< Back 12 Oct 2026

New report: Modern Methods of Construction Workforce and skills implications

Jacob Fredericks, Director Policy and Advocacy
BuildSkills AustraliaLinkedIn

The report finds that Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) could change where and how construction work is performed, shifting more activity into design, planning, manufacturing and logistics, while site-based work becomes increasingly focused on assembly, installation and integration. Rather than creating an entirely new occupational ecosystem, MMC changes the mix of labour required and places greater emphasis on coordination and expertise earlier in the construction process.

The study identifies the most significant capability gap among the professional and paraprofessional workers whose decisions shape projects before they reach the factory or construction site. Existing construction, manufacturing and training pathways provide much of the foundation required, but stronger capability is needed in areas including design for manufacture and assembly, digital coordination, production planning, logistics and system integration.

The report concludes that broad new qualifications or a dedicated MMC apprenticeship are not the immediate priority. Instead, it proposes a targeted response focused on professional and paraprofessional upskilling, structured workplace learning for proprietary systems, clearer signalling of existing pathways into MMC roles, and continued monitoring of adoption before larger training-system reforms are considered.