At VOR, we believe in investing in talent, and Tiffany Cheung is a prime example of how passion, training, and support can create a thriving career in retrofit. From a background in science to becoming a qualified Graduate Retrofit Energy Assessor, Tiffany’s journey is a testament to growth, sustainability, and making a real impact.
A Journey into Retrofit
Tiffany’s academic background started in sciences, including a master’s in sustainable development, which sparked her interest in the built environment.
“I knew I wanted to make a real impact, both for the environment and for people’s lives. When I came across VOR, their focus on energy efficiency and improving social housing immediately resonated with me.”
Her role at VOR allows her to apply her diverse skills in energy modelling and retrofit assessment, overseeing projects from start to finish. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see tangible improvements in residents’ living conditions, especially when tackling fuel poverty.”
Becoming a Qualified Graduate Retrofit Energy Assessor
To expand her expertise, Tiffany completed the Level 5 Retrofit Coordination course through Energy Trust. The course, provided a comprehensive understanding of the retrofit process.
Her day-to-day work now includes energy modelling, document collation for lodgements, and medium-term improvement planning. “I enjoy the data-driven aspect of retrofit, it’s satisfying to have measurable proof of our impact, from cost savings to carbon reductions.”
Training and Development at VOR
Tiffany credits VOR for its role in her professional growth, saying, “VOR has been incredibly proactive in helping me build my skills. They sponsored my qualification as a Retrofit Coordinator and provided access to additional training, resources, and mentorship.”
She highlights the supportive and collaborative nature of VOR’s company culture. “The team genuinely cares about your success. Whether it’s answering questions, sharing ideas, or working together on complex projects, there’s always someone willing to help.”
Tiffany joined VOR in December 2023, drawn in by the company’s clear commitment to training and development. “From day one, there was a structured plan for my growth. When I did my first assessment, Jordan guided me, and Phil took me along to client meetings. VOR continuously checks in on my progress, which I find rare in my experience.”
She also values the ethical approach VOR takes.
“We always prioritise what’s best for residents, even beyond PAS requirements. If moisture issues arise, we advocate for proper ventilation strategies to ensure long-term benefits for occupants.”
Women in Retrofit: A Supportive Environment
While construction and retrofit can be male-dominated fields, Tiffany has felt respected and supported at VOR. “Externally, there may be moments where I feel more conscious of being a young woman, but within VOR, my voice is always valued. Craig, in particular, has been incredibly supportive in making sure I feel confident in my role.”
She also appreciates the value VOR places on growth and innovation. “Everyone is encouraged to bring their ideas to the table, which fosters creativity and makes you feel like your contributions matter.”
Advice for Those Entering Retrofit
For anyone considering a career in retrofit, Tiffany highlights the growing demand for skilled professionals. “If you have an architecture background, you can move into design. If you want to become an assessor, you’ll need to qualify as a Domestic Energy Assessor and complete the Retrofit Assessment course. A company like VOR is a great place to start because of the structured training and support.”
Looking Ahead
Tiffany aims to deepen her technical knowledge, particularly in complex energy modelling, and build her confidence in advising clients. “Sometimes, I’m aware of how I compare to others in the industry. With more experience, I want to become even more assured in my expertise. I might even explore the design side, given my architectural background.”
Tiffany’s journey showcases the exciting and meaningful career paths within retrofit. With a combination of expertise, ethical commitment, and a drive for sustainability, she’s helping to shape the future of energy-efficient homes – one project at a time. has offered a really supportive environment, and I’ve grown so much as a professional. I’m excited for what’s ahead, and I feel like this is just the beginning.”
