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Southern Regional College, QUB and LMETB join forces to develop and advance manufacturing skills

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Southern Regional College

3rd Jun 2024

In a significant move towards promoting high level advanced manufacturing skills and apprenticeship training across the whole of Ireland, Southern Regional College signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Louth Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) on Wednesday 22nd May 2024 to develop and provide advanced manufacturing training interventions.  A Memorandum of Understanding between LMETB and QUB was also signed.

That same day, LMETB’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence in Dundalk (AMTCE) in Dundalk also welcomed a high profile visit from the North’s Economy Minister Deirdre Hargey.

It was an inaugural visit for the Minister to the world standard advanced manufacturing facility, emphasising the AMTCE’s pivotal role in the integration of advanced skills training on an All-Island basis.

Southern Regional College currently provides further education and higher education degree programmes in the areas of engineering and automation, with students developing specialised knowledge and practical skills to support economy growth.

The signing of the two Memorandums marks a significant step towards a collaborative approach to skills development in the sector on an All-Island basis.

The Memorandums were signed by Martin O’Brien, Chief Executive of LMETB and Lee Campbell, Interim Chief Executive of Southern Regional College (SRC) and by Sam Turner, Chief Executive, Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) at Queen’s University.

During the Minister’s visit, the strategic significance of the AMTCE was highlighted, particularly its ambition to enhance and be a key stakeholder in the provision of advanced manufacturing skills on an All-Ireland basis.

During the visit by Minister Hargey, Martin O’Brien, Chief Executive of LMETB and founder of AMTCE commented:

“Our goal is for the AMTCE to be the leader in the development and provision of advanced manufacturing training interventions including, for example, Robotics and Automation Apprenticeship, Advanced Manufacturing Pathways Schools Programme, 3 D Construction Printing which leverages our geographical position to foster an All-Island approach.”

Adding to Mr O’Brien’s comments, Lee Campbell, SRC Interim Chief Executive Officer stated:

“The signing of the memorandum demonstrates the College’s continued commitment to advancing the skills of learners.  The College is uniquely positioned to develop advanced manufacturing skills in a wide remit of learners, through the provision of education and training opportunities to individuals of all ages.  Individuals will have opportunities to leap into exciting and groundbreaking careers in manufacturing with the College and this partnership, with the ultimate aim of increasing both economy’s prospects.”

Minister Hargey said, “Changing and improving the skills profile of the existing workforce will be key to delivering on the priorities set out in the Economic Vision. We need to work collaboratively across industry, government and the education sector to ensure we invest in and develop the skills that meet the needs of the emerging economy, supporting greater efficiency, productivity and better jobs for individuals.”

“I welcome the positive impact this facility will make on young people, particularly those most marginalised, by developing and delivering more accessible education and training in advanced manufacturing technologies. I want to expand work between local and central government to support the development of industries with a strong regional presence, taking advantage of opportunities which can boost productivity performance, and emphasising the importance of collaborative planning to boost prosperity in our regions.”

Other attendees at the landmark event were Cllr. Wayne Harding, chair of LMETB, Sadie Ward McDermott, Director of Further Education and Training at LMETB, Andrew Brownlee, Chief Executive of SOLAS, Libby Shackles Director of Curriculum at SRC and Brendan Mackin, Chair of Portview Trade Centre in Belfast.

Substantial Cross Border initiatives already in operation under the auspices of the LMETB-AMTCE include the first FET All-Ireland  Robotics and Automation Apprenticeship programme, currently going through the approvement processes in both jurisdictions; the first cross-border advanced manufacturing pathways schools project, funded by the International Fund for Ireland;  an Industry 4.0 Future Skills initiative currently being undertaken by LMETB-AMTCE in association with Queen’s University- AMIC and IMR (Irish Manufacturing Research) funded by InterTrade Ireland.

AMTCE was established in 2021 and supported by SOLAS and Enterprise Ireland to deliver hands-on skills-oriented training to underpin the transition of Irish enterprise to industry 4.0 based operations, with a focus on manufacturing, cybersecurity, pharma, food and drink, construction and engineering.  The AMTCE uses outside industry experts for its courses, to ensure that the quality and focus of its training is always cutting edge.