Course description

This course is suitable for students who wish to adjust to a changing construction industry by broadening their knowledge base into energy efficient building techniques. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of green building technology with an emphasis on energy, insulation, conservation and sustainable living. Practical skills such as solar/photovoltaic panel installation, retro fitting of domestic buildings, green building technology, energy upgrades and installation of insulation are completed in order to build up the student’s skill capacity in this area. On completion graduates are eligible to progress to construction, architecture and engineering programmes at Third Level or to progress directly into employment.

Entry Requirements
One of the following:

Leaving Certificate
A Level 4 QQI Award
Mature applicants are welcome
For applicants who do not meet the above entry requirements, please contact DFEi

Course Modules

Thermal Insulation Installation
Wood Fabrication
Renewable Energy Systems
Building Construction
Computer Aided Draughting (2D)
Safety and Health at Work
Mathematics
Communications
Work Experience

Certification
Level 5 Award Construction Technology (5M5010)
Safe Pass Certificate

Special Features
Students will take part in a number of field trips throughout their course of study, to various low energy dwellings, to experience first-hand, the application of renewable energy technologies. An educational workshop for example in Cloughjordan Eco Village will provide students with an opportunity to examine how communities are developmg sustainable building strategies.

Specialist Resources include:

Solar and Photovoltaic Panels
Water Heat Exchangers
Exchange Ventilation Unit
Underfloor Heating System
Insulation System

Work Experience
Students will be required to undertake a period work placement in an organisation connected to their vocational area during the academic year. Students are required to source their own work placement but will be assisted in this by the work experience teacher. The work placement is usually for a period of 10 days or a minimum of 60 hours. Students usually find the work experience element of the course to be invaluable and should bear in mind that a successful work placement can sometimes lead to further opportunities.

Additional Information
Assessment
Assessment techniques will be used to assess the knowledge and skills that students will have achieved on successful completion of modules:

Student Record
Collection of Work
Assignments
Examination (Written)
Project
Skills Demonstration

Progression Opportunities
DFEi: Graduates may progress to the Level 6 QQI Advanced Certificate in Architectural Technology and Design at DFEi.
Elsewhere: Graduates are eligible to apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme to a range of higher certificate and degree programmes, at Universities, Institutes of Technology and Technological Universities.

Progression Examples
TU Dublin – City Campus (formerly DIT)

BTech in Timber Product Technology
BEngTech in Civil Engineering
BSc in Construction Management
BEngTech in Building Services Engineering
Bachelor of Architecture

Institute of Technology Carlow

BSc in Construction Building and Services Management
Higher Certificate in Science Construction Technology
BEng in Civil Engineering

Dundalk Institute of Technology

BSc in Construction Technology

Career Paths
Graduates can obtain employment in both the construction and the renewable energy fields completing roles in wind energy, solar power and energy efficiency

Duration
One Year