Installer Training
All registered installers must undertake appropriate and accredited training. To make this possible, SEAI in conjunction with the Renewable Energy Installer Academy (REIA) has developed training courses for each technology. These courses are FETAC accredited.
Currently throughout Ireland there are a number of course providers offering renewable energy training courses.
REIA
REIA offer accredited courses in the following locations;
- Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT), Dundalk
- North West Regional College, Derry
- South Eastern Regional College, Downpatrick and Lisburn
- South West College, Omagh
Note: Only the courses offered by DKIT are FETAC accredited. The courses in Northern Ireland are accredited by BPEC. In addition to successfully passing the BPEC courses, installers must be registered with the REIA to be eligible for inclusion on the Greener Homes Installer List. This is also the case for installers who have successfully completed the BPEC courses in other jurisdictions.
The minimum entry requirement for the REIA courses is a National Craft Certificate in a relevant trade (Electrical, Plumbing or Fitting) or a Level 6 qualification in a related area such as Building Services, G.I.D. etc.
You can contact REIA at www.reinstalleracademy.org for full information regarding course details, requirements and schedules.
FÁS
FÁS are running all three courses in their training centres in Ballyfermot, Dublin and Bishopstown, Cork.
Contact details: Ballyfermot: 01 6055900. Bishopstown: 021 4856200
FÁS will only accept a National Craft Certificate in a relevant trade or a level 6 qualification in a related area such as building services, GID etc.
FÁS also have a process whereby prior learning can be recognised (e.g. AnCO qualifications), leading to an award of a National Craft Certificate. This is called, ‘Service to Business’ and a list of centres providing this service are available at http://www.fas.ie/en/Employer/One+Step+Up/Contact+F%C3%81S/default.htm
Also check the Installer FAQ’s on the Greener homes website for more information on eligibility for the Fás courses.
METAC / Renewable Energy Skills
The Midland Energy Training and Assessment Centre (METAC) in conjunction with Renewable Energy Skills are accredited by FETAC and provide the Renewable Energy Installer Training courses. Installers who may have completed training courses at METAC / Renewable Energy Skills prior to November 2007 should contact the course provider to enable validation of their training.
METAC Assessment: METAC are qualified assessors such that they can determine from the installer’s prior training (including Gas and Oil installer training), or their previous experience whether an installer is qualified to take the course. METAC can be contacted at www.metac.ie and Renewable Energy Skills can be contacted at www.renewableenergy.ie
Chevron Training
Chevron Training is offering courses in Solar, Heat Pump and Biomass in Tipperary.
Chevron also offers Solar and Biomass training in Skibbereen, Co Cork.
Contact details: 1890 252755, www.chevrontraining.ie/renew
Cork Institute of Technology
Cork Institute of Technology are offering courses in both Solar and Biomass on the Bishopstown Campus, Cork.
Contact details: (021) 4326 203
CMSE Training
CMSE are offering courses in Solar, Heat Pump and Biomass in Tipperary.
Contact details: 021 437 5021, http://www.cmse.ie/energy
Galway Mayo Institute of Technology
Galway Mayo Institute of Technology are offering courses in Solar Thermal Energy and Heat Pump in the Dublin Road Campus, Galway.
Contact details: Lifelong Learning Department (091) 742 145
