Higher education minister Simon Harris has unveiled a new programme to support the industry’s need to upskill in the area of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). 

This new programme, launched with the Construction Professionals Skillnet, in collaboration with Skillnet Ireland and Griffith College, is one of the essential ways of delivering on the government’s Housing for All and Project 2040 targets. 

The new micro-credential in Strategic Co-ordination and Collaboration for Modern Methods of Construction was developed following intensive engagement with industry to identify the key knowledge and skill gaps in the sector when it comes to the use of this developing area of construction.  

The programme is highly practical and ensures that participants acquire the knowledge and develop the necessary skills to effectively deliver an MMC project in Ireland. 

This is the first of a number of micro-credentials being developed by the Construction Professionals Skillnet and covers project critical areas such as project managing with design freeze, commercial relationships and structures, and how to create a collaborative culture.  

Ambitious targets

Minister Harris said: “Modern Methods of Construction is a key component in helping the construction industry meet government’s ambitious targets for housing, as well as the broader commercial requirements of our economy. The development of this new programme will greatly boost Ireland’s Modern Methods of Construction capability and support the delivery of both the National Development Plan and Housing for All strategy.” 

Paul Healy, chief executive, Skillnet Ireland said: “This new programme developed in collaboration with Construction Professionals Skillnet and Griffith College is a major step delivering the capabilities for the roll-out of MMC projects across Ireland. It is also a powerful example of what is possible when we bring industry and higher education together to tackle complex challenges”. 

Tom Parlon, CEO, CIF said: “The Construction Industry Federation welcome the response to industry need that this new programme brings. Upskilling is always important, however it is absolutely critical at the moment in supporting the industry in its response to Government plans.”  

Diarmuid Hegarty, president of Griffith College, said: “Griffith College recently took over the programmes of the Irish Institute of Purchasing and Materials Management, and are delighted to be able to respond to the needs of the construction sector in this area by working with industry partners in developing this programme”.  

Modern Methods of Construction are critical to meet the needs Housing for All, Project Ireland 2040 and National Development Plan and increase the demand for a workforce with the skills and methods needed to deliver on these targets. 

However, more than half of companies (54%) using MMC do not believe the right skills are currently available in Ireland, according to a research analysis undertaken by Skillnet Ireland and the Construction Professionals Skillnet last year.  

MMC covers different types of construction which involves significant portions, or all, of the building being manufactured in a factory setting and joined together on-site.