SOLAS are currently funding Ireland’s first capital call for the Further Education and Training (FET) sector. Through this call, significant investment is being made in the improvement and replacement of building stock across Ireland and in the delivery of new FET campuses. These properties will serve learners from age 16 upwards – early school leavers, returners, lifelong learners both in and outside of employment, and school leavers (Post Leaving Certificate). Value for these learners and the staff who assist them on their pathways is found in facilities that are welcoming, fit-for-purpose, and accessible to all who want access. Translating this definition of value proposition, via the Infrastructure Guidelines, the Capital Works Management Framework, and a grant-awards process, into a lean continuous improvement cycle is not an easy task. However, using the opportunity of the integration of BIM and the International Construction Management Standards (ICMS) into the CWMF, SOLAS has commenced work on incorporating lean thinking and practices, digitalisation, and a commitment to sustainability into its workflows and practices. This presentation describes the early steps underway and provides an opportunity for LCi community of practice engagement with a major funding programme in the Irish public sector.
