Welcome to the second edition of the GRASP Newsletter.
Over the past few months, GRASP has been hard at work expanding and delivering a wide range of courses designed to support green skills development, boost employability, and respond to the needs of industry. Our course delivery has continued to grow, reaching more learners, strengthening partnerships, and opening new opportunities across the region.
In this issue, we’re sharing updates from our ongoing course provision, highlights from recent cohorts, and a first look at what’s planned for the months ahead. Whether you’re a learner, partner, or organisation, your involvement and support make this work possible, and we’re excited to continue building on this momentum together.
Stay tuned,
The GRASP Team
GRASP Website Now Live!
We’re excited to announce that the brand‑new GRASP website has officially launched!
This new online hub brings together everything you need to know about GRASP, from programme information and training opportunities to support resources and upcoming events.
Visit the site now and explore!
We’d love to hear your feedback! Feel free to share your thoughts, suggestions, or anything you’d like to see added in future updates!
Building Blocks of Knowledge
What is a Building Energy Rating (BER) and how does it benefit you?
A Building Energy Rating (BER) measures how energy efficient a home is, using a scale from A to G, with A-rated homes performing best.
A strong BER means a home stays warmer for longer, produces lower energy bills, and has reduced carbon emissions. The rating is calculated based on the building’s energy use for heating, hot water, ventilation, and lighting, excluding everyday appliances.
GRASP Continues to Build Industry Relationships with the Industry Advisory Board
Advancing Green Skills Through Industry‑Led Collaboration
Following the successful inaugural meeting in September, the second GRASP Industry Advisory Board meeting marked an important step in progressing the programme’s work to strengthen green skills within the construction sector. Hosted by North West Regional College in Derry, the session brought together representatives from industry, education, and policy to reflect on developments to date and agree next priorities.
Discussions focused on emerging skills needs, workforce challenges, and opportunities to deepen collaboration, ensuring GRASP initiatives remain responsive, industry-led, and aligned with the transition to sustainable construction practices for the benefit of employers 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. Our next board meeting will be held in September 2026.
Contact laura.owens@swc.ac.uk for more information.
Women into Construction Academies Launched
GRASP Initiative Begins with First Academies Delivered at North West Regional College
In April the Women into Construction Academies were successfully launched as a GRASP‑wide programme, aimed at supporting more women to enter and progress within the construction sector. The initial rollout of the programme was delivered through North West Regional College, marking an important first step in wider regional delivery.
The academies have been developed to remove barriers and challenge traditional perceptions of construction by offering hands‑on experience, practical skills training, and insight into the broad range of career opportunities available across the industry.
The programme provides a supportive and inclusive environment for women who are new to construction or considering a career change.
Participants benefit from industry‑focused training and clear progression pathways into further learning, apprenticeships, and employment. A key focus of the academies is building confidence, increasing awareness, and responding to current and future skills needs within the construction sector.
The launch of the Women into Construction Academies represents a significant milestone in GRASP’s commitment to equality, widening participation, and workforce development, with plans to build on this initial delivery and expand the programme going forward.
GRASP Courses This Summer
Your Next Step with GRASP Starts Here.
We're pleased to share that several new GRASP courses will be rolling out over the next few months, offering practical, accessible training for learners at every stage.
Spaces are limited - apply now via our website and start your journey toward a greener future!
