Engineers Journal / News

Government welcomes report on future skills needs for transition to modern methods of construction

Tuesday 20 August 2024

The government has welcomed the publication from the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) on the skills needed to support the transition to Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) in the coming decade.

The report, entitled 'Skills for Modern Methods of Construction – An Assessment of the Current and Future Skills Requirements for the Transition to Modern Methods of Construction' was carried out by EY for the EGFSN. The study was overseen and guided by an expert Steering Group, chaired by Sarah-Jane Pisciotti from MMC Ireland.

Accelerate delivery of homes

Enterprise minister Peter Burke said: “Access to good quality homes of all types for people with different housing needs is a central pillar of the government’s Housing for All strategy. In order to accelerate the delivery of homes, it is essential that we support innovation in the construction sector, embracing new technologies that boost productivity and improve efficiency.

“MMC, with its range of innovative offsite manufacturing and on-site applications, including modular and panelised building systems and products, enabled by digitalisation, has the ability to significantly reduce the time and resources required to develop new residential units.

“I welcome this report from the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs that identifies the skills gaps that exist within the industry and offers recommendations to address them. Implementing the recommendations in this report will help the construction sector maximise its potential over the coming decade and accelerate the delivery of essential housing. My department will work closely with our colleagues in the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science as they develop an Action Plan as a follow up to today’s report.”

The report highlights the strategic importance of the construction sector as a significant contributor to Ireland's economy. By adopting MMC, the country can stimulate economic growth through increased construction activity and the development of new industries related to prefabrication and modular construction.

Higher education minister Patrick O’Donovan said: “The development of modern methods of construction skills in the construction workforce is one of the essential ways of boosting construction industry innovation and supporting the industry’s capability to deliver on Housing for All and Project Ireland 2040 targets. Modern Methods of Construction will also promote the diversity of career opportunities in the sector, including new and emerging careers, and is expected to lessen the otherwise projected increased labour demand.

Relevant specialist training

“I welcome this report from the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs and my department looks forward to developing a corresponding action plan which will be an important element in ensuring the provision of relevant specialist training for emerging skills requirements in this area.”

Tony Donohoe, chair of the EGFSN, said: “A culture of good quality, sustainable innovation in residential construction through the development of modern methods of construction (MMC) is an important element of increasing housing supply and improving productivity in the sector. This report aims to support the construction sector as it evolves, ensuring that a robust and resilient workforce is available with the appropriate skills to facilitate the transformation.”

“MMC encompasses construction, manufacturing, and data technology skillsets. This will require targeted upskilling opportunities for existing construction workers as their roles evolve and will also involve specialised training offerings for new entrants. These MMC specific skills will also need to be supported by other transversal skills such as complex problem solving, design thinking, team management, and negotiation, so that graduates are equipped with a range of skills to facilitate the successful adoption of MMC methods.”

A total of 28 recommendations have been set out in the report. The EGFSN will work with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science as they lead on the development of an action plan which will take the report’s recommendations and detail how they can be delivered. The EGFSN Secretariat will oversee the implementation of these actions over the next two years.