Glenveagh Bridge the Skills Gap in MMC
Glenveagh is taking the solution to a labour shortage in the construction sector into its own hands with the development of a range of training programmes in Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).
To attract new talent and reduce the shortfall of skilled workers in Ireland, Glenveagh is conducting inspiring career talks in universities and schools. The company also offers exciting Transition Year (TY) and placement programmes, providing students with hands-on industry experience. Additionally, Glenveagh awards scholarships in architectural technology and is set to launch scholarships in innovation and design.
Barbara Robinson, Head of Learning and Organisational Development, discussed how this paves the way for a new generation of construction leaders to use more MMC.
By focusing on off-site construction and digital tools, MMC offers a way to build more efficiently and safely while easing pressure on labour needs.
The crafts are under the most pressure with a limited talent pool, so an increasingly important approach is to modernise how we build. This involves adapting traditional construction skills, transitioning to increased off-site activity and standardising construction outputs. This provides a different type of work environment. That’s where the shift in focus moves to MMC.
Head of Learning & Organisational Development at Glenveagh
Thanks to greater use of MMC, Glenveagh (one of Ireland’s largest homebuilders) delivered 2,415 homes to market in 2024.
Glenveagh’s work in MMC is advanced through its integrated manufacturing division, NUA. In response to supply chain limitations, Glenveagh made the strategic decision to vertically integrate timber frame and light gauge steel production. The result? The capacity to deliver around 2,500 timber frame and 500 light gauge steel units per year.
Tony McLoughlin, Managing Director of MMC & Commercial Operations at Glenveagh, shares how this total embrace of MMC practices has led to some major successes for Glenveagh and NUA.
Every 45 minutes we’re able to deliver a home from start to finish. So, as we continue to increase pre-manufactured value, it enables quicker delivery, with fewer dependencies on weather, scaffolding, and health and safety concerns.
Managing Director of MMC & Commercial Operations at Glenveagh
Glenveagh has developed a robust in-house MMC training ecosystem, starting from design to the production line to installation. Robinson explains further:
We examine the manuals for the machines and adapted them for micro learning, to give people a foundation in MMC during onboarding. We’ve upskilled competent trainers into coaches and have done a huge amount of work with our leadership team to ensure information is relayed and absorbed effectively. Furthermore, we place huge importance on continuous improvement – the site teams educate us on what works and what doesn’t. It's a real team effort.
Head of Learning & Organisational Development at Glenveagh
This approach is supported by a continuous learning mindset. Glenveagh and NUA collaborates with other MMC institutions, across Ireland and internationally, to keep their knowledge current and practices aligned with global innovation, says Robinson.
As housing demands grow rapidly, it’s about advancing those in current roles, enabling movement within the business, and providing transferable skills to drive innovation, efficiency, design, quality, and sustainability.
Head of Learning & Organisational Development at Glenveagh
A huge amount is being invested in a broad skill base, from training site workers and logistics coordinators to those handling 3D design, BIM and clash detection. Importantly, the company is also placing environmental reporting as a key priority. McLoughlin elaborates on how this strategic focus is helping Glenveagh and NUA.
With our increased focus on MMC and higher manufacturing capabilities, we can now capture carbon more effectively. And working in a factory means less waste, and better health and safety as it’s a controlled environment.
Managing Director of MMC & Commercial Operations at Glenveagh
To make MMC training effective, Glenveagh takes a tailored approach based on job roles and responsibilities. Training is delivered through a blend of e-learning modules, in-person workshops, site or off-site training demos. Supporting this is the Skillnet MMC Accelerate Platform, which not only showcases Glenveagh’s own training and upskilling efforts but facilitates collaboration with other organisations.
With a future demanding fast and sustainable housing construction, Glenveagh-NUA is betting on innovation, collaboration, and skills development to deliver.
