Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless launched the Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Skills Pathway Portfolio at the National Construction Training Campus (NCTC) at Mount Lucas, Co Offaly.
The MMC Skills Pathway Portfolio includes accredited courses, flexible online learning options, and a pipeline of new qualifications.
These courses will help ensure that Ireland’s workforce has the skills needed to meet our future targets under Housing for All.
Speaking at Mount Lucas today, Minister Lawless said:
“I am delighted to launch the Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Skills Pathway Portfolio here at the National Construction Training Campus in Mount Lucas.
“This initiative will play a vital role in equipping the construction workforce with the skills needed to drive innovation and meet Ireland’s Housing for All, National Development Plan and Climate Action Plan targets.
“I wish to express my thanks to LOETB for showing leadership in innovative MMC training and skills development, particularly through the National Construction Training Campus at Mount Lucas.”
Leading the green and digital construction agenda
LOETB, through the NCTC at Mount Lucas, is leading MMC training and skills development in Ireland.
Joe Cunningham, Chief Executive of LOETB, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Minister James Lawless to the National Construction Training Campus as LOETB continues to set the pace for the transition to Modern Methods of Construction.
“The suite of programmes being launched today is further evidence of our commitment to leading the FET sector’s green and digital construction agenda and I want to acknowledge the support of industry, public sector, and educational partners in their development. The programmes specifically respond to skills gaps in the sector and enhance our capacity to meet national climate action targets.”
Increased adoption of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) is central to the government’s strategy for driving innovation and enhancing productivity in housing delivery.
The department is collaborating with sectoral partners such as LOETB to develop the necessary skills to meet future residential construction and retrofitting targets.
The widespread use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) is expected to reduce the demand for workers in the construction sector.
An updated report on skills for residential construction and retrofitting, published in October 2024, estimates that with greater MMC adoption, the sector will need 10,000 fewer new entrants. In this case, Ireland will require around 69,000 new workers instead of 79,000 if traditional building methods continue to be used.
MMC Skills Pathway Portfolio
The MMC Skills Pathway Portfolio contains the following courses.
Four-hour introductory sessions:
- MMC Essentials (four-hour introductory session)
- How Digital Technologies Are Used in MMC (Including BIM)
- Sustainability in MMC and the Impact on Construction and the Environment
- Half-day online programmes:
- ZEB Awareness
- District and Communal Heating
- SOLAR PV Design Guide
- Overheating of Buildings
Three-week evening or Saturday programmes:
- Building Information Modelling (BIM)
- 2D AutoCAD and Drawing Production
- Offsite Construction
- Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Revit Structures
- Management of Construction Projects
- Introduction to Tekla Structures
Other qualifications – fully accredited – varying duration depending on need:
- UK L2 (RI L4) NVQ Diploma in Construction using Off site Manufactured Assemblies – Modular and Portable Building (currently running with Vision Built as an Employed Traineeship)
- UKL2 (RI L4) Construction Assembly and Installation Operative – (options in Concrete, Timber, Relocatable Modular and Portable Buildings, Permanent Modular Buildings)
- UK L3 (RI L5) Digital Engineering Technician (BTEC) *modular options
- UK L3 (RI L5) Construction and the Built Environment (BTEC) *modular options
In Development – MosArt: (day long online delivery):
- MMC Essentials (Local Authority Focus)
- MMC Technician (Level 6)
- MMC Project Manager (Level 7)
- Level 5 MMC Operative Traineeship
For more information on the MMC Skills Pathway Portfolio or on the wide range of courses at the National Construction Training Centre in Mount Lucas, Co. Offaly, visit mountlucas.ie
