Ireland's 'centre of excellence' for retrofitting is set for expansion too.
The government will 'move mountains' to ensure an extended retrofitting apprenticeship programme gets up and running in Offaly as soon as possible.
Higher Education Minister Simon Harris is in the county today to turn the sod on a new Demonstration Park for Modern Methods of Construction at the National Construction Training Centre at Mount Lucas.
The next stage will be the appointment of a design team by Laois Offaly ETB to bring the project through the design and planning process. It's expected to open in 2024.
Ireland's first scaffolding apprenticeship is also being unveiled today. 51 people have already registered for the new scaffolding programme, with applications still open.
Heading to Offaly now to announce a new scaffolding apprenticeship & a major expansion to the NZEB/retrofitting training centre at Mount Lucas. A great day for the midlands, for apprenticeships & for construction skills! https://t.co/EqZStRlfEb
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) July 18, 2022
A multi-million euro, 650 square metre expansion of the existing Near Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) training facility, to increase capacity from 2,000 retrofitting apprentices to 4,000.
The flagship programme is the first capital programme in the sector in the country, effectively making it Ireland's centre of excellence for retrofitting training.
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- MOOR29Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas9
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
- Minister Simon Harris visit to Mount Lucas
Minister Simon Harris couldn't confirm a date for the expanded retrofitting programme, but says he is committed increasing numbers in the industry.
He's encouraging more people to get involved, to not only futureproof the industry but their own careers too:
It's all in an effort to increase the number of people working in construction by 51,000 by 2030.
Laois Hotel To Hold Fuel Crisis Meeting This Weekend
Midlands MEP Welcomes European Ban On AI 'Nudification’ Apps
Jadotville Monument Unveiled In Westmeath
LOETB Highlight Importance Of Prisoner Education Programmes
Housing Minister Opens 77 New Social Homes In Offaly
Justice Minister Criticises TDs Speaking Out Against Gardai
Farmers Urge Action From Government Over Dairy Price War
National Lottery Calls On Midlands' Winner To Collect Million Euro Prize
Midlands Hospital Reopening Surgical Ward
Planning Granted For Westmeath Hotel Expansion
Westmeath Town Centre Plan Set For May Day Launch
Midlands Weapons Offences Up 44%
Laois TD Questions 2030 Housing Target
Midlands MEP Challenges EU As Housing Funding Falls Short
Penalty Shootout Heartache Breaks Irish Hearts In Prague
Jadotville Monument Being Unveiled In Westmeath
Childcare Consultations To Take Place Next Month In Midlands
11% Of Tests Cancelled Over New Insurance Rule By RSA
Longford-Westmeath TD Blasts Opposition Over Being Called 'Lackey'
More Supports Needed For Meals On Wheels - Irish Rural Link