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
Distance Learning and Online Courses are offered in a number of different formats, these include correspondence courses (by post), online via computer or a combination of online and classroom instruction (blended learning).. 
Further Education and PLCs (Post Leaving Cert Courses) have become a popular alternative to the CAO system here in Ireland. PLC Courses are validated by QQI (Quality & Qualifications Ireland) at levels 5 & 6 of the NFQ.. 
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) helps to keep skills and knowledge up to date and ensures the standard of registrations & qualifications are maintained.. 
Evening courses and part time learning options are a great way to enhance a CV, to socialise and make friends, as well as learn something completely new. There are an abundance of night courses and evening classes available.. 
Ireland has moved from a short-term emergency response approach to a medium-term approach to managing risk and repairing the damage that COVID-19 has inflicted on society. The priority guiding the plan will be to keep schools open, while keeping people safe and protecting communities and the economy.