In the mission to address Britain’s housing crisis, more and more builders are embracing timber frame homes as a way to meet ambitious targets.
With faster build times, off-site manufacturing and lower-carbon construction processes, that’s not surprising.
But this rising adoption is not without its challenges – and chief among them is skills.
More popular by the year
Despite its storied past, timber frame’s resurgence is part of the wider rise of modern methods of construction (MMC) in house building.
It’s finding increased popularity thanks to providing quick installation, greater efficiency and reductions in waste while simultaneously aligning with sustainability and net zero ambitions.
In Scotland, around 90% of new homes are built with timber frame construction, but elsewhere its usage is increasing across both private and affordable housing developments.
In fact, two of the largest UK house builders – Barratt and Taylor Wimpey – have pledged to reach the 30% mark for new homes built with timber frames and MMC by 2030.
Of course, the extra demand relies on builders being able to find qualified professionals who are trained specifically in this method.
Specialist work requires specialist workers
Many constructions skills are transferable across disciplines, but timber frame installation is a highly specific and unique craft.
It’s critical that timber frame systems are installed with not only the correct methods, but also with absolute precision.
Even a seemingly minor issue during construction can lead to structural issues, moisture problems and defects, sometimes early on but often years after work on site has been completed.
Sequencing, tolerances and weather protection are just some of the vital factors that must be considered in every timber frame project – meaning having skilled teams who can help maintain quality, safety and long-term building performance is essential.
Forging new careers
Unsurprisingly, the pick-up in industry demand is creating plenty of new career opportunities.
Timber frame is now a growing specialist career path, with industry newcomers studying for apprenticeships and others retraining as site operatives, supervisions and technical experts.
The expanded role of technology across the industry is making it an attractive area of focus for those seeking long-term progression.
Yet equipping people with the right skills is obviously reliant on quality training that combines classroom learning and practical site experience in structured, tailored programmes.
It’s not a one-and-done process, either; to ensure continuous professional development as timber frame technologies evolve, regular training will be needed.
Filling the skills gap today
To date, relatively few timber frame training providers exist in comparison to their traditional methods counterparts.
That’s why we have invested in creating a range of new courses and programmes that answer the industry’s calls for more timber frame skills.
Through our training course Managing timber frame construction, for example, everyone from site managers and their assistants to construction contracts managers, subcontract managers, inspectors and quality control professionals can gain essential management and inspection knowledge.
Our Construction Assembly Installation Operative Timber Frame apprenticeship, meanwhile, is for new entrants to the sector, giving employers a cost-effective way to bring skills into their business quickly.
Even the most time-pressed organisations can take advantage of our Timber frame trade talks that, in just one hour, help erectors, foremen and site managers understand the most common defects we find on site.
Going further tomorrow
NHBC’s commitment to supporting the next generation of timber talent will not be short lived.
It’s clear that the appetite for timber frame homes is only going to grow. So too will our collaboration with industry partners to raise installation standards and strengthen workforce competence across the sector.
