The UK housing market faces one of its greatest challenges in decades — delivering more homes, faster, while improving quality, sustainability, and affordability.

For many housebuilders, timber frame offers a clear path to achieving these goals: it’s faster to build, easier to predict, and proven to meet the standards of a low-carbon future.

Yet the truth is that timber frame only delivers its full value when it’s used well.

The knowledge and confidence of your teams, from design to site, determine whether timber frame simply meets expectations or transforms performance.

That’s why here at Donaldson Timber Systems we’ve launched the Timber Frame Training Programme, delivered in partnership with GRASSP, the online learning hub for the construction industry and CITB.

Understanding the housebuilder’s challenge

Every housebuilder today is under pressure to increase delivery rates without compromising quality, control cost and risk across the supply chain, meet Future Homes Standard 2025 and carbon reduction targets all while tackling labour shortages and maintaining productivity.

Timber frame can help achieve all of these, but only when teams understand how to plan for it, design for it, cost it accurately and get it right on site.

Why training matters

A modern timber frame system isn’t just another building material; it’s a construction method that changes how projects are sequenced, managed, and delivered. When teams know how to use it effectively, the impact is significant:

• Predictable programmes – Offsite manufacture improves consistent quality and when planned well in advance, reduces programme time and cost
• Better margins – Fewer defects, less skilled trades on site, faster handovers, and reduced waste all contribute to profitability.
• Higher quality and compliance – Factory precision and trained installation ensure consistency every time.
• Reduced labour dependency – Efficient sequencing requires fewer trades and less onsite supervision.
• Lower carbon – Timber is low-carbon by nature, supporting sustainability and net-zero targets.

Without the right training, these benefits can be diluted by rework, misunderstanding, and inefficiencies. With training, they become embedded in every project.

The DTS Timber Frame Training Programme

To help housebuilders make the most of timber frame, we’ve taken our 50 years experience and developed a comprehensive learning pathway in partnership with GRASSP — the Growing, Recognising and Supporting Skills in Practice platform.

Developed by our most experienced people, the programme helps site, technical, commercial, and project teams understand:

• How to design effectively for timber frame.
• How to undertake the right commercial viability
• How manufacturing and logistics influence build sequencing.
• How to manage follow on trades after installation to reap the speed benefits.
• For affordable projects, how timber frame supports MMC frameworks and funding criteria.

Available online through GRASSP, the modules combine practical, real-world insight with digital flexibility, allowing teams to learn anywhere, anytime, and at their own pace.

Turning adoption into advantage

Every major housebuilder now recognises the importance of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). Timber frame sits at the heart of this movement — but success depends on capability. By training your people to plan and deliver timber frame correctly, you’re not just adopting a system, you’re gaining a competitive advantage:

• Faster routes to market.
• Higher-quality homes.
• Less reliance on skills in short supply.
• Greater programme certainty.

Start building smarter

With our Timber Frame Training Programme, housebuilders can equip their teams with the skills and understanding needed to deliver consistent, high-quality results, every time.

It’s the bridge between potential and performance, helping your business realise the true benefits of timber frame and build for a more sustainable, profitable future.

Find out more about how our new Timber Frame Training Programme can support your next project.