September was a busy and impactful month at the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE), with a strong focus on industry collaboration, digital transformation and international engagement.
Throughout the month, AMTCE hosted and participated in a series of events that connected businesses, showcased innovation and highlighted practical training supports available to industry.
USA/Cross-Border Trade Missions 2025 – Launch Event
AMTCE hosted the USA/Cross Border Trade Mission 2025 Launch Event, bringing together businesses from across the island of Ireland to explore new opportunities for collaboration, innovation and growth.
This event marked the first step in a unique programme designed to strengthen connections not only cross-border, but also across the Atlantic, creating valuable pathways for future trade and partnership. Attendees gained insight into the wider programme of activity and the opportunities it presents for building all-island and transatlantic business relationships.
Risk to Reward – The SME Digitalisation Journey
In collaboration with the North-East Regional Enterprise Plan Digitalisation Working Group, AMTCE hosted Risk to Reward – The SME Digitalisation Journey, a highly engaging information morning focused on digital adoption for SMEs.
Attendees heard valuable insights and practical advice from industry speakers Brendan Tumilty, Kieran Callaghan, Mike Treanor and John Smith, who shared real-world experiences on the risks and rewards of digitalisation.
Eoin Byrne, Cluster Manager at Cyber Ireland, provided key information on digital supports, while Bridgin Durnin from the National Enterprise Hub and Ray Murphy, Regional Skills Manager for the North East, highlighted funding and business supports available. The session was expertly facilitated by Bernadette McGahon, who guided a lively and informative Q&A discussion.
WorldSkills Ireland 2025
AMTCE was proud to support WorldSkills Ireland 2025, engaging with attendees from across the country. Our trainers provided hands-on demonstrations of advanced manufacturing technologies, including VR welding, robotics and 3D printing.
These interactive experiences highlighted how modern training methods can support skills development and career progression in advanced manufacturing.
USA / Cross-Border Trade Mission 2025 Event
Later in the month, AMTCE welcomed a delegation of representatives from several US companies as part of the USA/Cross-Border Trade Mission 2025.
The mission was led by Jim Lamb, President of The Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh, alongside Amanda Stewart, CEO of the High Performance Building Alliance, Petra Mitchell, CEO of Catalyst Connection, and Jenna Cramer, President & CEO of the Green Building Alliance. US companies and businesses from across the island of Ireland came together for a programme of networking, knowledge-sharing and business matchmaking.