Job description
Trainee Retrofit Designer – Entry-Level Job in Sustainable Construction
Salary: £25,000–£29,500
Location: NG8 – Nottingham Area
Type: Full-Time | Office-Based | Graduate Opportunity
Are you a recent architecture graduate or a professional with a built environment background looking to break into the fast-growing world of retrofit and sustainable construction? This is an excellent opportunity to start your career in low-carbon building design, working with an experienced team and gaining hands-on industry knowledge in one of the UK’s most in-demand sectors.
We are currently hiring for a Trainee Retrofit Designer to join our team based in NG8. This office-based role is ideal for someone passionate about energy efficiency, green building design, and technical drawing, with strong proficiency in AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite tools like InDesign and Photoshop.
Key Responsibilities:
-
Produce high-quality technical drawings including floor plans and thermal bridging details using AutoCAD.
-
Prioritise workload to align with the scheduled pipeline and coordinate with internal stakeholders, installers and customers.
-
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry standards including PAS 2035, PAS 2030:2023, and RdSAP assessments.
-
Support the development and upkeep of internal retrofit design templates.
-
Assist in planning applications and approvals for domestic retrofit projects under Community Home Solutions.
-
Build and maintain strong working relationships with Local Authority planning teams to support project-specific requirements.
Essential Skills, Experience and Qualifications:
-
Degree in architecture, built environment or a related field
-
Proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe InDesign, and Photoshop
-
Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel
-
Detail-oriented with excellent organisational and time management skills
-
Effective communicator and collaborative team player
-
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure
Desirable Experience:
-
Prior experience in domestic retrofit or application of PAS 2035 guidelines
-
Knowledge of UK housing retrofit standards and energy-efficient building techniques
Benefits:
-
26 days holiday plus bank holidays
-
Health and wellbeing programme
-
Company pension scheme
-
Performance-based bonus
-
Ongoing training and career development opportunities in retrofit design
Why Choose a Career in Retrofit Design?
With the UK government’s commitment to net-zero and the growing demand for green jobs and sustainable housing upgrades, roles in retrofit and energy-efficient construction are more relevant than ever. This is your chance to be at the forefront of the built environment’s transformation and build a career with long-term growth potential.
🤝 Diversity and Inclusion
At SERT, we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those who are:
-
Neurodiverse
-
Ex-forces or ex-offenders
-
Returning to work after a career break
-
Facing barriers to employment
We work closely with partners such as Bridge of Hope Careers to ensure that inclusive hiring is not just a policy, but a practice. Our recruitment and training services are designed to create equal opportunities and a fair, supportive environment for all.
Looking For Something New? Take a Look at SERT's Training Courses.
If you’re interested in expanding your career or transitioning into a new area, SERT offers a range of specialised training courses in electrical, solar, battery, air source heat pumps, and domestic heating. Our training courses are industry-recognised qualifications that could help you explore new career paths in the energy and utilities sectors.
Speak to our team today about enrolling in a course to expand your skills and open new opportunities in growing industries.
