New €9.8 million GRASP project launched to tackle Green Skills Shortage in cross-border construction sector

The Green Accelerator Skills Programme (GRASP) - a €9.8 million cross-border initiative designed to address the significant green skills deficit currently present in the cross-border construction sector – has been officially launched.

GRASP is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). The project brings together a diverse network of partners across nine counties, operating from CREST (Centre for Renewable Energy & Sustainable Technology) Enniskillen. Lead Partner South West College (SWC) is working in collaboration with Southern Regional College (SRC), North West Regional College (NWRC), Irish Central Border Area Network (ICBAN), Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB), Donegal Education and Training Board (DETB), Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB), Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and Future Cast.

Key highlights of the GRASP project include:

• Offering approximately 50 funded Green Skills programmes aligned to the specific needs of the Construction Sector. These comprehensive training programmes include areas such as Domestic Retrofit, Passive House Design, Air Source Heat Pump Installation & Maintenance, Photovoltaic Systems Management and Digital Construction Technology.
• Engaging and supporting women interested in the sector, through the development of a Women into Construction Green Skills Academy, with a particular emphasis on upskilling & signposting to new & emerging roles.
• Introducing a Labour Activation Green Skills Academy which aims to meet the demand for labour in the construction industry by reducing some of the barriers to participation amongst key marginalised groups.
• Offering a Household Carbon Literacy Programme which will seek to raise home-owner awareness of how to use technology in a newly constructed or retrofitted houses efficiently to maximise performance while minimising CO₂ emissions & costs.
• Providing a Green Skills Schools Outreach Programme to enable the development of a sustainable talent pipeline to meet the evolving needs of the Construction Sector.

With PEACEPLUS funding of €9,804,982, GRASP will deliver training through online masterclasses and on-site practical workshops. In addition, a specially modified van equipped for heat pump installation and maintenance training will be procured and deployed for use by project partners and other stakeholder across the border region.

GRASP’s cross-border approach will result in a joint Green Skills Training Strategy with the potential to deliver high-quality, accredited training and certifications, leading to greater regulatory compliance, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. In turn, it will contribute to the achievement of ambitious net-zero CO₂ emission targets set for 2030 and 2050.

PEACEPLUS is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and represents a funding partnership between the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive. The programme has been designed to promote peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, and has a total value of €1.14bn.

Commenting on the launch of the €9.8 million Green Accelerator Skills Programme (GRASP), Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD said: “The PEACEPLUS initiative is an investment and enabler, promoting innovative cross-border and cross-community collaboration. The GRASP project is a clear example of that in action in Ireland, bringing together education and training providers from both sides of the border to tackle the Green Skills shortage in the construction sector. This work is essential to ensuring the sustainability of our housing infrastructure, North and South.

"I am also pleased to see the programme’s focus on promoting female participation in construction and exploring new apprenticeship opportunities. Ambitious and inclusive regional development is vital, and I look forward to seeing the long-term impact of this important initiative.”

Speaking at the launch event, Minister of State for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Marian Harkin TD said: “I’m delighted to be here in person to see the progress being made through the PEACEPLUS programme.

"This is a real opportunity for governments on both sides of the border to work together in creative ways that bring real benefits to people, especially those living along the border and in Northern Ireland. But it’s not just about policy; it’s about partnership. Organisations need to come together to develop shared solutions, and that’s exactly what we’re seeing here.

"The focus on developing Green Skills in the construction sector, led by South West College and supported by three ETBs from the West and North-West, North-West Regional College, Southern Regional College and ATU Donegal, is a fantastic example of that.”

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: “Developing green skills is vital to preparing our workforce for the transition to a low-carbon economy.

“Through upskilling and reskilling both current and future workers, the GRASP programme will equip the sector with the expertise needed to drive forward our Net Zero ambitions.

“The programme is an excellent demonstration of how north-south cooperation on skills can tackle shared challenges and deliver long-term, strategic benefits.”

SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “The PEACEPLUS investment in GRASP represents a commitment to upskilling our workforce in the green economy and it is a powerful expression of our shared values: inclusion, innovation, and opportunity for all. GRASP aims to target 2,000 participants and among the initiatives are two Green Skills Academies which will cater towards ‘Women in Construction’ and ‘Labour Activation’.

“Through such projects, we are laying the groundwork for a region that is greener, more resilient, and more inclusive. Each PEACEPLUS project is united by a shared goal: to build a peaceful and prosperous future, one where every person, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. We are proud to support GRASP, because it is about more than skills training. It is about giving people the tools they need to take part in, and help lead, the green transition.”

Celine McCartan Principal and Chief Executive South West College welcomed the official launch of the GRASP project: “The launch of GRASP marks an exciting step forward in building the green workforce our region needs. As lead partner, South West College is proud to work alongside a strong collaborative network to deliver new skills, open up opportunities, and support real progress towards Net Zero.

I want to thank our partners and funders, particularly SEUPB, for their vision and commitment. We look forward to engaging with employers, learners, and communities across the region as we roll out these new programmes – and we invite everyone to get involved and be part of the transition.”