Retrofit Energy Efficiency Bootcamp2026-02-23T14:28:02+00:00

Retrofit Boot Camp is founded by:

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Retrofit BOOTCAMP: Become a Qualified Domestic Energy Assessor

Free, intensive training for eligible Londoners aged 19+ to move into high-demand green careers – with a guaranteed job interview on completion.

Funded by the Mayor of London and the Department for Education (Skills for Life).

  • Two accredited Level 3 qualifications
  • 6 weeks intensive training + 4 weeks employment support
  • Blended learning: Croydon classroom & online
  • Designed to fast-track you into paid retrofit roles

What is a Skills Bootcamp?

Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks that help adults build skills local employers need now. They are designed to help you:

  • Move into a new job or sector
  • Progress in your current role
  • Grow your self-employment or business

As part of the Skills Bootcamps for Londoners programme, this course is funded by the Mayor of London and the Department for Education (Skills for Life) and includes a guaranteed job interview or progression opportunity when you complete the Bootcamp.

Who This Course Is For

Eligibility

You may be eligible to apply for this Skills Bootcamp if you:

  • Are aged 19 or over
  • Live in London
  • Have the right to work in the UK
  • Are not currently in full-time education

Eligibility will be confirmed during the application and assessment process.

Ideal for people who are

  • Unemployed and ready to move into work
  • Employed and looking for a career change into green skills
  • Self-employed and wanting to add professional energy assessment services
  • Returning to work and seeking a future-proof career path

Entry requirements

  • Good written and spoken English
  • Basic digital skills and confidence using a laptop (we can support access where needed)

What You Will Learn

Technical skills

  • Produce and explain Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for domestic properties
  • Carry out safe, professional domestic energy assessments in line with industry standards
  • Assess and advise on energy efficiency measures for older and traditional buildings
  • Understand the role of retrofit standards (such as PAS 2030 and PAS 2035) in real projects
  • Interpret building fabric, services and occupancy factors that affect energy performance

Employment & business skills

  • Communicate findings clearly to homeowners, landlords and other professionals
  • Apply self-employment and business skills to start or grow your own practice
  • Manage workload, appointments and client expectations
  • Prepare for interviews and applications in the retrofit and energy efficiency sector

Qualifications You’ll Gain

On successful completion, you will achieve a two-accredited package of qualifications:

Industry-recognised awards

  • NOCN Level 3 Award in Energy Efficiency for Older and Traditional Buildings
  • City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Energy Assessment
  • SFEDI Level 2 Certificate in Self-Employment

These qualifications provide the licences you need to practise as a Domestic Energy Assessor and work professionally in the retrofit and energy efficiency sector.

What this enables you to do

  • Register with government-approved DEA accreditation bodies
  • Legally carry out domestic EPCs for sale or rental of homes
  • Offer paid energy assessment and advisory services
  • Set up or grow your own micro-business in energy efficiency and retrofit

How You Will Learn

Blended learning model

  • Classroom (Croydon): Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays – tutor-led teaching, practical activities and group work
  • Online learning: Mondays and Wednesdays – guided e-learning, knowledge checks and self-study tasks
  • Approximate full-time commitment during the six-week training phase
  • 4 weeks of focused employment support after training

What you’ll need

  • Notebook and pen
  • Laptop or computer (we can provide access if needed)
  • Reliable internet connection for online sessions

You’ll receive full joining instructions, including the venue address and online access details, before your course starts.

Support, Accessibility & Wraparound Help

Learning support

  • Integrated English, Maths and Digital Skills support
  • Named tutor and support staff throughout the programme
  • Help with study skills, assessment preparation and time management

Accessibility

  • We encourage you to tell us about any learning needs, disability or health condition
  • We will discuss reasonable adjustments to help you take part effectively
  • Signposting to information on travel and childcare support where relevant

What Happens After the Bootcamp?

Guaranteed interview & progression

Once you complete the Skills Bootcamp, you will be guaranteed at least one job interview. If you are:

  • Unemployed: you’ll be offered an interview with an employer
  • Self-employed: you can use your new skills to win new clients and contracts
  • Sponsored by your employer: you can expect a new role, responsibilities or progression linked to the training

Typical progression routes

  • Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA)
  • Retrofit Assessor (with further training)
  • Retrofit Coordinator (with advanced qualifications)
  • Roles in surveying, project management, architectural technology or specialist trades

Our employment support team will help you with CVs, interview preparation and connecting with relevant employers.

We work closely with learners and employers to ensure the skills taught on the programme match real job opportunities in London.

Dates

Next cohorts start in November 2025, January 2026, February 2026 and March 2026. Places are limited.

Need More Information?

If you’d like to talk to someone before applying, contact our team:

 

This Skills Bootcamp is delivered by LSDN and funded by the Mayor of London and the Department for Education (Skills for Life). Information is correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
I have additional learning needs or a disability. Can I still apply?2025-11-24T14:42:39+00:00
Yes. We welcome applications from learners with additional needs. Please tell us about any requirements when you apply so we can discuss reasonable adjustments and support options with you.
What kind of job interview will I be guaranteed?2025-11-24T14:41:55+00:00
You will be guaranteed at least one interview for a role related to the skills you’ve developed on the Bootcamp. This may be with an external employer, or, if you’re supported by your current employer, for a new role or responsibilities within your organisation.
How much time do I need to commit each week?2025-11-24T14:39:55+00:00
During the six-week training phase, you should expect a full-time commitment across classroom and online learning, including self-directed study. In the four-week employment support phase, the time commitment is more flexible and focused on applications, interviews and one-to-one support.
Do I need previous experience in construction or energy?2025-11-24T14:39:22+00:00
No. Previous experience can help, but it isn’t essential. We look for motivation, basic English and digital skills, and a commitment to complete the full programme. We will assess your starting point during the application process and provide support where needed.
Is this Skills Bootcamp really free?2025-11-24T14:38:38+00:00
Yes. If you are an eligible Londoner aged 19 or over and you are not being sponsored by your employer, there is no cost to you. Employers who send existing staff on the Bootcamp may be required to make a co-funding co   ntribution in line with government guidance.
How long does it take to complete a retrofit training course?2024-05-17T11:36:12+00:00

A: Course durations vary depending on the level and depth of training. Basic courses might range from 20 to 40 hours of learning, while more comprehensive diplomas could require over 100 hours​

For those interested in entering or advancing in the retrofit industry, these training courses offer valuable qualifications that can open doors to rewarding careers while contributing to environmental sustainability. Always ensure to choose a course that aligns with your career objectives and provides the necessary accreditations for your professional development

Are there funded opportunities available for retrofit training?2024-05-17T11:35:21+00:00

A: Yes, numerous funded opportunities are available, especially from organizations like The Retrofit Academy, which provides over 900 funded places due to substantial government backing. Always check with the training provider for current funding options​. ​ LSDN London Skills & Development Network)​.

What qualifications are needed to start a career in retrofit?2024-05-17T11:33:35+00:00

A: Starting qualifications may include a Level 2 or 3 diploma in retrofit practices, suitable for those new to the construction or energy sectors. Advanced roles may require higher-level diplomas and specific certifications, such as PAS 2035 compliance for retrofit coordinators.

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