Courses
Empowering a greener future through skills and innovation
ATU launches first fully funded green skills programmes for construction professionals across Northern Ireland and the Border Counties.
The construction sector is central to the transition to a low-carbon future, creating growing demand for skills in sustainable construction, digital technologies and resource efficiency. To help meet this challenge, Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has launched its first suite of fully funded (free for eligible learners), accredited online programmes through the Green Accelerator Skills Programme (GRASP).
GRASP is a €9.8 million PEACEPLUS-funded cross-border initiative, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), that brings together education providers and industry partners from across Ireland and Northern Ireland. The programme aims to equip more than 2,000 learners with the green skills needed to support a more sustainable, productive and low-carbon built environment.
ATU will lead more than €1.1 million of programme activity, developing and delivering accredited qualifications while working closely with employers to ensure training reflects the evolving needs of the construction industry.
A major milestone for the University is the launch of Ireland’s first higher education accredited Lean Construction programmes at Yellow Belt and Green Belt level, developed in collaboration with Lean Construction Ireland (LCi). These pioneering Lean training programmes combine internationally recognised Lean principles with higher education accreditation, providing construction professionals with practical skills and knowledge to improve construction productivity, reduce waste, drive continuous improvement and support more sustainable construction practices in the built asset environment.
Designed in collaboration with employers, policy experts and education providers, GRASP courses provide practical, industry-relevant learning that participants can apply immediately in the workplace. All programmes are delivered online, enabling learners to study flexibly from home or work while balancing their professional and personal commitments, without the need for regular travel to campus.
Applications are now open for ATU’s first fully funded (free for eligible learners) GRASP programmes, commencing in September 2026:
- Certificate in Digital Construction Technology (ROI Level 7 / NI Level 5)
- Certificate in Lean Construction – Yellow Belt (ROI Level 7 / NI Level 5)
- Certificate in Lean Construction – Green Belt (ROI Level 7 / NI Level 5)
- Certificate in Circular Economy Principles for the Built Environment (ROI Level 9 / NI Level 7)
Places are limited, and early application is encouraged.
The programmes are available to eligible learners aged 16 years and over who live in, or work for an employer based in, Northern Ireland or the border counties of Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth.
In addition to ATU’s programmes, GRASP will continue to introduce new training opportunities throughout the project’s lifetime, covering areas including domestic retrofit, renewable energy technologies, digital construction and green skills education.
Dr Trevor McSharry, Head of School of the Built Environment at Atlantic Technological University, said:
“This initiative is a wonderful opportunity for ATU to further strengthen its cross-border connections and create new and exciting offerings to help upskill the current workforce in the region for an evolving sector, where sustainability and productivity are becoming more and more important.”
Fionnuala McKenna, Head of Strategic Development, Construction Futures, Northern Ireland, added:
“Access to high-quality, accredited training is vital for maintaining a skilled and competitive construction workforce. Initiatives such as GRASP provide an excellent opportunity for employers and employees to develop the green skills needed to support innovation, productivity and the transition to a more sustainable built environment.”
Richard Fitzpatrick, Chair of Lean Construction Ireland, said:
“Lean Construction Ireland (LCi) is proud to have collaborated with Atlantic Technological University in the development of Ireland’s first higher education accredited Lean Construction Yellow Belt and Green Belt training programmes. By combining internationally recognised Lean principles with academic accreditation, these programmes provide construction professionals with practical skills and knowledge that will help improve construction productivity, reduce waste and support the transition to a more sustainable construction sector. Through GRASP,we are delighted that these programmes will now be accessible to eligible learners across Northern Ireland and the border region, helping to build the capability needed for the industry’s future.“
Barry Neilson OBE, Chief Executive CITB NI – Construction Industry Training Board, Northern Ireland, said:
“The construction industry is a pivotal sector in the drive to a low carbon future. To deliver this we must upskill our existing and future workforce at all levels. The GRASP programme is a key element in achieving this, supporting our industry, and providing access to flexible, no cost, training that will improve our awareness and understanding of the impact our work has on delivering a low-carbon environment. Small individual changes in our delivery methods and practices can have a large impact if we can encourage everyone to make them. That is why these courses, freely available to the industry and delivered in a manner that suits our working practices, are so important.“
Whether you’re looking to upskill, future-proof your business, develop your workforce or gain a recognised qualification, GRASP provides a unique opportunity to access flexible, accredited learning that is fully funded for eligible participants. By investing in today’s green skills, learners will be better equipped to support the construction sector’s transition to a more sustainable and resilient future.
Find out more about ATU’s courses and apply: www.atu.ie/grasp
To learn more about the wider GRASP programme, including all courses and training providers across the partnership, visit www.graspproject.com.
Photo caption: ATU construction students taking part in a practical learning session.
For media enquiries, contact:
Aidan Haughey
Communications Manager
Tel: 086 086 6913
E: aidan.haughey@atu.ie
