Read about what the AMTCE got up to in March
Official Opening of AMTCE






Earlier this month, the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE) was officially opened in Dundalk by Minister James Lawless. This landmark event brought together key figures, including Martin O’Brien (Chief Executive, LMETB), Gerard Smith (Director, AMTCE), Sadie Ward McDermott (Director of FET, LMETB), Nick Killian (Cathaoirleach, LMETB), Andrew Brownlee (CEO, SOLAS), and Carol Gibbons (Enterprise Ireland), all of whom highlighted the significance of AMTCE in upskilling Ireland’s workforce.
Guests toured the state-of-the-art facility, witnessing first-hand the advanced training in robotics, VR/AR welding, CNC machining, and smart manufacturing. Speeches reinforced the role of AMTCE in supporting industry growth, with a focus on accessibility and the 5,000 learners upskilled in the past three years. The event concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, mounted on a 3D-printed concrete wall, a visual marker of the cutting-edge training delivered by AMTCE.
AMTCE Welcomes Enterprise Ireland’s Business Expansion Team

This month, we were pleased to welcome Enterprise Ireland’s Business Expansion team to AMTCE. Director Gerald Smith presented on the upskilling and reskilling opportunities available to support businesses in their strategic growth. The team also toured our Smart Factory, gaining insight into the cutting-edge training we offer.
A big thank you to all attendees for an engaging and insightful visit!
KCETB Careers in Apprenticeship Expo

This month, AMTCE participated in the KCETB Careers in Apprenticeship Expo at the Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny. The event highlighted the many opportunities available through apprenticeships, which allow learners to gain hands-on industry experience while earning.
Our team engaged with attendees, providing insights into the diverse apprenticeship training programs available at AMTCE and how they can support career development in advanced manufacturing and beyond.
Learn more about our apprenticeship opportunities here:
Successful Learners – Introduction to Robotics – Intermediate Level

This month, another group of learners successfully completed the Introduction to Robotics – Intermediate Level course, delivered in collaboration with KUKA. Participants gained hands-on experience operating a robot cell while adhering to safety regulations, equipping them with the skills needed to perform essential operating tasks in advanced manufacturing.
A special thank you to West Pharma for investing in upskilling their workforce in this cutting-edge field. With robotics playing an increasingly vital role in industry, training like this ensures that workers are prepared for the future of automation.
The next iteration of this course begins on April 14th, interested learners can register now to take the next step in their robotics training.
Successful Learners – Introduction to Robotics – Intermediate Level

AMTCE recently delivered another successful iteration of our IRC5 Programming and Operation course, equipping learners with essential robotics programming skills. Participants gained hands-on experience in program operations, RAPID programming, logical instructions, Flex Pendant messaging, and evaluating cycle times and task memory structures.
A special thank you to Edward Vacuum, Tecomet, and Zimmer Biomet for investing in their employees’ skills and supporting innovation in advanced manufacturing.
If you’re interested in upskilling your employees, register your interest today:
Robotic Welding Trainees Gain Industry Insights Through Site Visits

Trainees on AMTCE’s Full-Time Robotic Welding Operator Programme recently had the opportunity to visit Dromone Engineering Ltd and Oriel Attachments, gaining first-hand insight into real-world welding operations. These visits provided invaluable exposure to industry practices and reinforced the career opportunities awaiting them upon completing their training.
A special thanks to Jess Dooner and Tommy De Courcey for their support in arranging these site visits. Industry engagement plays a key role in shaping our programmes and preparing learners for the workforce.
For more information on the next iteration of this course, click here: