Cross-border expo in Dundalk puts advanced manufacturing in the spotlight
On November 5th, the Louth and Meath Education and Training Board’s (LMETB) Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE) hosted the inaugural All-Island Advanced and Sustainable Manufacturing Networking Expo at its premises in Dundalk.
A cross-border expo put advanced manufacturing, skills and sustainability in the spotlight on Thursday.
The Expo was a cross-border initiative attended by Louth TD Erin McGreehan, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, Minister for the Economy in Northern Ireland.
They were met by Martin G. O’Brien, CE and Sadie Ward McDermott, Director of FET at LMETB; Michael Savage CEO of Newry Chamber, Alistair Quinn, Head of Southern Regional Business, Invest NI and Philip Sheridan, Director, AMTCE.
Minister Archibald and Deputy McGreehan also met Ireland’s first ever intake of Robotic and Automation Apprentices who are in training at AMTCE.
LMETB is the first and currently only ETB in Ireland offering the apprenticeship. There are nine male and female apprentices from employers in mining, pharmaceutical, automation, construction and electronic components across eight counties - Cavan, Dublin, Galway, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath and Westmeath.
Deputy Erin McGreehan said: “Advanced manufacturing is about people as much as technology. It is people who develop, operate and adapt new technologies and turn them into commercial opportunities.
“As Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, it was my pleasure to meet with the first Robotics and Automation Apprentices in AMTCE, Dundalk today.
As the manufacturing sector grows more sophisticated, we need technicians, engineers, data specialists, robotics experts and software developers, and that means backing apprenticeships, further education and lifelong learning.
“It is vital that SMEs, which don’t have the resources of a multinational to build their own training or R&D facilities, can access these opportunities too.”
NI Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: “Manufacturing is a vital part of our economy, supporting well-paid jobs, driving productivity and helping us deliver a greener economy.
“That is why advanced manufacturing is one of my priority sectors and why we are investing in the technology, skills and innovation businesses need to grow and compete.
“Manufacturing also operates within a highly integrated all-Ireland economy, with shared supply chains, skills and research partnerships.
“By strengthening that collaboration, we can help businesses tackle shared challenges, embrace new technologies and build a more competitive and resilient manufacturing sector.”
Martin O’Brien, Chief Executive of LMETB said: “At LMETB, we are committed to ensuring that learners have access to the skills, facilities and training needed by industry.
“By strengthening links between employers and education and training providers, we can develop the talent our industries need to grow and remain competitive.
“We look forward to continuing this work with our partners in industry, education and government to support a more skilled, innovative and sustainable manufacturing sector.”