Richard Hipkiss, Development Director of the Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA), reflects on the seven-year journey to establish a new apprenticeship pathway for the modular and relocatable buildings industry and why developing the next generation of skilled professionals matters more than ever.
The modular and relocatable buildings industry has a wealth of experience, expertise and highly skilled professionals. But like many areas of construction, it is facing an ageing workforce and a growing challenge in attracting and developing the next generation.
The problem was not simply finding more people. It was finding people with the right combination of practical, multi-disciplinary skills to work effectively across manufacturing and site environments. And there was another fundamental problem – there was no clear route into the industry at operative level. So, we knew something had to change.
From identifying the problem to creating the solution
In 2018, the MPBA established a Training and Development Group to investigate the issue. We undertook market research, listened to members and in 2019, analysed the findings. The conclusion was unequivocal. The industry needed a specialist training programme designed around the realities of modular and relocatable building.
Knowing what was needed, however, was only the beginning. Our first major challenge was finding an education partner willing and able to deliver it. The sector was considered too niche for universities, while colleges faced significant costs in establishing a specialist programme for the industry. That was our first brick wall. We eventually found a potential route forward, only to encounter another significant obstacle – the apprenticeship programme standard itself could not be agreed. Once again, we were back to the drawing board. It would have been easy to conclude that the programme was simply too difficult to deliver. Instead, we kept going.
A conversation that changed the trajectory
A conversation with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) opened up a new opportunity and, crucially, a viable pathway forward.
CITB and its National Construction College (NCC) understood both the challenge and the potential. What followed was a considerable amount of work, discussion and problem-solving, with many further hurdles to overcome. But this time, there was a shared vision. The objective was not simply to create an apprenticeship. It was to establish an accessible, inclusive and practical route into the modular and relocatable buildings sector that could help futureproof the industry’s workforce.
The collaboration between MPBA, CITB and NCC has been fundamental to getting us here. There have been false dawns, setbacks and moments when the destination seemed a long way off. But the commitment to finding a solution never disappeared. And now, after seven years, we have reached a significant milestone.
The next generation starts here
In November 2026, the first cohort of apprentices will begin the Construction Assembly and Installation Operative Apprenticeship – Relocatable Modular and Portable Option. This is an 18-month programme, including 18 weeks of residential training at NCC England East, designed to give apprentices a broad foundation of practical, industry-ready skills. The programme covers disciplines including:
• Plumbing
• Electrical observations
• Painting and decorating
• Floor finishes
• Internal joinery and fixtures
• Ceiling and internal wall finishes.
Importantly, this is not about creating a short-term skills fix. It is about creating a career pathway. For employers, continuous start dates throughout the year mean apprentices can be enrolled when the timing is right for the business. For individuals, it provides an opportunity to enter a specialist sector, develop valuable practical skills and build a long-term career.
NCC also brings significant expertise to the programme, with specialist instructors, personal development opportunities, enhanced learner welfare and pastoral support, together with residential accommodation and catering at its England East campus. Eligible employers may also be able to access CITB apprenticeship grants, subject to meeting the relevant requirements.
An investment in the industry’s future
The modular and relocatable buildings sector is evolving rapidly. As demand grows for more efficient, flexible and industrialised approaches to construction, the skills required to deliver them must evolve too. Technology and manufacturing capability will undoubtedly continue to transform our industry. But technology alone cannot build the future. People do. That is why this apprenticeship represents more than the launch of a new training programme. It represents a commitment by the industry to take responsibility for developing the people it will need tomorrow.
Seven years is a long time to bring an apprenticeship programme to life. But perhaps that is the most important lesson of all. If an industry believes in its future, it must invest in creating it. The MPBA is proud to have played its part in making that future possible. Now it is time to welcome the next generation.
To view the full course information for Construction Assembly and Installation Operative Apprenticeship Course – Relocatable Modular and Portable Option, visit the CITB website: https://bit.ly/4wUPDQz
