The Update to the Report on the Analysis of Skills for Residential Construction & - Retrofitting 2023-2030 has been launched highlighting the productivity dividend from the expansion of Modern Methods of Construction.
The Report contains detailed forecasts of the skills required to deliver an annual average of 50,000 new homes and retrofit an annual average of over 63,000 existing older homes over the period 2024 – 2030.
Some of the key findings of the report include:
Initiatives to increase skills and sectoral capacity are a major feature of Housing for All. This focus will continue and is now more crucial than ever as we look to increase our ambition under the Plan.
Addressing the Construction Sector Skills Forum at Trinity CollegeMinister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan TD said
“The Government is scaling up its ambition under the Housing for All Plan.
“And there has been incredible success already, with construction commenced on over 49,000 new homes in the twelve months to end-August, and new build completions expected to increase significantly towards the end of 2024.
“However, we are acutely aware that there are significant challenges ahead of us, not least the demand for tens of thousands of additional skilled workers by 2030 so we can increase our ambitions.
“And what this report makes abundantly clear is that the widespread adoption of Modern Methods of Construction is key to addressing the housing needs of our growing country.
“This will demand enthusiastic buy in from the construction sector, but it will also require my Department and partners in Government to implement a comprehensive strategy to deliver the skilled workers the industry needs to make the necessary changes.
“On foot of this report, an updated action plan for the tertiary education system is being developed by my Department, while we are also investing record sums in apprenticeships, building an MMC Demonstration Park at Mount Lucas, and Skillnet Ireland are developing the ‘Skillnet MMC Accelerate’ platform to showcase MMC projects.
“Complementary to these activities, and indeed to this Report, my Department is also developing an Action Plan in response to the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs’ July report, Skills for Modern Methods of Construction - An Assessment of the Current and Future Skills Requirements for the Transition to Modern Methods of Construction.
“There is much more Government and industry are doing, and of course still need to do, in order meet the challenge of housing in this country, but we know that if we are innovative and collaborative in our approach, we will continue to increase delivery in the years ahead.”
To read the full report, go to An Update to the Report on the Analysis of Skills for Residential Construction and Retrofitting .
Construction Watch is taking place on 16 October 2024, Clayton Silver Springs, Cork.
Construction Watch is a must attend event for the residential construction sector in Ireland.
A full day conference among leading Irish policy & building standards experts and stakeholders exploring the intersection of housing & residential construction solutions that support engagement, research and government regulations and policy.
In collaboration with experts from the Construction Sector, who have a common goal to promote building standards, consumer protection and address common issues related to housing & residential construction at national & international level; network with trade exhibitors, sponsors, and delegates to hear from leading voices across the residential construction sector.
Industry 4.0 Skillnet, one of 70 Skillnet Ireland Business Networks nationwide, and University of Galway have launched cutting-edge programmes designed to meet the evolving needs of the construction sector.
This module will cover the broad areas of building information modelling (BIM) technology, digital twinning, visualisation methods and their standard approaches within the construction sector. Digitalisation is fundamentally changing the ways in which construction teams interact. Technologies such as BIM can seamlessly monitor the materials and products delivered to the construction site, in a manner that respects the need for sustainability and traceability. Furthermore, sensors can provide the data for digital twins and their incorporation into construction elements, thus the ability to analyse and exploit the large volumes of data is required.
Furthermore, augmented reality technologies are beginning to be used for tasks such as site inspections, allowing continuous monitoring of construction process and conducting quality control checks with greater ease. Technologies such as these are fundamentally changing the way in which construction projects are managed and lead to new work processes. This module will engage with learners to ensure they are fully prepared for the potential of these new work practices. This module is a science-based approach and key tools, methods and materials will be explored.
Start date 04/11/24 until 13/01/25
As part of this module, learners will develop skills in Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), as the sector moves rapidly towards Industry 4.0. The module will cover key areas of standardisation and routes to certification, next generation rapid build systems (off-site panelised and modular construction), automation and autonomous construction. This module is a science-based approach and key tools, methods and materials will be explored.
Start date 14/01/25 end date: 10/03/25
This Level 9 Postgraduate Certificate in Modern Methods of Construction focuses on the latest advancements and sustainable practices in the construction sector. Delivered in a fully flexible format to accommodate working professionals, this one-year course offers modules in Sustainability Planning in Construction, Digital Construction Technologies and Modern Methods of Construction.
This Level 8 Specialist Diploma in Automation and Control is a fully online one-year course and offers in-depth training in automation, critical for modern construction and manufacturing sectors. The curriculum includes modules in machine design, automation, manufacturing technology and an industry-based capstone project which can be based in the student’s company and aims to assist the organisation to develop innovative practices in relation to industrial control systems, robotics and production lines.
"Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability and BIM for Design and Construction Upskilling" is a half-day and in-person & online event taking place at TU Dublin, Ireland on Tuesday, October 15 · 9 - 11:30am
Register now and learn about the ARISE e-learning platform and its content on BIM applied to energy efficiency and the next steps of energy efficiency in construction.
The event will take place in person and online.
The ARISE e-learning platform is a comprehensive online learning platform designed to provide educational resources and training programs. It offers a wide range of courses and modules covering various topics and industries.
Key features and benefits of the ARISE e-learning platform:
ARISE e-learning platform can be used for various purposes, including:
The part-time Certificate in Introduction to BIM (using Revit) programme consists of one module taught over one semester. This programme is designed to introduce Building Information Modelling (BIM) and explore and develop basic skills in Building Information Modelling (BIM) using Revit.
Learners are introduced to the software Revit, and will develop an understanding of BIM’s technical issues through individual effort. They will extract 2D documentation plans, sections, elevations from the model, and render 3D views to a high degree of expertise.
The programme creates opportunities for learners to take individual professional design responsibility of their product and their process and develop an ability to lead teams within their disciplines. Through the course, students will:
| Training Provider | Griffith College Dublin (GCD) |
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan and Minister of State James Lawless have welcomed the overall Exchequer allocation of €3.9 billion next year for the Department of Transport, an increase of over €480 million from 2024. The allocation comprises €2.9 billion of capital funding and €1 billion of current funding.
This allocation in Budget 2025 means that public transport roll-out can continue at pace, with an allocation of over €1.6 billion in total. This includes funding secured to continue the roll-out of new public transport services next year.
It means that across the country, new and enhanced BusConnects, Connecting Ireland, and new town services will continue to expand. Budget 2025 allows for two new town bus services in Ennis and Mullingar. It also provides for the first of the BusConnects Dublin Core Bus Corridors to enter construction next year, following recent planning approval. It provides almost €600 million of investment in our heavy rail network, including projects such as the continued roll-out of the DART+ Programme, the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme and rail station upgrades. Funding is also provided for MetroLink to proceed through the planning process towards construction.
Budget 2025 is good news for families and commuters. Funding has been secured for an extension of free child fares on Public Service Obligation services, to include children aged 5-8 years for the first time. This budget continues to support the current fare initiatives, including the Young Adult Card and Student Leap Card, up to the end of 2025.
The Government’s commitment to spend €1 million a day on walking and cycling infrastructure is also further secured in this budget. This funding includes expansion of ‘Safe Routes to Schools’ projects, making it safer for more children to walk or cycle to school.
The safety of all road users continues to be a government priority. Budget 2025 supports this aim with €1.36 billion for national and local road networks and road safety measures. Included in this allocation is €988 million for the protection and renewal of the Irish road system. Of this, an additional €50 million is earmarked for regional and local roads, and will fund measures to improve road safety, climate adaptation and improve regional accessibility. A further €40 million will be provided to local authorities to support the roll-out of updated speed limit signs across all jurisdictions. Funding of over €308 million for new roads under the National Development Plan will increase connectivity across the entire country. Projects include the M50 Traffic Control and Management upgrade in Dublin, N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge works in Roscommon, and N21/69 Limerick to Foynes works in Limerick. Regarding the regional and local road network, projects such as the Tralee Relief Road, Killaloe Bypass/R494 upgrade scheme and the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road will continue at pace.
Budget 2025 continues funding to key road safety agencies including the Medical Bureau of Road Safety and the Road Safety Authority (RSA). Following the Department-commissioned independent review of the RSA, there will be dedicated RSA funding of €18 million in 2025 for awareness, education and promotional campaigns. This is part of a wider shift to bring a renewed focus on campaigns that make our roads safer for all road users.
In the longer term, it is proposed that the RSA become a ‘Driver and Vehicle Services Agency’, focusing on core responsibilities such as driver licencing and testing services. A new, dedicated Road Safety Office will be proposed to run road safety awareness, education and promotional campaigns. Full details of the proposals will be brought to Government shortly and published.
Budget 2025 measures also provide €28 million in funding to maintain vital support for our regional airports, supporting connectivity and enhancing balanced regional development, and to support regulatory and policy functions in civil aviation.
Next year will be an important milestone for the Irish Coast Guard as it transitions to a new Aviation Services Contract. An additional allocation of over €70 million, bringing the total Coast Guard budget to €165m, will support this change and allow the organisation to continue to operate a world-class emergency response service and promote and protect Ireland’s economic interests as an island nation.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said:
“This budget signals the progression of public transport initiatives from planning into construction and operation, with Core Bus Corridors in Dublin anticipated to commence build work from next year, joining other important projects already under construction such as Cork Area Commuter Rail.
“It is also important to look back at how far we have come. In 2020, when this Government took office, the transport budget for that year was €3 billion. For budget 2025 it will stand at €3.9 billion. The capital element of the budget has increased over the life of this Government by almost €1 billion. That is an extra €1 billion being spent on improving our transport system to support economic prosperity, well-being and social equity, and environmental sustainability.
“We have seen transport change hugely over the lifetime of this Government. It has been a priority for me and for my colleagues to expand our public transport service and to ensure that the cost of transport is affordable and fair for all. I am delighted to announce that Budget 2025 provides funding for the expansion of free child fares on Public Service Obligation services to include those aged 5-8 years. Our passenger numbers continue to grow and whenever we introduce a new service, we see that people, and particularly young people, are flocking to it. While we still have work to do, I think it will be very difficult to reverse the positive change in modal shift away from private cars that we have seen across the country in recent years, and the growing demand for a reliable public transport network that we’re seeing every day.
“The development of our ports is key to our future competitiveness, so I am pleased to announce today that a financing agreement has been reached between the Port of Cork and the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund to extend the Port’s quay-side berth at Ringaskiddy. The agreement, a €99 million financing package, will allow the Port of Cork to develop multi-purpose port infrastructure capable of meeting the requirements of the offshore renewable energy sector. The agreement marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to deliver a greener, more sustainable future.”
Minister of State James Lawless said:
“Having a road safety framework that is fit for purpose is, of course, front and centre in all of our minds. To that end, this year’s Budget allocations again focus on the most important role of Government, which is keeping the public safe.
“The funding earmarked in Budget 2025 for the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) will help ensure the safety of our roads system for all those who use it. The RSA will this year dedicate funding of €18 million to promote safety awareness and education among all road users. I have been working hard to ensure that road safety is put on a firm footing since I became Minister, and proposals will be brought to Government shortly to present the conclusions of the root-and-branch independent review of the arrangements in place.
“As a commuter as well as Minister of State, I welcome that construction will start on the first of the Core Bus Corridors as part of BusConnects Dublin next year. This marks a major milestone in the delivery of our major capital projects, and will help to provide a more efficient and reliable bus service, supporting people in making the shift from private car travel to public transport, in line with our decarbonisation goals.
“I’m eager to see construction start soon on DART+ West and DART+ South West and also eager to start planning now for extending those projects as set out in the GDA Transport Strategy.
“In terms of our broader connectivity, €17 million has been earmarked for funding our regional airports to support connectivity and enhance balanced regional development, given that 85% of flights still fly out of Dublin.
“Meanwhile, the staff and volunteers of the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) will continue to be able to serve the Irish public in their time of most need with their Budget 2025 allocation. Their role in saving lives at sea is one that I salute and am eager to fully support.
“Next year will mark a significant milestone for the Department as it completes the transition to a new Aviation Service contract for the Irish Coast Guard. The new service contract, which was awarded to Bristow Ireland Limited, will enable the Irish Coast Guard to continue to provide world-class maritime and inland search and rescue services, environmental monitoring, helicopter emergency medical and air ambulance services. For the first time, the Coast Guard aviation service will also include a fixed-wing aircraft element, which will provide valuable support across a range of Coast Guard roles. The phased introduction of the new aviation service for the Coast Guard will be completed in mid-2025.
“I have always believed that the most important role of Government is keeping our people safe and the roads, maritime and aviation measures in this Budget fully support that objective.”
Here’s what Budget 2025 will enable:
Making Public Transport Even More Affordable and Accessible
The Department of Transport budget funds all ‘Public Service Obligation’ (PSO) public transport services. These are services that support social cohesion and connection, and would not otherwise be offered by private operators.
Supporting Road Road Users and Road Safety
Changing the focus of the Road Safety Authority
Improving and Developing Rail and Bus Networks
Supporting Walking, Cycling and Scooting
Sustaining Regional Aviation
Delivering and Modernising Coast Guard Services
Strengthening Maritime and the Marine
Pacific Formwork is a prominent name in the construction industry, known for providing innovative and reliable formwork solutions across a variety of large-scale projects. Established with the vision of delivering high-quality construction services, the company has grown to become a key player in Australia’s booming infrastructure and development sector.
Pacific Formwork specializes in providing formwork systems, which are essential components in the construction of high-rise buildings, bridges, and other major infrastructure projects. Formwork refers to temporary or permanent molds into which concrete is poured to form structural elements. With a focus on efficiency, safety, and quality, Pacific Formwork delivers end-to-end formwork solutions, from design to installation, helping construction projects meet tight deadlines and budget constraints.
Over the years, Pacific Formwork has contributed to some of Australia’s most ambitious construction projects, including:
Their involvement in these projects has earned them a reputation for reliability, precision, and an ability to meet the demands of complex architectural designs.
One of the key differentiators for Pacific Formwork is its commitment to providing career opportunities for skilled professionals. The company regularly recruits talent from various fields, including engineering, project management, and skilled trades. They also support workforce development by offering training and upskilling programs, ensuring their employees stay at the cutting edge of industry innovations.
Additionally, Pacific Formwork’s global outlook makes it an attractive option for those looking to expand their careers internationally. The company is actively involved in projects not just in Australia, but also in New Zealand and Southeast Asia, with plans for further expansion into other international markets.
Graciete Ferreira, a key figure at Pacific Formwork, plays a pivotal role in promoting the company's vision and career opportunities, particularly for skilled workers seeking international opportunities.
At Jobs Expo Galway in September 2024, Graciete offered valuable insights into the growing demand for skilled workers in Australia, particularly in the construction sector. Her focus is on helping candidates understand the pathways to secure jobs and transition to a thriving career in Australia.
Pacific Formwork is a leading company in the construction sector, known for its expertise in delivering safe, efficient, and high-quality formwork solutions. With a reputation for supporting large-scale projects and a strong commitment to sustainability and safety, Pacific Formwork continues to be a trusted partner in Australia’s construction industry. Their focus on innovation, career development, and expanding global reach makes them an attractive choice for both clients and job seekers looking to engage with a dynamic and growing company.
Visit https://pacificformwork.com.au
Autodesk Revit, run by Clane Community School, Kildare, is designed for new users and incorporates the features, commands, and techniques for creating, editing, and printing drawings with Autodesk Revit.
Learners are introduced to the concepts of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and the tools for parametric design, analysis, and documentation. Revit is increasingly becoming a necessary requirement for job applicants in the building design sector at home or abroad.
Competent computer skills required. Previous CAD experience an advantage but not essential.
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Autodesk Revit is a powerful Building Information Modeling (BIM) software used by architects, engineers, designers, and construction professionals. It facilitates the planning, design, construction, and management of buildings and infrastructure projects. Revit is known for its integrated, collaborative approach, allowing users to work on a shared model, where changes made to one part of the model automatically update throughout the entire project.
Key features of Revit include:
Overall, Revit streamlines the building design process, improving efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration across teams.
