“We always understood what we had to do and how we would progress.” – Fiona’s story
When Fiona was looking for ways to stay productive during a period of unemployment, she came across Groundwork’s sustainability initiatives online. After contacting our Employment and Wellbeing Senior Trainer, Karin, to ask about our Green Doctor scheme, Fiona was introduced to our Retrofit Awareness course instead. The course provided an opportunity to help her gain new skills and confidence while exploring future career pathways in construction.
Fiona joined the March cohort of the Retrofit Awareness programme and recently completed the 7-week course, gaining a Level 2 City & Guilds Award qualification while learning about retrofit processes, industry standards, and opportunities within the growing green construction sector.
Learning Technical Knowledge and Employability Skills
Fiona enrolled on the course hoping to build her understanding of retrofit and construction practices, particularly around:
- Appropriate retrofit measures for different types of housing
- Health and safety within construction
- Skills and knowledge that could strengthen her CV and future job prospects
Alongside the technical learning, Fiona valued having a structured and supportive environment during a time when she wanted to remain engaged and continue developing professionally.
“I wanted to use the time to learn new skills and enhance my CV.”
A Supportive and Well-Structured Experience
One of the standout aspects of the course for Fiona was the welcoming atmosphere and clear structure throughout the programme.
“The structure and organisation of the course was really clear, we always understood what we had to do and how we would progress.”
She also highlighted the positive learning environment created by the tutors and facilitators, who helped participants feel included and supported throughout the programme.
“Everyone facilitating made us feel welcome and kept us together as a group.”
Looking Ahead
Since completing the course, Fiona has been actively applying for work and has already found the experience useful when attending interviews.
The knowledge and examples gained through the programme have helped her speak confidently about transferable skills, sustainability, and the future of construction.
“The course has been valuable for interview examples and talking about skills or examples.”
Recommending Retrofit Careers
Fiona strongly recommends the Retrofit Awareness course to others interested in construction and green careers.
She believes the retrofit sector will play a major role in the future of the construction industry, and sees the course as an excellent introduction for anyone wanting to understand emerging green technologies and opportunities.
“Green technology is going to be vital to construction going forward, so everything we learnt is important to know.”
She also praised the wider support available through the programme, including signposting to additional learning opportunities such as Carbon Literacy training and connections with employers in the construction sector.
“Groundwork understand this sector and can signpost on to other important things to know about.”