Headline:

A flexible learning solution to bring green technologies to your organisation.

Summary

We offer four Level 3 EAL courses on the installation and maintenance of small-scale renewable energy and water systems. Learners undertaking a course should have already completed a level 2 plumbing or electrician qualification. These courses offer them a chance to up-skill and address these emerging markets. The courses are offered as blended learning and they contain online theory modules – taking advantage of modern learning techniques – and practical sessions lead by the college.

What is involved?

The courses themselves are hosted by the NEF on a Moodle virtual learning environment, which is able to blend a number of learning techniques including online presentations, tutorials, assessments, videos and peer-to-peer learning through chat-rooms and forums. This Moodle environment is the access point for the learner and the college lecturer but is fully customisable by the latter to suit their teaching style and/or to upload additional materials of interest.

All students will take Module 1. Modules 2 to 4 are specific to one of the four courses.

Module 1. The fundamental principles and requirements of environmental technology systems

This is an introductory course that introduces a range of technologies such as solar thermal, solar photovoltaics, heat pumps, micro wind and hydro generation, CHP and water re-use and harvesting. Also discussed are current regulations, incentives and site selection issues. This module is the prerequisite for each of the 4 EAL courses that are included our e-learning package. It may also be of interest for staff members that wish to gain a broad overview of the issues and technologies involved in micro-generation.

Module 2. Installation and maintenance of small scale photovoltaic systems

The module is split into two main topics: installation, commission and handover of small scale solar photovoltaic systems and inspection, service and maintenance of small scale solar photovoltaic systems.

Module 3. Installation and maintenance of solar thermal hot water systems

The module is split into two main topics: installation, commission and handover of solar thermal hot water systems and inspection, service and maintenance of solar thermal hot water systems.

Module 4. Installation and maintenance of heat pump systems (non-refrigerant circuits)

The module is split into two main topics: installation, commission and handover of heat pump systems (non-refrigerant circuits) and inspection, service and maintenance of heat pump systems (non-refrigerant circuits). The term non-refrigerant circuits refers to type of heat pump, such as ground source or air source heat pumps – ie those that do not use a refrigerant.

Module 5. Installation and maintenance of water harvesting and re-use systems

The module is split into two main topics: installation, commission and handover of water harvesting and re-use systems and inspection, service and maintenance of water harvesting and re-use systems.

The course material will be available online and will also include an online framework for course participation including submission of assignments, grading, and student discussions.

We recommend that the time allocated to the practical side should be around 22 hours so that each course has covers approximately 95 hours of guided learning.