Certificate in Construction Technology QQI Level 5 (5M5010) – Year 1

Advanced Certificate in Architectural Technology and Design QQI Level 6 (6M4989) – Year 2

This course prepares graduates for work or further study in the rapidly-developing field of Renewable Energy and Sustainable Construction. Students on this course will gain fundamental knowledge of Renewable Energy technologies to include Solar Thermal, Biomass, Wind Power and Heat Pumps. Students will also complete Hands-On workshop sessions that give a practical understanding of domestic Sustainable Construction practices, including Passive House methods.

Course Content

Year 1 – QQI Level 5

• Renewable Energy Systems
• Building Construction with a focus on Passive House standards
• Building Services
• Computer Aided Design 2D
• Architectural Drawing
• Communications
• Work Experience
• Mathematics (optional)
• Thermal Insulation Installation

Year 2 – QQI Level 6

• Renewable Technologies
• Physics (Optional)
• Building Information Modelling (BIM)
• Surveying
• Architectural Drawing & Presentation
• Computer Aided Design
• Communications
• Work Experience
• Building Technology
• Design & Environmental Studies

Entry Requirements

Leaving Cert/Applied: Knowledge and interest in the areas of Renewable Energy, Sustainability and Construction would be an advantage. Evidence of drawing or sketching ability would be useful for candidates applying for this course, but this is not a requirement. Mature Students are also welcome.

All VTOS applicants must be over 21 and in receipt of or a dependent of a Social Protection payment for at least 6 months before starting the course. Participation in a CE or FAS scheme counts in the calculation of six months once you must be in receipt of a relevant Social Protection payment immediately before starting the course. All applicants who present for this course will be given individual guidance by qualified tutors who are in a position to make recommendations as to what courses may suit their learning needs.

Certification

Certificate in Construction Technology QQI Level 5 (5M5010)

Advanced Certificate in Architectural Technology and Design QQI Level 6 (6M4989)

Career Opportunities

This is an area of study that offers excellent career prospects in the expanding building industry. There are employment opportunities in a variety of areas including installation of thermal insulation & CAD technician work with various architectural and engineering companies. Previous experience and existing skills in the building industry are a great asset in finding jobs in this field.
Graduates who choose to progress to degree level can qualify as Building Services Technicians or professional Building Services engineers or Chartered Building Surveyors and can gain employment in the private and public sectors.

Progression

Upon successful completion of the level 5 course students may also progress to our Renewable Energy and Sustainable Construction Level 6 course.

Successful graduates of our level 6 course will have the level of knowledge required to access a wide range of industry training courses in sustainable construction and installation of renewable energy systems.  There are options for progression to further study at degree level.

Degree Level Advanced Entry:

Second year of DIT Building Energy Services Level 7 Degree (DT005).
Second year of the Building Surveying Level 8 Degree in Dundalk Institute of Technology (DK830).
Second year of Architectural Technology Level 7 Degree in Institute of Technology Carlow (CW407).
Students may also apply to related courses in other third level institutions.

Duration

2 years