Industry 4.0 Skillnet and University of Galway launch cutting-edge Modern Methods of Construction programmes to meet evolving industry needs

Press Release for online and print media. Galway, August 1st, 2024: Industry 4.0 Skillnet, one of 70 Skillnet Ireland Business Networks nationwide, 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 (MMC) 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 leadingedge 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.

Registration Information Enrolment for both programmes is now open, application closes on August 23rd.

For funding requests, please visit industry4skillnet.com/mmc-programmes or contact Ylenia Morselli, Network Manager, Industry 4.0 Skillnet at info@industry4skillnet.com

For media inquiries, please contact:
Ylenia Morselli, Industry 4.0 Skillnet Network Manager
Email: info@industry4skillnet.com Phone: 0858675275 Website: www.industry4skillnet.com

About Industry 4.0 Skillnet
Industry 4.0 Skillnet supports businesses of all sizes in the manufacturing, quarrying, and construction sectors. The
network’s mission is to support the growth of businesses by enhancing industry specific skills and knowledge,
broadening access to skills development opportunities and encouraging ongoing professional development.
Collaborating with industry, the network designs, develops and delivers responsive, bespoke and flexible training courses
to meet the ongoing needs of businesses. Industry 4.0 Skillnet is promoted by Future Cast, the Manorhamilton, Co
Leitrim based innovation and development centre. To find out more about the upskilling supports offered by Industry
4.0 Skillnet visit www.industry4skillnet.com

About Skillnet Ireland
Skillnet Ireland is the national talent development agency of the Government of Ireland, responsible for advancing the
competitiveness, productivity, and innovation of Irish businesses through enterprise-led talent development. Skillnet
Ireland partners with 57 industry bodies, supporting over 26,600 businesses and more than 97,700 trainees annually,
through its 70 Skillnet Business Networks and three National Initiatives Skillnet Climate Ready Academy, Skillnet
Innovation Exchange and MentorsWork – across most sectors and all regions in Ireland. Skillnet Ireland is funded from
the National Training Fund through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and
Science. To learn more about Skillnet Ireland visit www.skillnetireland.ie Skillnet Business Network search tool:
https://www.skillnetireland.ie/our-networks/
Facebook: @SkillnetIreland
Twitter: @SkillnetIreland
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/skillnetireland

About University of Galway
University of Galway is a leading provider of advanced education and training, committed to fostering innovation and
sustainability in various industries. With a focus on practical learning and industry collaboration, we prepare our
students to meet the challenges of the future

Left to Right: Dr Noel Harrison (Mechanical Engineering, University of Galway); Prof Ger O’Connor (Director of CALPD Science and Technology programmes,
University of Galway); Dr. Magdalena Hajdukiewicz (Civil Engineering, University of Galway; Director of Construct Innovate), JJ O’Hara (CEO at Future Cast
and Network Promotor of Industry 4.0 Skillnet), Padraig Conneely (Centre for Adult Learning & Professional Development lecturer in Automation, University
of Galway)