Coming early 2027. External Wall Insulation is not running yet, and we are not delivering it to schools, employers or groups at this stage. This page is here so employers, learners and commissioners can register early interest — we’ll come back to you as soon as dates are confirmed.
External Wall Insulation Installation — coming early 2027
We’re adding External Wall Insulation (EWI) installation to our trade offer for early 2027, alongside the plastering workshop we are setting up at our new Price Street Business Centre site, to meet the growing demand for retrofit and insulation skills across the region.
This page exists so employers, learners, and commissioners interested in EWI can register early interest. We’ll let you know when applications open.
Why we’re adding EWI
National retrofit and energy-efficiency programmes are driving rapid growth in demand for qualified EWI installers across the North West. As an established plastering training provider with the workshop space, the trade expertise, and the regional employer network, we’re well placed to add EWI delivery.
We’re aiming for first delivery in early 2027, subject to confirming accreditation with an awarding body and the funding routes to support it.
For employers
If you employ plasterers and want to upskill them to EWI Finisher status, we’re developing employer upskilling routes for early 2027 and exploring the funding options that could support them.
Register your interest below and we’ll let you know when applications open. Or visit our Employers page for more on our upskilling offer.
For new entrants to the trade
EWI is a higher-level skill, so it’s aimed at people with existing trade experience rather than first-time learners. If you’re already plastering and want to add EWI to your skill set — or if you’re an experienced tradesperson in an adjacent discipline — register your interest below.
For commissioners and partners
EWI installation is the largest single skills gap in UK retrofit delivery. If you’re commissioning retrofit-related training (either via CITB grants, Skills Bootcamps, AEB, or direct contracts), we’d like to talk to you about adding EWI capacity to the regional offer. Visit our Partners & Commissioners page for our wider delivery profile.
What we expect to teach
Subject to qualification confirmation, the EWI course will cover:
- EWI systems and substrate preparation
- Mechanical fixing and adhesive bonding of insulation boards
- Reinforcement mesh and basecoat application
- Top-coat render application and finishing
- Detailing around openings, junctions, and reveals
- Industry-standard safe-working practices
- Quality control and snagging
Expected entry requirements
Existing trade experience (plastering or adjacent discipline). Reasonable physical fitness — EWI is physical, scaffold-based work. Candidates must be 18 or over.
Register your interest
The simplest way to register interest is to contact us directly:
- Employers: use the Upskilling enquiry form on our Employers page — mention EWI in the message
- Commissioners: contact Brendan Bell directly via the Partners page
- Learners and other enquiries: use the main contact form — mention EWI in the message
We’ll let everyone who’s registered interest know as soon as applications open.
Register your interest
Tell us which trade you’re interested in and where you’re based. We’ll come back with dates, fees, and whether you’re eligible for a funded place.