Introduction to Modern Construction: Module 6a Site Visit

This event is part of Module 6 of the training programme. It will consist of a Builder led dicussion about this MMC build, followed by an in person discussion at a nearby location.

Details

This is part of a 12 hour training course, consisting of 6 main modules, delivered in person and online, as well as some self-learning:

Module 1: Introduction to course + Introduction to New Trends (2.5hours, in person)

Module 2: Introduction to Sustainable Construction (1.5 hour, online)

Module 3: Offsite Fundamentals & Systems (1 hour, online)

Module 4: Use of Digital Technology in Construction (1 hour, online)

Module 5: Mini Project (2 hours, self-learning)

Module 6: Bringing it all Together (4 hours, in person)

Introduction to Modern Construction Course

Construction is changing. The need for better quality product, reduced carbon emissions, reduced waste and to attract a new and diverse labour force means we need to do things differently. We continue to build houses in the same way that we have done for many decades, indeed centuries with much building still carried out along the same principles as were used in medieval construction.

A heavy demand for on-site labour, large quantities of materials that are delivered to site where weather conditions and physical constraints can cause delays, defects and waste, and the relatively unattractive working conditions of ‘traditional’ construction are key drivers for considering delivering homes in new ways, drawing on the lessons from manufacturing in other industries. Rapid advances in digital technologies are another driver for moernising the way we design and build our homes.

Now is the time to look to the opportunities of digitisation and Offsite construction to improve the quality and performance of housing and to open up parts of the workforce that have not considered ‘traditional’ construction. Building zero carbon homes through low carbon construction and use of renewable energy to run them is also central to future housing design. We also need to retrofit c.27 million homes in the UK to meet our climate change commitments, which offers a new range of opportunities for the construction sector.

Today’s construction labour force needs to be familiar with:

• Digital skills in construction – including BIM

• Offsite Manufacturing technology and process – including Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) and new materials

• Sustainable construction – including zero carbon buildings, retrofit and circular economy in construction

Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) is a term used to describe a process of innovation in the construction industry. It is not exclusive to any one particular method, technique, design type or material, but rather a way to describe new approaches to ways of building that deliver high-quality homes, faster, more efficiently and with less waste.

Adopting MMC is about creating a vibrant, re-skilled, integrated, more predictable and productive industry that will produce much wider longer-term benefits.

This module is designed to help learners understand the important features of Modern Construction and MMC/Off-site construction, focusing on building development mission and delivery. This module includes modular construction, factory construction and automation.

By the end of this course, learners will have a much better understanding of Modern construction trends, digital techniques, sustainable construction and the use of MMC, particularly their application to housing and be able to assess the potential options for SMEs (with whom they are employed) to work digitally, build more sustainable and apply MMC and OSC manufacturers and developers in the design, manufacture and deliver of homes.

The Purpose and Objectives of this course:

The course is designed to be delivered as a one-off introductory short course or a CPD module, providing a broad introduction to Modern Construction.

It will prepare and equip learners to work in a changing and modernising construction industry including with MMC and on sites where MMC is being used. It will better fulfil their job roles and could form a pathway to progress to Further Education programmes such as HNC, HND or Higher Education degree courses.

This course has been specifically designed to be deliverable and relevant to SME employees, managers and owners to enable them to understand the principles, drivers, potential benefits and advantages of working digitally, building sustainably and using MMC to the future of their companies.

Learning Aims

On completion of this module a learner should:

1 Understand the trends in Modern Construction including digital skills, Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and sustainable construction techniques

2 Understand the various digital design skills and tools that can and will increasingly be used in home design, construction and manufacture to assist with management, planning, communication, procurement, tendering and contracts, including Computer Aided Design (CAD), Building Information Modelling (BIM), VR/AI;

3 Understand the sustainability issues (social, economic and environmental) in construction and for the built environment and know the important features of the natural environment that need to be protected; understand how the activities of the construction and built environment sector impact on the natural environment and how the natural environment can be protected and environmental impacts removed, reduced or mitigated; understand a wide variety of sustainable construction techniques and what makes them sustainable.

4 Understand the principles of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA), process thinking and continuous improvement and how this applies to construction; understand MMC, its evolution and current state and the drivers for its use;

5 Understand the spectrum of MMC, the range of systems and approaches that include Off-site, near-site and on-site pre-manufacturing, process improvements and technology applications, (definition framework), including understanding the MMC landscape in the Bristol/WECA region;

6 Understand the range of materials used in MMC;

7 Understand how different forms of off-site/MMC construction provide potential benefits for building design, production and delivery;

8 Be able to discuss the benefits of, and present a proposal for a selected off-site construction method or sustainable construction approach in relation to efficiency, sustainability and cost of project delivery;

9 Understand the opportunities for SME’s to engage with retrofit, sustainable construction, digitalisation or MMC and any adaptations that are required to enable them to do so.

This course is being delivered as part of Workforce for the Future.

What is Workforce for the Future?

The West of England Workforce for the Future programme has received £4m of funding from the European Social Fund as part of the 2014-2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme in England.

The Workforce for the Future programme offers:

• Workforce development planning

• Training, including digital skills

• Apprenticeship, intern & work placements

• Talent retention

• Education and skills pathways

The Department for Work and Pensions (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for the England European Social Fund programme. Established by the European Union, the European Social Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support skills development, employment and job creation, social inclusion and local community regenerations.

If you have any questions or queries, get in touch with us at [email protected]

Host or Publisher Workforce for the Future