(L-R) Damian Cassidy, Head of Asset Management at Connexus, Stuart Raine, Curriculum Director for Construction at Shrewsbury Colleges Group, Marcus Ayling, Project Manager at Marches Education Agency and Chris Hesketh, Curriculum Manager for Plumbing and Electrical at Shrewsbury Colleges Group.
College partners with Marches Energy Agency and Connexus for Hands-On Retrofit TrainingShrewsbury Colleges Group (SCG) is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Marches Energy Agency and rural housing provider Connexus to provide a unique learning opportunity for its construction students.
Shrewsbury Colleges Group (SCG) is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Marches Energy Agency and rural housing provider Connexus to provide a unique learning opportunity for its construction students. The collaboration will focus on retrofitting an empty bungalow in Shawbury into a home fit for the future as well as offering students invaluable hands-on experience in sustainable construction techniques.
Retrofit refers to the improvement of a building’s energy efficiency and carbon footprint. As the demand for energy-efficient housing solutions grows, this initiative presents a timely and practical approach to equipping the next generation of construction professionals with essential retrofit skills. Under expert supervision, students will gain first-hand knowledge of energy-saving measures, insulation improvements, and low-carbon technologies, contributing to the national drive for more sustainable housing.
Stuart Raine, Curriculum Director for Construction at SCG, said:
“This project is perfect for our students to gain the vital hands-on experience they will need to meet the evolving demands of retrofitting our housing stock by working alongside industry professionals from Connexus and the energy efficiency specialists at Marches Energy Agency. They are going to have access to a whole range of trades and skills, including enhanced insulation, energy-efficient heating systems, and a whole host of other measures designed to improve thermal performance and reduce carbon emissions”.
Marcus Ayling of Marches Energy Agency (MEA) said:
“We’re really excited about the project, it’s such a great opportunity for valuable learning for all our partners in the project, not just the students. We will be offering regular Open Days to show our progress towards an energy-efficient home, as well as providing videos and webinars along the way.
A huge vote of thanks to Connexus for the property and to the Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme for funding this project.
There’s a vast amount of work to do to our housing stock in the UK. We have some of the oldest, draughtiest and dampest homes in Europe. But with a well-trained workforce with the right skills and experience, every home can be cosy, healthy, and cheap and green to run”.
Damian Cassidy, Head of Asset Management at Connexus said:
“We’re delighted to be part of this important project. We work hard to make energy-efficient improvements to our homes, making them warmer and cheaper to live in. With technology constantly evolving, it’s great to be working with the experts at MEA, as well as facilitating a learning environment for the future green workforce.”
Corinne Brown, Business Development Manager at SCG said:
“This partnership marks an important step in addressing the growing need for skilled professionals in sustainable construction. We are firm believers in collaborating with industry to enhance our student’s experience and so this retrofit project in Shawbury is a perfect model as we continue to focus on skills for energy efficiency and green building practices”.