With technology continuing to evolve at an ever-increasing rate, it’s vital that Ireland’s advanced manufacturing is supported by high-quality training. The Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE) at Xerox Technology Park in Dundalk aims to maintain manufacturing’s place at the heart of Irish society, by assisting employers in reskilling and upskilling in the emerging technologies used in industry 4.0 and encouraging the development of new careers in the sector.
AMTCE was established in 2021 by Martin O’Brien, chief executive of the Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB), with funding support from Solas and Enterprise Ireland. It delivers highly practical, skills-oriented training courses by leading industry practitioners in areas that include robotics, cobotics, additive manufacturing, IIoT, CAD/CAM, industrial control, cybersecurity, 3D concrete printing (3DCP), process optimisation, biopharma and food processing.
Training facilities and equipment include robotics and cobotics labs, CNC/CAM, virtual welding, additive manufacturing, engineering workshop facilities, an Industry 4.0 smart simulated production line, computer labs, a cybersecurity operations centre and a virtual interactive classroom.
“Our goal is for the AMTCE to be the leader in the development and provision of advanced manufacturing training interventions,” said O’Brien.
“These include, for example, Robotics and Automation Apprenticeship, Advanced Manufacturing Pathways Schools Programme and 3D Construction Printing, which leverages our geographical position to foster an all-island approach.”
In May 2024, the centre welcomed a visit by the North’s interim economy minister, Deirdre Hargey, which emphasised its pivotal role in the integration of advanced skills training on an all-island basis.
O’Brien has signed memorandums of understanding with various partner organisations including the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) at Queen’s University Belfast; Southern Regional College, Newry; Catalyst Connection in Pittsburgh; Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR); the AM Group (a partnership between 3DGBIRE, Create Education and Inspire 3D); the Portview Trade Centre in Belfast and the Engineering Technology Teachers’ Association (ETTA). The latter is to have its first official headquarters at AMTCE.
The centre delivered 188 courses to 2,800 people in 2023 and will deliver about 200 courses to 3,000 people by the end of 2024. AMTCE aims to deliver courses, tailored to ongoing and evolving industry demand, to around 3,800 people in 2025 and 4,500 in 2026.
Our goal is for the AMTCE to be the leader in the development and provision of advanced manufacturing training interventions
AMTCE has also developed the first All-Ireland FET Robotics and Automation apprenticeship, which has recently been approved by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), the state agency responsible for qualifications in Ireland.
Pioneering 3D concrete printing in Louth
Already the centre has had a direct positive effect on advanced manufacturing in Ireland. LMETB was among the first ETBs to introduce training for 3D concrete printing (3DCP) to Ireland under the umbrella of the AMTCE.
This led to the founder, O’Brien, approaching Louth County Council with the idea of using 3DCP to deliver much needed social housing faster than a regular build. The local authority provided the site at Grange Close in Dundalk and once completed, the trio of 3DCP houses will become homes to three families currently on the council’s social housing list.
A unique collaboration between LMETB, Louth County Council, HTL Technology and Roadstone, the development signals the beginning of 3DCP social housing in Ireland, using this technology with the aim of providing a pathway towards an increased output of more sustainable, affordable, and efficient housing using modern methods of construction.
The AMTCE is the training partner on the project and has been involved in arranging visits by other ETBs, construction companies and government agencies from across the island of Ireland.
“The Grange Close project is a testament to what can be achieved when forward-thinking ideas and collaborative efforts come together,” said O’Brien. “We are proud to play a central role in delivering Ireland’s first 3D printed homes, which will provide much-needed social housing to families in Louth.”
LMETB is also the first ETB to have purchased its own 3D concrete printer, with ongoing Skills to Advance subsidised training programmes giving those working in construction-related sectors access to upskilling opportunities with the innovative technology. More than 100 people have completed training to date.
The houses in Dundalk are being built three times faster than they would using traditional concrete blocks. This method uses a third of the labour normally required and also reduces the construction schedule by between 25-30 per cent.
For more information, visit amtce.ie