Industry Impact Fund

Build Smarter with Timber Frame Construction Training

In-progress
Start date:
Thursday, 1 May 2025
Planned end date:
Monday, 31 August 2026

Project Summary

Challenge

The construction industry must increase housing delivery while improving productivity, quality and sustainability. However, many housebuilders and contractors lack the knowledge and confidence needed to adopt Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and fully realise the benefits of offsite timber frame construction.

Research by Donaldson Timber Systems identified a lack of understanding among decision-makers, project managers and site teams as a key barrier to wider adoption. Without the confidence to plan, design and deliver timber frame construction effectively, organisations can miss opportunities to improve productivity, quality, performance and programme certainty.

As demand grows for faster, more efficient housebuilding, there is an increasing need for accessible learning that helps construction professionals develop the skills and knowledge needed to apply best practice across their organisations.

Solution

In collaboration with GRASSP, Donaldson Timber Systems has developed a digital learning platform to improve knowledge, confidence and competence in timber frame construction across the housebuilding and contracting sectors. Building on existing face-to-face training, the programme provides a comprehensive suite of online learning modules tailored to different roles and responsibilities.

The flexible platform gives learners access to role-specific training whenever and wherever it suits them. Designed as a "coach in your pocket", it combines practical guidance, bite-sized learning and ongoing support to help learners apply new skills in their day-to-day roles.

Each learner begins with a skills assessment to identify knowledge gaps and create a personalised development plan. Progress can then be tracked through learning pathways, quizzes, dashboards and performance monitoring tools, helping individuals build confidence and demonstrate competence over time.

Training topics include:

  • Timber frame fundamentals

  • Design and compliance requirements

  • On-site installation and construction techniques

  • Quality assurance and defect prevention

  • Sustainability and net zero principles

  • Project planning and coordination

  • Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)

  • Productivity improvement and process efficiency

The programme is designed to drive behavioural change across organisations, helping leaders, managers and site teams make informed decisions, reduce errors and improve productivity through a greater understanding of timber frame construction.

Expected Outcomes

Activity

KPI Target

Managers and directors completing timber frame learning programmes

400

Wider construction employees receiving practical timber frame training

1000

Individuals engaged through the programme

1540

Training sessions and learning modules delivered

400

Improvement in programme certainty and decision-making confidence

20%

Participant feedback rating the training positively

75%+

Industry-wide marketing and engagement campaigns delivered

2

Get involved

Follow the link below to register for training

Learning Hub | Timber Frame | Donaldson Timber Systems

Start date:
Thursday, 1 May 2025
Planned end date:
Monday, 31 August 2026