Certificate in Training in Low Energy Buildings: Module 4 – Pedagogical Approaches

In 2012, the EU funded Build UP Skills Ireland Project (BUSI) undertook a skills gap analysis of the construction sector in relation to the implementation of low energy buildings. A key conclusion of this gap analysis was that all building construction workers require some level of training on the underpinning principles of low energy buildings. The gap that was identified was one of knowledge, rather than core technical skills, and the need for attitudinal change in the Irish construction industry. Low energy buildings require close attention to detail and specification along with a collaborative approach by all involved in the construction process. This is inconsistent with the traditional ethos of the sector. The BUSI project produced a national Roadmap outlining training and supporting actions to address the gaps in the knowledge and skills of building construction workers. As a first step, the roadmap recommended the development and delivery of a Foundation Energy Skills (FES) training programme for all workers. QualiBuild, the follow-on project from BUSI, has developed this training with a view to delivery as a national pilot scheme. The aim of the programme is to increase the learner‘s knowledge of principles and practices applied to the construction/retrofitting of low energy/near zero buildings. This improved knowledge will allow such workers apply their existing skills so that relevant energy efficient standards are achieved. The FES programme is also intended as an awareness raising exercise, emphasising the need for collaboration onsite between personnel, i.e. a ‗systems thinking‘ approach, which is required for successful implementation of low energy buildings. It will also challenge existing attitudes and culture of building workers by highlighting the relationship between quality in workmanship and the achievement of standards. The training of construction workers in Ireland traditionally follows a typically behaviourist approach to learning, i.e. behaviours can be measured, trained and changed. A number of skills are taught onsite through informal instruction and experiential learning. For formal skills training, a standards based system (SBS) of apprenticeship is currently in operation, officially introduced in 1994 to replace an existing time served model. For the FES programme, the challenge is to address both technical knowledge gaps and attitudinal change. This will require a shift from traditional models of construction training towards a more learner centred approach, emphasising learning outcomes beyond the acquisition of technical skills and competencies and into shared knowledge and experiences in communities of practice. This is the fourth and final module of the Certificate in Training in Low Energy Buildings programme (Figure 0.1). It is intended to build on the learning from the previous contextual and technical modules by preparing trainers for the specific delivery methodologies to be used under the FES programme.