current project
GRASP
A €9.8 million programme led by South West College, addressing green skills shortages within the cross-border construction sector. GRASP is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
Project Overview
Building the Skills for a Low-Carbon Future
GRASP (Green AcceleratoR Skills Programme), is a €9.8 million transformative cross-border initiative designed to tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing the construction sector today – the urgent need for Green Skills. These skills are essential for delivering sustainable construction practices, retrofitting existing buildings, and meeting ambitious net zero carbon targets across Northern Ireland and Ireland.
Discover more about GRASP’s at their website
Delivered Through Strong Cross-Border Partnerships
The construction sector is at the heart of the climate challenge. In Northern Ireland, residential and public buildings account for 16% of local CO₂ emissions, while in Ireland, the figure is 10% and rising.
GRASP exists to bridge the skills gap that threatens progress toward decarbonisation. By equipping the workforce with the knowledge and expertise to implement low-carbon technologies and sustainable building methods, GRASP aims to accelerate the transition to a greener economy and simultaneously enhance profitability for businesses.
Building the Skills for a Low-Carbon Future
GRASP takes a collaborative, learner-centred approach that empowers individuals to build practical, future-ready skills whether individual professionals, or employers looking to strengthen their workforce. GRASP works closely with employers, training partners and community organisations to ensure every programme is relevant, accessible and aligned with real industry needs e.g. Near Zero Energy Building (NZEB) retrofitting, Heat pump and photovoltaic system installation, Passivhaus design.
Through personal support, flexible learning pathways and hands-on training, GRASP helps participants gain the confidence, qualifications and experience they need to progress towards sustainable employment and growth.
Training is delivered through a hybrid model, combining in-person learning at cutting edge facilities, with online provision for flexibility. GRASP also introduces innovative outreach solutions, including a mobile training unit equipped for on-site skills delivery.
Discover Current CoursesDelivered Through Strong Cross-Border Partnerships
This unique programme, which commenced in April 2025, is being led by South West College (SWC) and delivered through a powerful partnership, bringing together Further Education (FE) Colleges, Education and Training Boards (ETBs); Atlantic Technological University along with Future Cast. ICBAN are the final GRASP Project Partner and are responsible for managing a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation programme, outlining all GRASP Project’s objectives, outputs, outcomes and impacts to measurable indicators and targets, enabling systematic planning, monitoring and evaluation and accountability. This includes the collection, collation and review of all GRASP M&E data to ensure robust reviewing of progress towards project targets, impact measurement, and the identification of any necessary modifications.
To learn more about the programme and the courses on offer to the likes of tradespersons, site managers, or senior decision-makers, visit the project webpage at GRASP | Green Skills for a Sustainable Future
Discover Current Courses
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