs theoretical
• Bespoke/once off training approach will not work – must be coordinated
nationally
• The pilot suggests FES is Sustainable and could be self-funding.
• FES should be seen as a core requirement
• Workers want recognition of upskilling & training undertaken
• Challenging group to reach and engage

14. Thank you to:

15. Contacts and Resources
http://bit.ly/2rnSwcK
facebook.com/QualiBuild
@QualiBuild
#QualiBuild
• Project Coordinator
• Limerick Institute of Technology
• Nenagh Rd, Thurles
• Co. Tipperary
• Ireland
• Contact
• Email: info@qualibuild.ie
• Web: www.qualibuild.ie
• elisabeth.obrien@lit.ie
• Seamus.hoyne@lit.ie
http://www.qualibuild.ie/resources/project-information/