Written answers

Tuesday, 30 September 2025

Department of Education and Skills

Education and Training Provision

Photo of Maeve O'ConnellMaeve O'Connell (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

980. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress of the development of a traineeship in modern methods of construction, as is expected to launch in quarter 3 of 2025. [51695/25]

Photo of Marian HarkinMarian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A key commitment in the new Programme for Government is advancing Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). To increase MMC skills supply through the tertiary system, my Department works with sectoral partners such as SOLAS, Education and Training Boards (ETBs), the National Construction Training Centre (NCTC) and Skillnet Ireland.

Budget 2025 saw €2.7 million allocated to construction skills to help equip the sector with the skills required. Upskilling and reskilling workers is a priority for the construction industry, and the sector requires support as it evolves to ensure the workforce has the required skills to facilitate the increased adoption of MMC.

Traineeships play a vital role in Ireland’s education and training system by providing learners with a structured programme that combines classroom-based learning with significant on-the-job experience.

In the context of MMC, a traineeship is particularly valuable as it allows learners to gain practical experience in MMC and technologies in a real-world setting while simultaneously building their technical knowledge. This dual focus is key to ensuring the workforce is equipped to meet the changing needs of the construction industry.

The Laois-Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) MMC Traineeship has been designed to offer learners an internationally recognised qualification in Core Construction Principles and MMC. It is made up of the following modules selected from the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment:-

  • Construction Principles
  • Construction Design
  • Construction Technology
  • Health and Safety in Construction
  • Surveying in Construction
  • Graphical Detailing in Construction
  • Building Regulations and Control in Construction
  • Management of a Construction Project
  • Building Information Modelling (BIM)
  • Offsite and Onsite Alternative Construction Methods
  • Structured Work Placement – min 30 % as per traineeship guidelines (schedule in development)
Additional content has been tailored to reflect national and regional priorities, with a focus on key areas including MMC, NZEB/Retrofitting, Project Co-ordination, and Digital Construction. The Traineeship will also focus heavily on Offsite and Alternative Construction Methods (Modular Assembly).

LOETB is in the process of procuring a contractor to install Ireland’s first Modular Assembly Training Rig with a completion date of Q4 2025. As with all training provision, this traineeship has been modularised with the following modules currently being delivered:
  • MMC Essentials
  • BIM
  • AutoCad / Revit
  • Management of Construction Projects
There were 500 participants on these programmes in 2025. The first group of trainees will commence the full traineeship programme in Q1 2026.

In addition to this traineeship, my Department is continuing to collaborate with the National Construction Training Campus (NCTC) and LOETB to increase MMC skills provision.

LOETB continues to make strong progress in advancing its suite of MMC programmes. For example, it launched its MMC Skills Pathway Portfolio in February of this year. This pathway incorporates a comprehensive suite of accredited courses, flexible online learning options, and a pipeline of new qualifications. In this way, LOETB and the NCTC are ensuring that Ireland’s workforce is equipped with the skills and expertise needed to meet the demands of the evolving built environment.

My Department has also partnered with Skillnet Ireland, the national workforce development agency, to develop the ‘Skillnet MMC Accelerate’ platform. The platform was launched in May. It highlights MMC projects and provides information about career pathways and new education and upskilling provision.

There has already been a significant expansion of the education and training pipeline for MMC courses. For example, Skillnet Ireland and University of Galway recently launched two innovative programmes designed to meet the evolving needs of the construction sector: a Level 9 Postgraduate Certificate in Modern MMC and a Level 8 Specialist Diploma in Automation and Control. A number of other relevant programmes are available through the NCTC and Skillnet Ireland.

I would to thank the Deputy again, for her interest in this important area. Through future-focussed skills, we continue to support the transformation of Ireland’s construction sector.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.