A record number of enrolments in retrofitting courses were recorded last year in Ireland.

Provisional end of year figures showed there were 6,423 enrolments in the retrofit and Zero Energy Building (NZEB) training courses offered by the national network of Centres of Excellence operated by the Education and Training Boards (ETBs), which is an increase from 4,452 enrolments the previous year.

During 2024, there was also a record 11 percent of female participants accounted for in the enrolments.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O'Donovan, welcomed the number of enrolments.

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"The continuing increase in the number of workers taking advantage of the NZEB and Retrofit upskilling and reskilling courses is hugely positive for reaching the government's Housing for All target of retrofitting 500,000 homes by 2030," he said.

"Adding more people with the necessary skills to carry out retrofitting will help us lower our emissions, as set out under the Climate Action Plan. It also means we can reduce home heating costs for consumers, creating warmer and more comfortable homes.

"My department has worked with SOLAS and the ETBs to create improved models of delivery for these courses, so that it is as easy as possible for anyone looking to upskill or reskill to get the training they need.

"The programmes offered in these Centres of Excellence will appeal to anyone looking to further their careers in green construction."

He continued: "Through our efforts to tackle gender bias in the sector, we have seen an increase in female participation compared to last year, as more opportunities are opened up to everyone.

"This includes off-site manufacturing, planning and design, as well as on-site roles.

"In 2025, we plan to reach even more students and workers and further expand the numbers enrolling in NZEB/ Retrofit training."