Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, and Minister of State Marian Harkin TD, have officially launched the Skillnet MMC Accelerate platform at the National Construction Training Campus in Mount Lucas, County Offaly. This national online initiative aims to support Ireland’s construction sector in meeting housing and infrastructure targets by facilitating the adoption of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).
Developed by Skillnet Ireland in collaboration with the Construction IT Alliance (CitA), the Skillnet MMC Accelerate platform serves as a comprehensive resource for workers, learners, and employers. It provides access to tailored training, education, and career pathways focused on MMC, aligning with the government’s commitments under the Housing for All strategy and the National Development Plan.
Minister Lawless emphasized the platform’s role in empowering the construction workforce, stating, “This national platform will equip our construction learners and workforce with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to thrive in a sector that is rapidly evolving.” Minister Harkin highlighted the platform’s accessibility, noting, “Whether you’re a site supervisor looking to reskill or a school leaver seeking your first apprenticeship, the MMC Accelerate platform is your starting point.”
The initiative is part of a broader €3.4 million funding package supported by Budget 2025 and the Housing for All Implementation Fund. It builds upon regional MMC roadshows initiated in September 2024, which showcased MMC applications and training opportunities in real-world settings with industry partners.
Dr. Alan Hore, Programme Lead for CitA, emphasized the significance of the platform, stating, “The construction industry is transforming, and MMC is at the forefront of this shift, making it leaner, greener, and more digitally advanced.”
The launch also highlighted the future of Mount Lucas as a centre of excellence for MMC skills development. The new National Demonstration Park for MMC is situated there, with the first units expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The campus, operated by Laois-Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB), has prioritized MMC in its training programs to meet evolving workforce needs.(Oireachtas)
For more information on the Skillnet MMC Accelerate platform and upcoming events, visit www.cita.ie.
(L-R) Suzanne Purcell, Network Manager, CitA Skillnet; Alan Hore, Director, Skillnet MMC Accelerate; Minister of State for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Marian Harkin TD; Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD and Mark Jordan, Chief Executive, Skillnet Ireland. Picture from skillnetireland.ie
