New CITB-backed webinar series aims to strengthen timber construction skills

In support of the major new Timber in Construction Skills Programme initiative, a new webinar series has been launched to equip the industry with essential skills – Timber in Construction 101 – completely free for anyone interested in using timber in construction.

Skills development is a core theme of the Timber in Construction Roadmap. The Timber in Construction Skills Programme is a key project within this landscape: a two-year initiative backed by the CITB and delivered through a powerhouse partnership including TDUK, BE-ST, Edinburgh Napier University, NMITE, the STA, and Donaldson Timber Systems.

Alex Goodfellow, CEO of Donaldson Timber Systems, said: “The Timber in Construction Roadmap highlighted the importance of developing the workforce alongside the growth of timber construction, and this CITB-funded initiative is an important step in helping address that challenge.

“By bringing together industry, education and innovation partners, we have an opportunity to create a long-term skills framework that supports better project outcomes, attracts more people into construction, and helps the sector deliver the high-quality, low-carbon homes the UK needs in the years ahead.”

David Hopkins, chief executive of Timber Development UK, echoed this message, saying: “As offsite approaches and low-carbon materials like timber gain significant market share, the professionals who understand wood – and can work with it confidently – will be the ones who lead the industry into the next decade.

“We are proud to work with our network of partners, members and industry experts to launch this webinar series – made free to all – in support of the wider programme, bringing together the industry knowledge needed to support this skills evolution.”

The Timber in Construction 101 series features six intervention-led webinars, mirroring the course content currently being developed. Covering the entire timber value chain, the series will enable learners to develop skills they can apply on-site or in the factory immediately, including core concepts such as:

• Material Intelligence: Understanding timber performance and properties

• Design and Specification: Navigating fire safety and structural integrity

• Offsite Manufacturing: Optimising factory-to-site delivery and precision

• Onsite Excellence: Mastering logistics and sequence management

• Navigating Compliance: Building confidence in the regulatory landscape

• Constructing Carbon: Evidencing carbon claims for timber construction

Learners can now enrol in the webinar series, with the first webinar, Material Intelligence, beginning on 3 June 2026. The series will run through to March 2027 and will also be made available on demand to support the development of a new network of timber students and educators.

Help shape the future of timber construction skills

The programme is seeking individuals and organisations that want to actively contribute to the Timber in Construction Skills Programme. Interested parties can express their interest in getting involved in a way that suits their expertise and capacity by completing the online form with BE-ST.

You can get involved by:

• Reviewing and strengthening programme content

• Contributing new knowledge, case studies or teaching materials

• Championing the programme within your organisation or institution

• Supporting educators to embed timber content into learning

• Taking part in events or contributing to podcasts

All that is required to enrol in the webinar series is a free Timber Development UK account. To find out more or get involved, visit www.timberdevelopment.uk. 

For more information about the programme, visit www.be-st.build/timber-in-construction-skills.