Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence

The Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE) located in the Xerox Technology Park, Dundalk, was established by Louth and Meath ETB (LMETB) to address the training needs of the advanced manufacturing sector in Ireland. Partner organisations include Enterprise Ireland, IDA, Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR), Portview Trade Centre Belfast, Catalyst Connection (Pittsburgh), AM Group, FIT, Regional Skills Fora, Focused Engineering Network and LEOs.

Reskilling and upskilling opportunities are supported by funding from the SOLAS Skills to Advance Innovation through Collaboration Fund, which was created to embed innovation in the delivery of the Skills to Advance initiative. With this support, Louth and Meath ETB has developed new course curricula for advanced manufacturing and flexible delivery methods.

The AMTCE is addressing the needs of industry through the provision of high-quality training based on flexible delivery mechanisms using the latest eLearning technologies for in-person, blended and online delivery. The centre provides access to state-of-the-art equipment to ensure learners receive high quality hands-on experiential learning and skills training which is highly valued by employers.

Sectors such as engineering, pharma, food and drink and medical devices are undergoing a digital transformation driven by the adoption of industry 4.0 technologies. These changes are creating a need for companies and their employees to upskill to support the adoption of key technologies such as robotics, additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. These new technologies are also generating new high value work opportunities for trainees with these industry-sought skills.

The AMTCE launched its initial on-line training in June 2021, with its first virtual classroom-based training delivered in August. In September delivery of hands-on classroom-based courses commenced, including Robotic Welding, Electrical Principles and Industrial Electrical Systems. In parallel, the AMTCE will continue to offer online courses in areas including Innovation through Robotics, Technical Writing and Additive Manufacturing. All courses provide recognised certification.

Photos: top to bottom - AMTCE's 3D printing lab, robotic welding cell, and robotics lab.

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