To enhance knowledge and understanding of energy efficiency and fuel poverty
Over the coming year NEA will work on the following projects to ensure continued professional development of individuals working within the sector, providing nationally accredited and bespoke training opportunities and insuring that organisations and agencies working with vulnerable households are able to offer comprehensive fuel poverty advice.
Fuel debt training
NEA, with funding from the EDF Energy Trust, will be delivering further fuel debt training courses in the London, South East and South West areas. The training will cover numerous issues including the causes of fuel debt; payment options; help available from energy suppliers for fuel poor customers such as social tariffs and grant assistance; and how to switch suppliers.Maintaining training infrastructure
NEA, with the support of DECC, will ensure that relevant training courses are targeted and available for agencies working in the energy efficiency and low carbon sectors, reflecting the needs of the fuel poor and able to pay alike. This in turn will ensure that key delivery agencies have the skills, knowledge and confidence to deliver Government priorities regarding Green Deal, ECO, Carbon Reduction and Smart Metering.Transition to e-learning
Government initiatives such as the Green Deal are increasing interest in energy efficiency and fuel poverty as a career path, meaning that more modern methods of delivery and assessment are required. In order to meet this demand, DECC is funding NEA to develop an online training and assessment framework.Quality assurance in training and examinations
NEA will maintain the quality of its training and examinations by operating a Quality Management System (QMS) accredited to ISO9000. This will ensure that participants are enabled to give accurate and expert advice on fuel poverty and energy efficiency.Community Energy Fit
This 18-month project will involve working with E.ON to reduce fuel poverty in six localities in England through a sustainable partnership approach, engaging existing community networks and organisations and leading to increased employability. By December 2012, 1000 community energy champions will have been trained to deliver energy efficiency advice to their local communities, with an additional hardship fund and community grant made available to further reduce fuel poverty in those areas.Keep Well This Winter training
With funding from Age Cymru, NEA Cymru is training 200 anyone who has regular contact with older people and who can pass on information and advice, for example through local community groups, voluntary organisations, Residents and Tenants Associations, Care Groups, Health, Social Care & Housing Officers, Disability Action Groups. The aim of this project is to make homes warmer and healthier to live in and help older people stay warm and well this winter.Identifying householders in fuel poverty and provide advice on energy awareness
NEA Cymru are delivering one day training courses on the benefits and ways of insulating cavity and solid walls; the benefits of renewable heating technologies; identifying causes of condensation & dampness; and The Welsh Assembly Government's NEST Scheme. This training is being provided for community groups, voluntary organisations, Residents and Tenants Associations, Care Groups, Health, Social Care & Housing Officers, Disability Action Groups.