A new training programme designed to accelerate the use of timber in construction across the UK has officially launched, backed by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).
Led by Donaldson Timber Systems in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University, NMITE, Structural Timber Association, Timber Development UK and BE-ST, the Timber in Construction Skills programme aims to address a growing skills gap by building confidence and technical capability in designing, specifying and building in timber.
The programme will deliver 15+ fully funded training modules for construction and built environment professionals, apprentices and college students, ranging from introductory learning through to more advanced technical training. Courses are designed for roles across the built environment with an emphasis on installer through to construction project management.
The programme launched at Futurebuild, where the BE-ST team hosted one of the event’s largest physical exhibits. At the centre of the stand was a new practical training rig developed at the BE-ST Innovation Campus in Hamilton and transported to London for the exhibition.
The rig demonstrates the full assembly and disassembly of multiple structural timber systems including timber frame, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), Glued Laminated Timber (glulam) and Nail Laminated Timber (NLT). The system has been designed to support hands-on training and help build confidence and technical understanding among site operatives and construction professionals working with offsite manufactured timber systems.
Alex Goodfellow, CEO at Donaldson Offsite said, “Structural timber has a critical role to play in supporting the UK to overcome the housing crisis and build more sustainable, low carbon homes. I believe that the use of structural timber is the only way we can achieve the volume of homes needed to the high quality and performance standards expected.
“However, the industry’s ability to meet that demand depends on our ability to attract new people to construction and develop the right skills, knowledge and confidence to build using structural timber. The Timber in Construction Roadmap of which this CITB funded project derived, plays an important part in supporting change and growing the use of timber in construction.”
Timber Development UK will lead a new webinar series titled Timber in Construction 101, beginning in June and running till March 2027. The webinars will provide insight for professionals looking to improve their knowledge and confidence in timber construction. The six-part series will cover themes including Material Intelligence, Specifying Timber, Offsite Manufacturing, Onsite Excellence, Navigating Compliance and Constructing Carbon.
Professionals and educators interested in joining the webinar series can register for the first webinar, focused on material intelligence, here: https://timberdevelopment.uk/event/timber-in-construction-101-material-intelligence/
The are seeking a cohort of educators and industry experts to review the courses and provide feedback as the programme develops. Educators interested in participating in the review process can register their interest through BE-ST: https://forms.monday.com/forms/d06c2d08221bf1a45b94c039a2acb900?r=euc1
