It was a busy summer at the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE), with learner achievements, new apprenticeship opportunities, employer engagement, and on-site industry training all taking place across June, July and August and reflecting AMTCE’s role in supporting the future of advanced manufacturing in Ireland.
There was also a bit of fun on the football pitch with the AMTCE Apprentice charity football tournament in support of Cycle Against Suicide.
Training highlights included the graduation of Robotic Welding Operator learner, the launch of the new Robotics and Automation Apprenticeship, the completion of training across a range of programmes, and the deployment of AMTCE’s mobile training pod directly to industry locations.
Robotic Welding Operator Graduation
AMTCE was delighted to celebrate the successful completion of training by the latest group of Robotic Welding Operators.
Throughout their time at AMTCE, the group demonstrated dedication, drive and ambition while developing new technical skills. Their training combined theory, hands-on practical experience and recognised certification, with learners developing both manual and robotic welding skills.
With welding skills in high demand across Ireland, the programme equips learners with the precision, speed and confidence needed to pursue opportunities within modern manufacturing.
A huge congratulations to all the learners on their achievement, and we wish them every success as they take the next step in their careers.
Launch of the Robotics and Automation Apprenticeship
In June, LMETB welcomed Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, to officially launch a new apprenticeship in Robotics and Automation.
Delivered through the apprenticeship model of ‘earn while you learn’, the two-year programme leads to a Level 6 Advanced Certificate on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). This innovative new apprenticeship has been developed in response to growing industry demand for skilled technicians in industrial robotics and automation. The programme combines practical workplace learning with structured training, helping to develop the highly skilled workforce needed to support Ireland’s manufacturing sector into the future.
Employers across industry sectors, ranging from construction to MedTech and pharma to food production are now recruiting for apprentices to commence in the coming weeks.
Speaking at the launch of the Robotics and Automation Apprenticeship, Minister Lawless said:
“The Robotics and Automation Apprenticeship illustrates how new, agile learning pathways are helping industry respond to a rapidly changing industrial landscape. With automation now embedded across sectors, businesses are increasingly seeking talented technicians with the expertise to develop, operate, and maintain these advanced systems.”
Employers interested in developing talent within their organisations, or individuals seeking a rewarding career in advanced manufacturing, can find out more at: www.roboticsapprenticeship.ie or contact [email protected].
LMFM at the LMETB FET Open Day
AMTCE was represented at LMETB’s Further Education and Training Open Day in King Street, Drogheda where, Aoife McDaid, AMTCE Training Manager spoke to Pat O’Shaughnessy from LMFM about the range of training courses available to employees and employers at AMTCE and across LMETB, under Skills to Advance initiative.
Mary Glennan, Programme Manager also shared information about the new Robotics and Automation Apprenticeship and why this exciting new programme provides on the job training opportunities across a wide range of manufacturing industries in Ireland.
The Open Day was an excellent opportunity to highlight the career pathways available in LMETB FET and the practical, hands-on training that is available in AMTCE.
Listen to our radio interview from the event:
AMTCE Apprentices Football Tournament
AMTCE apprentices took part in a friendly football tournament at Dundalk Sports Centre in August, where the apprenticeship staff took on the apprentices in a competitive but fun-spirited competition.
The tournament raised funds for the chosen charity, Cycle Against Suicide and was supported by local businesses who kindly donated raffle prizes and supplies for the day. With great teamwork, plenty of laughs, and a spirit of good sportsmanship, everyone left the pitch still on speaking terms.
A huge thank you to the local businesses who generously donated raffle prizes and supplies for the day: Eastern Electrical Dundalk, Toolfix.ie, Oxyarc Ltd, Dolphin Electrical, and Value Centre Dundalk. Your support made the event a great success.
Celebrating Successful Training Completed at AMTCE
It was fantastic to see another group of learners successfully complete robotics training at AMTCE in June. Our robotics training programmes provide businesses and employees with practical experience in automation technologies, helping organisations explore new opportunities for innovation, productivity and growth.
Across June, July and August, learners also completed courses in Leadership & Management and hyperMILL training, among others.
Brian recently completed the Green Skills course on Sustainable Supply Chain Procurement under Skills to Advance:
I came into the programme with a strong background in procurement and supply chain management, but the course helped me bridge the gap between what I already knew and how sustainability has now become embedded in both government policy and corporate governance frameworks.
What made the experience genuinely enjoyable was the classroom interaction. The discussions were open, lively and grounded in real challenges people were facing in their own industries. Hearing perspectives from other backgrounds and industries created a learning environment that was diverse, practical and surprisingly energising. Overall, this course exceeded my expectations.
We congratulate all participants on their achievements and look forward to supporting more learners.
AMTCE at the Johnson & Johnson BioCork Learn & Grow Day
AMTCE was delighted to take part in Johnson & Johnson’s BioCork Learn & Grow Day in Cork, showcasing the new Robotics and Automation Apprenticeship and highlighting the growing demand for skills in robotics, automation and smart manufacturing.
The event provided an opportunity to meet with individuals interested in developing their careers, as well as employers looking to build future-ready teams. We were pleased to share more about the apprenticeship, the hands-on experience it provides and how it can support the development of the next generation of skilled manufacturing professionals.
‘Elevator’ Mobile Training Pod Out on the Road
AMTCE’s mobile training pod hit the road this summer, bringing specialised, industry-focused training directly to the workplace. The pod visited West Pharmaceutical Services in Dublin and Abbott Ireland in Kilkenny, where staff took part in training programmes focused on Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
The mobile training pod provides a flexible way for AMTCE to bring practical training directly to employers, supporting teams to develop and enhance the technical skills required in modern manufacturing environments.
By delivering training on-site, AMTCE can work closely with industry to respond to specific skills needs while making upskilling more accessible and convenient for employees.
AMTCE at West Pharmaceutical Services Training & Development Day
AMTCE’s training team attended a Training and Development Day at West Pharma’s Dublin campus in Blanchardstown. The team was delighted to share information on the new Robotics and Automation Apprenticeship and the range of exciting Skills to Advance training opportunities available through AMTCE. The event offered a valuable opportunity to engage with companies that support and encourage employee training and development.
County Meath Chamber Business Showcase and Drogheda & District Chamber Jobs Fair
The AMTCE team attended the County Meath Chamber Business Showcase in June. The event, held at the CityNorth Hotel, was a great showcase of businesses across the region, and our team was happy to engage with a range of employers.
In July, AMTCE was delighted to attend the Drogheda and District Chamber Jobs Fair to share information about the training and apprenticeship opportunities available at AMTCE.
Career Guidance, Employer and Learner Engagement Teams Visit AMTCE
We were delighted to welcome Career Guidance, Employer and Learner Engagement teams from across Louth and Meath ETB to AMTCE for a briefing on the new Robotics and Automation Apprenticeship.
The session provided attendees with an overview of the programme and highlighted the growing demand for skills in robotics, automation and Industry 4.0 technologies.
The visit demonstrated the importance of collaboration between education, learner support services and industry in ensuring that future learners are aware of the exciting career opportunities available in this rapidly expanding sector.
Are you interested in upskilling yourself or your team? Register your interest today