Welcome to GRASP The Green Accelerator Skills Programme
Welcome to the very first edition of the GRASP Newsletter!
We’re excited to introduce you to GRASP, the Green Accelerator Skills Programme, a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
GRASP is all about building a more sustainable construction industry while upskilling over 2,000 people across the border counties of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Our mission is to equip individuals and businesses with the green skills needed for the future, while also breaking down barriers for women and underrepresented groups to enter and thrive in the construction sector.
Over the coming months, this newsletter will keep you updated on our latest training opportunities, upcoming events, partner highlights, and success stories from across the programme.
Together, we’re shaping a greener, more inclusive construction future, one skill at a time.
Stay tuned,
The GRASP Team
GRASP Launches at Crest Centre
GRASP officially launched in June 2025 at the Crest Centre in Enniskillen, marking a major milestone in tackling the green skills shortage within the cross-border construction sector.
The launch brought together a diverse network of partners across nine counties, lead Partner South West College (SWC), Southern Regional College (SRC), North West Regional College (NWRC), Irish Central Border Area Network (ICBAN), Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB), Donegal Education and Training Board (DETB), Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB), Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and Future Cast.
Speakers included Permanent Secretary Ian Snowden, Department for the Economy; Marian Harkin TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills); Gina McIntyre, SEUPB Chief Executive; and Celine McCartan, SWC Principal and Chief Executive.
This launch represents the start of an ambitious programme to upskill the workforce and drive innovation towards a net-zero future.
Partnering for Progress: GRASP Industry Advisory Board
The first GRASP Industry Advisory Board meeting took place in September, which marked a significant milestone in shaping the future of green skills within the construction sector.
Bringing together key stakeholders from industry, education, and policy, the session focused on aligning training programs with real-world needs to support the transition to sustainable practices. Members shared insights on emerging trends, workforce challenges, and opportunities for collaboration, setting the foundation for a strong partnership that will guide GRASP’s initiatives and ensure they deliver maximum impact for businesses and learners alike.
Join the GRASP Industry Advisory Board
Help shape the future of green skills in construction. By joining, you’ll have a voice in developing training that meets real industry needs, influence workforce sustainability, and connect with like-minded leaders driving change.
Contact laura.owens@swc.ac.uk for more information.
GRASP kicks off with PassiveHaus Designer Course
In September GRASP officially commenced our first training course in Enniskillen with 12 professionals from across a mix of industries beginning the PassivHaus Designer course with lead partner South West College. This marked an important milestone in the delivery of the GRASP initiative, which is tackling the green skills shortage in the cross-border construction sector by providing cutting-edge training in sustainable building practices.
Speaking at the course launch, Siobhan Ferguson, GRASP Programme Development and Delivery Manager at South West College, said:
“We are delighted to see the first GRASP course underway. This is the start of an ambitious programme that will upskill professionals and businesses across the sector. The enthusiasm and diversity of participants in this first cohort demonstrate the demand for green skills and the potential for real impact on both sides of the border.”
GRASP Helps Inspires Next Generation of Green Construction Professionals
GRASP continues its mission to promote sustainable construction careers through our Schools Outreach Programme, running an engaging workshop where students from four different secondary schools explored the skills and technologies driving the green transition in the construction industry.
Delivered by South West College Development Officer Denise Hyndman and co-delivered with Dave O’Hara of Future Cast to over 400 students in the last few months, the workshop aimed to introduce young people to the latest sustainable practices and technologies and inspire the next generation of construction professionals who will lead the way towards a net-zero future.
The interactive sessions gave students a first-hand look at the future of construction. Activities included using virtual reality (VR) headsets to explore sustainable building environments, taking on the ‘Spaghetti Tower Challenge’ to encourage teamwork and problem-solving skills, and engaging in lively discussions around green careers and emerging opportunities in the construction sector.
Teachers praised the workshop for opening students’ eyes to new career possibilities, noting how hands-on activities and discussions highlighted the importance of technology and sustainability in shaping the construction industry.
The programme has underscored the importance of collaboration between education and industry in building a skilled, environmentally aware workforce. As the construction sector embraces new technologies and sustainable practices, initiatives like the schools outreach programme ensure today’s students are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to thrive in the green economy.
Building Blocks of Knowledge
What is a photovoltaic system and how does it work?
A photovoltaic system is a special electrical system that produces energy from a renewable and inexhaustible source: the sun!
Solar panels, also called PV panels, contain cells that capture sunlight and turn it into electricity. These cells are made from a special material called a semiconductor. When sunlight hits the cells, it knocks electrons loose, allowing them to flow and create an electric current. This process works like a battery, with positive and negative sides creating voltage.
New Year, New Skills!
Ready to boost your career with green skills?
GRASP is offering a range of cutting-edge courses in the new year, from Photovoltaic Systems to Retrofitting. Whether you’re looking to upskill or future-proof your expertise in sustainable construction, these courses are designed to help you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
Spaces are limited - apply now via the provider website and start your journey toward a greener future!
Contact laura.owens@swc.ac.uk for more information!
