hi all,
I'm interested on the availability of courses that will lead to accreditation with licensed bodies. Courses that will give trades people the requisite knowledge and skills to recommend and install to primarily domestic properties, on the following subjects:

a/ building air tightness
b/ventilation (natural and mechanical...air source pumps)
c/ energy control systems
d/ combined heat and power
e/ ground source heat pumps
f/ solar thermal systems
g/ rainwater harvesting systems
h/ living roofs
i/ grey water management
j/ on site black water treatment
k/ sustainable drainage (SUDS)

sorry the list is a bit extensive!
I didn't mention photovoltaics as I'm aware of the city and guilds 2372 course and I'm not really bothered about wind as this does not seem effective on the small scale.

your collective help on this matter would be of considerable assistance. I am a lecturer for a construction college who has been asked to research what courses are available within these areas. My bosses have finally realised (after MUCH badgering) that we need to get serious about training for the fledgling business of retro fitting existing housing stock.

The more info you can give me the more likely I am to invite you all out for beer and curry

Here's a quick cut&paste of the NICEIC requirements for MCS accreditation for solar thermal:

Competence
All individuals involved within the process must be competent, however not all must be
competent in every work activity. The role of the Quality Supervisor is to oversee the
process and ensure that all activities are conducted safely and that the work produced
adheres to the quality required and all aspects of the work are compliant with the
relevant Standards, Building Regulations and manufacturer’s instructions.
We have identified suitable competences below that if met should allow successful
registration:
- NVQ level 2 plumbing or H&V (Domestic) or equivalent
- Part P for electrical works*
- Unvented Hot Water Competence
- Water Regulations Competence
- Energy Efficiency Competence
- Recognised Solar system design and installation course**

* Only required if the enterprise conducts the electrical work, details of competence of
installers undertaking this work will need to be demonstrated.

** All current courses available, have been submitted to Summit Skills for compliance
with the National Occupational Standards, Inspectors should review information provided
and make a fair decision on suitability.

Health and Safety
- Working at Heights
- Manual Handling
- CoSHH

There are a number of Health and Safety courses currently available, those currently
accepted by NICEIC are:
- NICEIC Group Issued Certificates
- PASMA
- IOSH
- NEBOSH

If the enterprise has different competences demonstrating the Health and Safety training
provided, details may be submitted including full criteria covered along with scope of
assessment for independent verification. (Additional cost may be incurred.)

thanks for that Ted and James. It really does seem that this is early days.

The NICEIC seem to be creating their own courses to fall in line with the MCS etc.

Looks like I've got a lot of work ahead if we are going to do similar.