Retrofit (Airtightness and Active Moisture Management) - Level 2 Award

Essentials

Duration: 2 Days Part-time
Start date: 20th November 2026
End date: 27th November 2026
Day: Friday

Course Content

This qualification is delivered through a combination of interactive theory sessions and hands-on practical workshops, providing learners with both an awareness knowledge and the skills required to work confidently in the growing retrofit sector.

As Northern Ireland progresses toward its legally binding Net Zero targets, this qualification supports the construction workforce in understanding and applying the principles of whole-house retrofit in line with industry standards such as PAS 2035.

Learners will take part in practical sessions within NRC’s construction workshop, focusing on key skills such as airtightness installation and moisture management, essential for delivering high-quality, energy-efficient retrofit projects.

The course also helps employers meet social value criteria in public sector tenders by ensuring their workforce is trained in current best practice.

What You Will Learn

The Retrofit Awareness course covers the following key areas through a mix of classroom learning and hands-on practical activities:

Safe Working Practices

• Key health and safety legislation and its relevance to retrofit
• Risk assessments and control measures
• Consequences of poor safety compliance

Benefits of PAS 2035

• Why PAS 2035 matters for energy efficiency and occupant wellbeing
• Types of retrofit upgrades: insulation, windows, heat pumps, solar panels
• Different retrofit strategies (maintenance, renovation, refurbishment)

Impact of PAS 2035

• Roles and responsibilities within retrofit projects (e.g., coordinator, assessor, designer)
• Recognising and addressing common property defects
• Quality assurance and compliance

Practical Sessions in the NRC Construction Workshop

• Demonstrations and hands-on tasks exploring airtightness techniques
• Understanding and managing moisture and ventilation in retrofit settings
• Using real tools and materials to apply safe and efficient retrofit methods

Funding Support

This course is funded for employers with fewer than 250 employees under the Skills Focus programmes. NRC can support with the registration process and funding eligibility.  Contact business.engagement@nrc.ac.uk for further information.

Course Aims

This course is ideal for:

• Construction workers and apprentices
• Retrofit contractors and project managers
• Housing association or council staff
• Employers seeking to upskill staff for public sector tenders

Special Features

The two days of attendance are Friday 20th and Friday 27th November.

Assessment Methods

Learners complete a written assessment consisting of short answer questions. This is a closed-book, invigilated assessment, and is marked internally. A City & Guilds certificate is awarded upon successful completion.

Course Update

NI Business Organisations with 250 or less employees may be eligible for the 90% Skills Focus discount.

Course fee via Skills Focus – Cost to the Employer £25

• No formal qualifications required.
• You must be 16 years of age or above and working in or aspiring to join the construction sector

On completion students can progress to other Level 2 and 3 retrofit and construction related programmes.