Closing the skills gap: why the timber frame industry needs a skills movement

The UK construction sector is at a critical crossroads. The government has set an ambitious target of building 1.5 million new homes by the next general election, but the question remains: who will build them?

According to the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board), the UK needs to recruit over 250,000 additional construction workers by 2027 just to meet demand. Labour and skills shortages are already impacting delivery today, and with a growing pipeline of housing projects, the pressure is only increasing.

For the timber frame industry, which plays a vital role in modern methods of construction (MMC), this challenge is even sharper. If the UK is serious about delivering homes that are greener, faster, and better, we need a new approach to training and developing people. That’s why at Donaldson Timber Systems, we’ve launched a new Timber Frame Training Hub — as part of a wider skills movement.

The skills gap in construction

The skills gap is one of the most widely reported issues in UK construction. CITB research shows:

• Demand for construction workers continues to outstrip supply.

• Roles in site workers particularly bricklayers are hard to fill.

• The sector needs new entrants but also needs to upskill those already in the industry.

• For timber frame, the skills challenge is twofold:

• Growing demand for MMC Category 2 solutions as developers and housing associations look for faster, low-carbon methods.

• Shortage of trained people who understand how timber frame is designed, manufactured, and installed.

Without action, this gap could limit the industry’s ability to scale — and risk the UK falling short of its housing goals.

Introducing  Donaldson Timber Systems Timber Frame Training Programme

We believe the answer lies in building skills, building confidence, and building the future. That’s why in partnership with GRASSP, an online training platform, we have created the first training hub of its kind in the timber frame sector. It offers:

• Experiential learning programmes designed specifically for timber frame.

• Online modules that combine technical knowledge with practical application.

• Tools for housebuilders, contractors, and housing associations to upskill their teams.

This isn’t just about filling today’s vacancies. It’s about creating a sustainable pipeline of skilled people who can drive the industry forward.

Why it matters

We see this as more than a training hub. It’s part of a wider Skills Movement, designed to rally the industry around a shared challenge.

• For employees, it builds confidence and opens new career opportunities.

• For employers, it reduces risk, increases quality, and ensures consistency on site.

• For the sector, it strengthens the timber frame supply chain and accelerates MMC adoption.

By investing in people, we’re investing in the future of UK housing.

The bigger picture: meeting the uk’s housing needs

With the government’s target of 1.5 million new homes, the adoption of MMC — and timber frame in particular — is essential. But without the skills to deliver, targets become wishful thinking.

Donaldson Timber Systems is committed to being part of the solution:

• Supporting the industry to overcome the skills gap.

• Providing training that matches the pace of innovation.

Ensuring every home built with timber frame reflects the highest standards of quality and sustainability.

Closing the skills gap won’t happen overnight, but with collective action it can be done. Our new timber frame training programme and partnership with GRASSP is a first step — an open invitation to housebuilders, contractors, and future talent to get involved.