The new national online platform, Skillnet MMC Accelerate, was launched yesterday (May 21) at the National Construction Training Campus in Mount Lucas, County Offaly.

Designed to fast-track the adoption of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), the platform aims to empower Ireland's construction sector to meet critical housing and infrastructure targets.

Developed by Skillnet Ireland in partnership with the Construction IT Alliance (CitA), Skillnet MMC Accelerate provides workers, learners and employers with tailored training, education and career development opportunities focused on MMC.

The launch event was attended by industry leaders and education providers, with contributions from Minister of State Marian Harkin TD and CitA Programme Lead Dr. Alan Hore.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD and Minister of State Marian Harkin TD officially launched the platform.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Lawless said: "Ireland stands at a pivotal juncture in the construction of housing and infrastructure. While we face enormous challenges, we also face exciting opportunities. This national platform will empower our construction learners and workforce with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to thrive in a sector that is rapidly evolving.

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"This platform is more than a resource; it is a statement of intent. It says loud and clear that when we invest in people and their skills, we will have the ability not just to build homes, but to build people's futures."

Skillnet MMC Accelerate supports key commitments in the Programme for Government, Housing for All, and the National Development Plan. It complements recent initiatives such as the MMC Skills Pathway Portfolio, including the MMC Essentials Programme launched earlier this year by Laois-Offaly ETB and the National Construction Training Campus.

Minister of State Marian Harkin welcomed the initiative, stating: "Whether you're a site supervisor looking to reskill, a school leaver looking for your first apprenticeship, or a business leader trying to stay ahead of digital change, the MMC Accelerate platform is your starting point. This platform brings clarity. It connects learners to providers. It puts the user in the driving seat of their own development journey."

Funded through investment from Budget 2025 and the Housing for All Implementation Fund, the platform is part of a broader €3.4 million funding package to support innovative construction skills. It also builds on regional MMC roadshows held since September 2024, showcasing MMC applications and training opportunities in real-world settings with industry partners.

Dr. Alan Hore of CitA, Programme Lead for Skillnet MMC Accelerate, added: "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 and other important national infrastructure at scale."

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 sited there, with the first units to be completed by the end of 2025. The campus, operated by LOETB, has centred MMC in its training priorities to meet evolving workforce needs.