The Impact of MMC on Skills Requirements for Housing
The UK construction industry is undergoing significant transformation, driven mainly by the adoption of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). As the demand for MMC technologies, such as offsite and volumetric construction, continues to grow, it is crucial to examine the impact of this paradigm shift on construction skills requirements. This article explores the evolving landscape of the UK construction industry, focusing on how MMC is altering the required skill sets and key stakeholders' role in adapting and developing these skills.
The Rise of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)
MMC represents a departure from traditional construction methods. It encompasses a range of innovative techniques, including prefabrication, modular construction, and 3D printing that significantly reduce the reliance on onsite labour. These methods offer improved efficiency, reduced waste, and the potential for cost savings, making them increasingly attractive for developers and contractors.
The UK Government's Ambitious Housing Goals
The UK government's commitment to addressing the housing crisis plays a pivotal role in driving the adoption of MMC. In the 2017 Housing White Paper, the government outlined its ambition to deliver 300,000 homes annually by the mid-2020s, a target that requires a more efficient and accelerated construction process. MMC offers the means to achieve these goals while simultaneously addressing labour shortages in the construction sector.
The Role of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) plays a crucial role in shaping the skills landscape of the UK construction industry. The CITB functions as the Sector Skills Council and Industry Training Board within the construction sector. Its primary mission involves collaborating with construction firms to enhance skill levels, boost competitiveness, and effectively address the numerous challenges confronting employers.
As MMC technologies become more prevalent, the CITB must adapt by expanding and modifying its training programs to include the skills necessary for working with these new construction methods. This includes training in offsite manufacturing, modular assembly, and digital construction technologies.
The Evolving Skills Landscape
One of MMC's most immediate and evident impacts on the construction industry is a shift in the required skills. Traditional brick-and-block construction relies heavily on manual labour, including tradespeople such as bricklayers, carpenters, and electricians. In contrast, MMC methods place a greater emphasis on factory-based assembly, automation, and digital skills.
Scenario Analysis: MMC's Impact on Skills
According to a 2019 Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) report, the home-building workforce would need to grow by 40% to achieve the UK government's house building target without increased MMC adoption. This is equivalent to an increase of 195,000 workers over the next seven years. This substantial increase in labour is a daunting prospect for an industry already facing challenges in recruiting skilled workers.
However, scenarios modelled in CITB’s report offer potential solutions by exploring the impact of MMC on the labour market. These scenarios aim to reduce the additional workforce requirement, especially through the increased adoption of volumetric MMC.
Scenario 1
This scenario assumes a 25% adoption of panelised and volumetric MMC and 50% traditional construction. As a result, the number of workers in 2025-26 would be roughly the same as the current workforce of approximately 266,000, with an additional 80,000 jobs created offsite.
Scenario 2
In this scenario, a 15% adoption of panelised and a 35% adoption of volumetric MMC are assumed, along with 50% traditional construction. The number of site-based workers decreases to 254,000 by 2025-26, with an additional 81,000 workers employed offsite.
Scenarios 3, 4, and 5
These scenarios model lower levels of MMC adoption, resulting in a site-based workforce increasing to around 317,000 to 320,000 workers, with around 40,000 jobs created offsite. In all scenarios, professional and non-manual roles remain relatively unchanged.
Industry Collaboration
Adapting to MMC requires collaboration between the government, CITB, and the construction industry. Industry experts and professionals must actively engage with training initiatives and promote the development of skills relevant to MMC. Employers also have a role in upskilling their workforce to meet the demands of MMC projects.
Meeting Future Workforce Needs
As MMC continues to gain traction, the need for a versatile and skilled workforce becomes increasingly apparent. Skilled tradespeople and labourers may find themselves working alongside automated machines and digital tools. Thus, training programs must emphasise traditional construction skills and proficiency with emerging technologies and techniques.
The Path Forward
The impact of MMC on construction skills requirements is significant and transformative. To adapt to this changing landscape, the government, CITB, and the construction industry must work together to create training and educational programs that equip workers with the skills needed for the future of construction.
The development and adoption of MMC have the potential to make the construction industry more efficient, sustainable, and productive. However, the workforce must be adequately prepared for these benefits to be fully realised. The UK can ensure a competitive and resilient construction industry by focusing on the skills required for offsite construction, digitalisation, and automation.
MMC Skills Requirements at a Glance
Consider the following key skills required in MMC:
Proficiency in digital design and Building Information Modelling (BIM).
Skilled in offsite manufacturing techniques.
Ability to work with automated machinery and robotics.
Familiarity with modular and prefabricated components.
Knowledge of advanced materials and sustainable construction.
Strong project management and logistics skills for streamlined assembly.
Competence in quality control and precision construction.
Proficiency in health and safety measures specific to offsite and factory environments.
Excellent teamwork and communication skills for effective collaboration in a controlled construction environment.
Adaptable and open to ongoing learning and training in emerging MMC technologies.
Ability to troubleshoot and maintain factory-based equipment.
Environmental consciousness and sustainability awareness in construction practices.
Conclusion
The rise of Modern Methods of Construction presents both opportunities and challenges for the construction industry in the UK. The impact on construction skills requirements is profound, and it is essential for all stakeholders, including the government, CITB, and the construction industry, to collaborate in adapting and developing the skills needed for a more innovative and sustainable future. By doing so, the UK construction sector can successfully embrace MMC and continue to meet the demands of a growing population and housing needs.