Skillnet MMC Accelerate was launched by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan, at Glenveagh’s Brownsbarn development in Dublin, a housing development delivering 198 new homes using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) through the building process.
The new national online platform, which is currently in development, will showcase the MMC industry, highlight upcoming projects and investment in MMC, display future MMC career pathways, align the education and training ecosystem to these career pathways, and provide links to other government, academic and industry supports available. In the coming years, a range of new MMC upskilling supports will also be rolled out as part of this initiative to complement existing supports available.
Skillnet Ireland and industry body the Construction IT Alliance (CitA), have collaborated to provide businesses with upskilling resources that will accelerate the adoption of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) to become day to day construction practices. The new national online platform, Skillnet MMC Accelerate, will provide a tool, for people working in the construction industry and those looking to understand more about it, to navigate the upskilling ecosystem in the context of modern methods of construction.
Minister O’Donovan, said: “We are committed to finding solutions that will positively impact the Housing for All commitments in both the long and short term. I am very pleased to see Skillnet Ireland and CITA along with other stakeholders within the sector collaborating to develop Skillnet MMC Accelerate. Collaborative initiatives like this one play a pivotal role in supporting SMEs in the construction sector, and also make a significant contribution to Ireland’s climate targets.”
The Skillnet MMC Accelerate platform, which is currently in development, will showcase the MMC industry, highlight upcoming projects and investment in MMC, display future MMC career pathways, align the education and training ecosystem to these career pathways, and provide links to other government, academic and industry supports available. In the coming years, a range of new MMC upskilling supports will also be rolled out as part of this initiative to complement existing supports available.
Conor Murtagh, Chief Strategy Officer, Glenveagh, said: “At Glenveagh, we take pride in the delivery of high-quality, sustainable homes using modern construction methods (MMC). We’re proud to support the Skillnet MMC Accelerate initiative with Cita, creating pathways for careers in MMC. To maintain excellence, we need industry-leading talent across the entire value chain, ensuring the development of essential skills for constructing modern homes and laying foundations for future growth and success of the industry.”
Jason Van Hout, Director of Design and Innovation, Glenveagh, said: “The implementation of a unified data platform as a single source of truth encourages collaboration across the construction industry, providing data-driven insights into the use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). By aligning with national priorities such as housing, climate action, and addressing labour shortages, this approach not only promotes rewarding careers in construction but also acts as an accelerant in the adoption of MMC.
As a founding member of the expert working group for MMC Accelerate, we're delighted to support its development into a tangible platform for our industry. Through innovative ways of working, we can transform the industry, driving progress and sustainable development.”
Mark Jordan, Chief Strategy Officer, Skillnet Ireland said: “Skillnet Ireland is pleased to announce the launch of Skillnet MMC Accelerate in partnership with Construction IT Alliance (Cita). This will create a vital resource for construction firms and workers seeking to expand their business horizons and the capacity to employ innovative MMC construction practices. Sustainability is a top priority for all businesses, and through this collaboration, construction companies can benefit from access to the talent, upskilling supports, knowledge, and networks that will help to accelerate their adoption of MMC.”
Alan Hore, Director, Skillnet MMC Accelerate said: “We are very pleased to bring this support to businesses and wider stakeholders to fruition at this crucial time for the construction industry in Ireland. Skillnet MMC Accelerate is a national resource that has been developed in collaboration with expert industry practitioners. This collaborative approach, which paves the way for the exchange of knowledge and expertise is invaluable. This ethos is at the heart of the Skillnet MMC Accelerate initiative and we encourage everyone working in the construction industry to use this new tool and learn more about MMC and its potential.”