Today, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, officially launched the new Skillnet MMC Accelerate online platform, which will provide online access to training supports for the critical skills needed to accelerate housing delivery. Skillnet Ireland and industry body 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 will support people working in the construction industry and those looking to understand more about it, to navigate the upskilling ecosystem in the context of MMC. Minister Lawless joined Mark Jordan, Chief Executive Officer, Skillnet Ireland, representatives from CitA and industry stakeholders to launch the new Skillnet MMC Accelerate platform at the National Construction Training Campus in Mount Lucas, Co Offaly.
Speaking at the launch, Minister James Lawless said: “I very much welcome the launch of this ambitious online platform, which will be an important resource for the construction sector. Skillnet MMC Accelerate will be a pivotal national initiative in the years to come, equipping the sector’s workforce with the modern methods of construction expertise needed to future-proof housing delivery and meet Ireland’s Housing for All, National Development Plan and Climate Action Plan targets. By adopting these advanced construction techniques, we can ensure homes are delivered faster and more sustainably.”
Mark Jordan, Chief Executive, Skillnet Ireland, said: “By fostering new career pathways and expediting the adoption of modern methods of construction, Skillnet MMC Accelerate directly supports the Government’s housing climate action objectives. This online platform will play a key part in driving full-scale MMC adoption in Ireland, supporting professionals and businesses at every stage of their journey."
Alan Hore, Founding Partner, Cita, and Director, Skillnet MMC Accelerate, said: “The construction industry is transforming, and MMC is at the forefront of this shift, making it leaner, greener, and more digitally advanced. By providing a platform for career growth and opportunity, we can ensure the industry attracts top talent and embraces innovation. This new online resource represents a significant step-change for the sector, responding to industry needs and providing professionals with the advanced skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality, sustainable housing at scale.”
As part of the pathway to developing this initiative, Skillnet Ireland published a report in 2022 in collaboration with Construction Professional Skillnet, which provided vital insights and learnings about modern methods of construction. The impact of introducing skills initiatives for the construction industry with a focus on modern methodologies, has vast potential including addressing labour shortages, facilitating the transition to net zero and contributing towards a solution for housing issues in the Irish economy.
The Skillnet MMC Accelerate platform will showcase the successes of innovative MMC businesses, display future career pathways in MMC, align the existing training and upskilling ecosystem to these career pathways, and provide links to other government, academic and industry supports available.
Skillnet MMC Accelerate is hosting a series of information events for people working in the construction sector, throughout 2025, to provide insights into the adoption of different MMC techniques, facilitate wider engagement and collaboration with relevant stakeholders, and emphasise the sustainability and productivity benefits associated with the increased use of MMC.
To learn more about Skillnet MMC Accelerate, visit: www.skillnetmmcaccelerate.ie.
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