New €9.8 million Green Accelerator Skills Programme (GRASP) project launched to tackle Green Skills Shortage in cross-border construction sector.
On June 10th, 2025, the Green Accelerator Skills Programme (GRASP) was officially launched. This €9.8 million initiative aims to address the green skills deficit in the cross-border construction sector.
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.
GRASP will offer approximately 50 funded Green Skills programmes tailored to the specific needs of the construction sector, including areas such as Domestic Retrofit, Passive House Design, Air Source Heat Pump Installation & Maintenance, Photovoltaic Systems Management, and Digital Construction Technology. The project will also focus on 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 and signposting to new and emerging roles. Additionally, a Labour Activation Green Skills Academy will be introduced to meet the demand for labour in the construction industry by reducing barriers to participation among key marginalized groups. The initiative will also offer a Household Carbon Literacy Programme to raise homeowner awareness of how to use technology in newly constructed or retrofitted houses efficiently, maximizing performance while minimizing CO2 emissions and costs. Furthermore, a Green Skills Schools Outreach Programme will be developed to create 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.
Pictured Above:
Joe McGrath (CMETB, Chair of FET Board), Fiona McGrath (CMETB, Chief Executive), Gina McIntyre (SEUPB, Chief Executive), Celine McCartan (South West College (SWC), Principal & Chief Executive), Sinead McKenna (CMETB, Training Services Manager).
