Developed with funding from the Higher Education Authorities (HEA) Human Capital Initiative and with support from Lean Construction Ireland (LCI) and the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), ATU’s free Lean Construction aims to provide the construction industry with an introduction to lean construction principles at no cost.
The ‘Introduction to Lean Construction MOOC’ provides learners with a basic understanding of lean construction methodologies and best practices. By completing this course, participants can start their journey towards improving efficiency, reducing waste, and boosting productivity in construction projects. The program consists of online modules covering Value Stream Mapping, Construction Waste, Lean Tools (Last Planner, Fishbone, Pareto), Lean Management, and Lean Visual Management. The course includes video lectures, industry-based interviews, quizzes, and additional resources on lean construction topics.
Trevor McSharry, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering & Construction, ATU Sligo, expressed enthusiasm for the program:
“We are excited to launch the ‘Introduction to Lean Construction MOOC’ in partnership with Higher Ed 4.0, LCi, and CIF. This program represents a significant milestone in our commitment to advancing education and innovation in the construction industry. By offering this free resource, we aim to empower professionals at all levels to embrace lean principles and drive sustainable growth and success within their organisations.”
Richard Fitzpatrick, Chair of Lean Construction Ireland (LCi), commented the initiative:
“We are delighted to support ATU in launching the ‘Introduction to Lean Construction MOOC’, which complements LCi’s White Belt training course. This initiative exemplifies the power of partnership in driving positive change and innovation in education and industry. The Irish construction sector is going through significant change as it responds to the need to achieve greater productivity, deliver sustainable infrastructure, and embrace new techniques and digital technologies. By equipping learners with the knowledge and skills to adopt lean principles, we are paving the way for a more efficient, sustainable, and lean construction sector.”
Dermot Carey, Director of Safety & Training at CIF, added, “CIF is proud to support this innovation in delivering high-quality education to the sector at no cost. This program will help our members become more efficient in delivering key projects, and we encourage contractors to explore this resource.”
Upon course completion, learners will receive an electronic Certificate of Completion. They may pursue further lean construction training, such as LCi’s Yellow Belt in Lean Construction or ATU’s online Lean Construction programs.
Enrollment for the ‘Introduction to Lean Construction MOOC’ is now open to learners worldwide. For more information and to register, please visit the MOOC programme page here.
Atlantic Technological University offers Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Lifelong Learning opportunities for aspiring higher education students. Learning is and will be the core activity of the Institute, bringing students, staff and the region together to share, apply, test and create knowledge. Out of ATU’s five campuses, the Galway Campus is the largest and home of the Institute’s administrative headquarters. Overlooking Galway Bay, the campus remains one of Galway City’s iconic landmarks due to its distinctive architecture and design. The modern building hosts an IT Centre and the Library. Business, Tourism, Engineering, Science a wide range of courses are available on this campus.
Galway City is also home to ATU’s The Centre for Creative Arts and Media. A stones throw away from the city centre, the campus focuses in courses in art & design, textiles, and film & documentary that cater to aspiring creative students, who are looking to gain on hands experience to prepare them for Art and Multimedia sectors. The building consists of high ceilings, wide windows and spacious room, while the library is constructed with Irish oak using a distinct ecclesiastical theme.
The Mayo Campus of Atlantic Technological University opened its doors to students back in 1994 and now offers modern facilities and services for both students and staff. Courses in Nursing, Business, Sciences, Tech among others are the main focus at the Mayo Campus. The National Centre for Excellence in Furniture Design and Technology is located in North-West Connamara at ATU’s Letterfrack Campus. The Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology was the first institute in Ireland to house a agricultural college, originally set up by the Franciscan Brothers in 1904. Today students at Mountbellow have the choice between two degrees on the campus – Rural Enterprise & Agribusiness or Agriculture & Environmental Management.
Among the excellent academic services provided by ATU, there are also great recreational facilities for its students to avail of including GAA, rugby, soccer, athletics, indoor sports and a selection of clubs and societies.
ATU Campuses
- ATU Galway City, Dublin Road
- ATU Galway City, Wellpark Road
- ATU Mayo
- ATU Connemara
- ATU Mountbellew