Laing O'Rourke, in partnership with Barnsley College and T3 Training & Development, has launched the UK’s first training facility for modern methods of construction (MMC).
This centre aims to address the skills shortage in the sector and modernise construction practices.
Partially funded by the Local Skills Improvement Fund, the facility is set to equip individuals with the necessary technical and digital skills to assemble off-site-manufactured construction and engineering solutions.
Trainee Assembly Specialists at the facility will gain hands-on experience with large-scale modular components, learning to deliver sections of key UK infrastructure and construction projects within a safe and controlled environment.
Marking a milestone in construction education, the facility will offer a Level 2 Apprenticeship in Construction Assembly installation, which received approval from The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education in 2019.
Laing O'Rourke has been a proponent of MMC for over 15 years, advocating for the method as a means to foster safer, more skilled, and technical career paths compared to traditional construction methods.
The training centre will enhance the digital and technical capabilities of the company’s 4,500 workforce employed directly.
The Modern Methods of Construction Training Centre is set to welcome its first group of apprentices in the upcoming new year.
Laing O'Rourke director Peter Lyons said: “Only through the wider use of digital technologies and modern methods of construction can we transform productivity and create better work and careers for people. It’s a change we need to make to ensure we can deliver the essential infrastructure the country needs, and which underpins our quality of life.
“We would like to extend a huge thank you to Select Plant Hire, Explore Plant and Transport Solutions, Expanded, Explore Manufacturing, Crown House Technologies, Cemex and Patera Engineering Ltd for their help and support in the planning and construction of this new facility, they have been integral to the success of the project.”
