Greenworks is one of the first merchant training providers to offer trade professionals an EWI (External Wall Insulation) Upskill course, giving existing plasterers and renderers the opportunity to gain an NVQ Level 2 Diploma and reach the minimum standards required for PAS 2030.

The new EWI Upskill course combines practical and classroom-based learning and is open to candidates who already hold existing related trade skills. The course takes place at the Birmingham-based Greenworks Training Academy – the result of investment from Jewson, Graham, Gibbs & Dandy and Minster.

The comprehensive EWI training ensures candidates have the knowledge and skills to carry out pre-site surveys, installation and wet applications. Completion of the course and successful on-site assessment results in the NVQ Level 2 Diploma and the minimum standards required for the PAS 2030 qualification, to ensure companies can take advantage of the Green Deal.

One such company is Taylor Building & Construction, which attended the first course at the Greenworks Training Academy. Company owner Ryan Taylor commented: “Due to the Green Deal coming in, we wanted to get ahead of the game and get our NVQ qualification so we could install EWI. There was a vast skill-set of those taking the course, from renderers to bricklayers and carpenters, which was great in terms of working with other trades. I’ve taken a lot away from the course, which was very good and really informative.”