Industry 4.0 Skillnet and University of Galway Launch Cutting-Edge Modern Methods of Construction Programmes

Industry 4.0 Skillnet and University of Galway have launched two cutting-edge programmes designed to meet the evolving needs of the construction sector.   

The Level 9 Postgraduate Certificate in Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and the Level 8 Specialist Diploma in Automation and Control, aim to equip current and future construction professionals with the skills and knowledge required to drive innovation and sustainability in the industry. 

Both programmes will equip students with MMC skills in a number of areas, including concepts and methods of MMC in new builds and retrofits, current best practice and future trends for next generation rapid build construction and automation, and regulation, standards, testing, and certification requirements in the adoption of MMC. 

JJ O'Hara, Network Promoter, Industry 4.0 Skillnet, said the two new programmes delivered in partnership with University of Galway will greatly benefit construction businesses and the sector as a whole. "By equipping our workforce with these advanced skills, we are addressing the critical skills shortage in the construction sector. Furthermore, these programmes will play a crucial role in tackling housing shortages by promoting more efficient and sustainable building practices,” Mr O’Hara said. 

Dave Flynn, Director of Business Networks, Skillnet Ireland, said: “Modern Methods of Construction is one of the key areas for the construction and built environment sector to increase productivity, efficiency and sustainability while enabling the sector to deliver on the Government’s Housing for All and Project Ireland 2040 targets. In partnership with third-level institutions, specialist construction-based Skillnet Ireland Business Networks are delivering a range of leading-edge upskilling and educational programmes critical to the implementation of MMC.” 

Professor Gerard O’Connor, Course Academic Director, Science and Technology, University of Galway, said: “We look forward to the opportunity of upskilling the construction sector on automated approaches used for efficiently shaping, assembling and transporting materials using concepts translated from other manufacturing sectors.” 

The new 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. 

Meanwhile, the 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. 

Enrolment for both programmes is now open. For more information, please visit the Industry 4.0 Skillnet website.