Laing O’Rourke, in partnership with Barnsley College and T3 Training & Development, inaugurated the UK’s inaugural dedicated training facility for modern methods of construction (MMC) yesterday. This establishment signifies a notable development in addressing the construction skills shortage in the UK while simultaneously modernising the industry throughout the nation.
Located in Barnsley, the purpose-built facility aims to equip individuals with the necessary technical and digital competencies required to effectively assemble construction and engineering solutions that are manufactured offsite. Learners will be designated as 'Trainee Assembly Specialists' and will gain hands-on experience with large-scale modular components within a controlled and safe environment. This practical training is intended to prepare them for involvement in some of the UK’s major infrastructure and construction projects.
Highlighting its uniqueness, the facility will offer a Level 2 Apprenticeship in Construction Assembly installation, an accreditation that was approved by The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) back in 2019. Currently, there are no other UK establishments that provide this type of specialised off-site training, which is essential for enhancing the speed, safety, and efficiency of construction processes.
The timing of this initiative coincides with critical demands in the UK’s construction sector, which is facing the necessity of recruiting over 250,000 additional construction workers by 2028 to satisfy anticipated workloads. To achieve this goal, the sector must innovate by adopting both manufacturing (off-site) and assembly (on-site) methodologies to bolster productivity, safety, and environmental responsibility.
In discussing Laing O’Rourke’s commitment to evolving construction practices, a representative remarked that the company has been at the forefront of promoting modern methods of construction for over 15 years. This approach not only offers attractive career opportunities that are safer and more technical than traditional construction but also emphasises the importance of developing a workforce that is equipped with digital and technical skills. The newly established training facility is specifically designed to enhance the capabilities of Laing O’Rourke’s directly employed workforce, which totals approximately 4,500 individuals, enabling them to embrace a manufacturing-led strategy in construction and fulfil commitments to clients with greater certainty.
This initiative represents a significant step forward for the UK construction industry as it confronts its labour shortages while aligning with modern technological advancements and the evolving nature of construction techniques.
Source: Noah Wire Services