The Timber Frame Learning Hub
Building Skills. Building Confidence. Building the Future.
Understanding commercial value
At Donaldson Timber Systems, we believe that the future of timber frame and the wider construction industry depends on the people who deliver it.
That’s why we’ve partnered with GRASSP, an independent online training platform dedicated to growing skills, building confidence, and strengthening careers in construction.
We’ve combined our 50 years of expertise to create the Timber Frame Training Programme to build skills, knowledge, and confidence when building in timber frame.
We know that successful timber frame projects depend on more than just great products. They depend on the skills, knowledge, and confidence of the teams delivering them.
With expert-led lessons, the learning hub gives housebuilders, contractors, and site teams the tools they need to:
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Design smarter – understand timber frame principles and optimise projects from the outset
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Control costs – learn how to estimate, budget, and achieve cost certainty
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Build better – access best practice guides for on-site installation and sequencing
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Stay compliant – keep up to date with regulations, MMC standards, and Future Homes requirements
Through our partnership with GRASSP, our Timber Frame Training Programme offers a blend of:
Interactive digital modules that combine theory with best practice.
Experiential learning and on-site assessment to reinforce competence.
Role-specific pathways covering manufacturing, design, and site assembly.
Certification and recognition aligned to national standards and employer needs.
Why It matters
The UK Government has set an ambition to build 1.5 million new homes, and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) forecasts a shortfall of more than 250,000 skilled workers by 2027.
Our aim is to help to close this gap, equipping the industry with the knowledge and confidence to deliver offsite timber frame homes faster, greener, and better.
The Timber Frame Training Programme on GRASSP helps to:
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Upskill existing construction professionals in modern timber systems.
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Provide structured entry pathways for apprentices and new entrants.
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Support employers with accessible, high-quality training that improves productivity and quality.
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Promote MMC and timber frame as sustainable solutions for the UK housing market.
The Buildoffsite Property Assurance Scheme (BOPAS) provides long-term confidence in durability and integrity. It validates our processes for design, manufacture, and on-site installation, guaranteeing a 60-year design life for our closed panel timber frame systems.
For developers, lenders, and housing providers, BOPAS+ accreditation removes risk and confirms that our systems are fit for modern housebuilding.
The British Board of Agrément (BBA) verifies that our systems meet the highest standards of technical compliance, durability, and fire safety. A BBA Agrément Certificate is a mark of excellence — independent proof that every product performs exactly as designed.
We’re also proud holders of the Structural Timber Association’s STA Assure Gold standard — the highest level of industry quality assurance. Together, these certifications demonstrate total reliability from factory to foundation.
All of our timber frame systems are NHBC Accepts approved, meaning they’re fully compatible with NHBC Buildmark warranties.
Building the future workforce
The Timber Frame Training Programme on GRASSP forms a key part of our Skills Movement — our long-term commitment to helping the industry overcome the skills shortage and inspire the next generation of timber frame professionals.
Whether you’re an employer looking to upskill your team or an individual ready to grow your career, we can provide the tools, structure, and support to help you succeed.
Be part of the skills movement
Our new hub isn’t just a training tool. It’s part of a wider skills movement to close gaps in the industry and create a stronger, more confident workforce for the future of construction.
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Practical and accessible: bite-size lessons you can apply immediately
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Expert-led: built on 50 years of our knowledge and experience
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Future-focused: training aligned with MMC, sustainability, and net zero goals
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Confidence-building: equip your team with the skills to deliver right, first time
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