September was a very busy month preparing for the first intake of Phase 2 Apprentices on the RAA in October as well on ongoing engagement with industry, and highlighting the opportunities available through apprenticeship and upskilling programmes.
Working with Industry to Develop Future Skills
Throughout September, the RAA Programme Manager visited companies to discuss their current robotics and automation capabilities, their plans for future development, and the skills required to support their operations. These engagements provided valuable opportunities to explore how the new apprenticeship can align with individual company needs and help employers develop a dedicated pipeline of skilled Robotics and Automation Technicians.
As robotics and automation continue to play an increasingly important role in advanced manufacturing, developing the right technical skills is essential. The RAA offers employers an opportunity to invest in their future workforce by combining structured off-the-job training with practical, on-the-job experience within the company.
AMTCE welcomes further engagement with companies interested in robotics and automation. Whether your organisation is already using robotic systems or is considering introducing automation into its operations, we would be delighted to discuss how the RAA could support your workforce development plans. AMTCE also offers a range of shorter upskilling courses to help existing employees develop new skills and respond to changing industry requirements.
Strong Interest in the RAA at WorldSkills Ireland
AMTCE’s team attended all three days of WorldSkills Ireland at the RDS in Dublin, where the Robotics and Automation Apprenticeship generated strong interest and engagement from attendees.
The event provided an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of the apprenticeship, explain the opportunities available in robotics and automation, and engage with people interested in pursuing a career in advanced manufacturing. The level of interest demonstrated the value of showcasing emerging technical career pathways and helping prospective apprentices understand the opportunities available in this growing field.
Industry Insights: Amvic ICF Manufacturing Facility Visit
The RAA Programme Manager also attended an industry visit to the AMVIC ICF manufacturing facility, organised through Skillnet MMC Accelerate. The visit provided an opportunity to learn more about the company’s manufacturing operations, its development plans and its future skills requirements.
Understanding how businesses operate and where they intend to grow is an important part of ensuring that apprenticeship training remains relevant to industry. The insights gained will help inform ongoing discussions about how the RAA can support companies as they develop their capabilities and plan for future workforce needs.
Inspiring the Next Generation at De La Salle College, Dundalk
The RAA Programme Manager, accompanied by a SOLAS Training Advisor, visited De La Salle College in Dundalk to speak with a group of more than 50 Leaving Certificate students and career guidance teachers about apprenticeship opportunities.
The session introduced students to apprenticeships as a route into skilled employment, with a particular focus on the National Robotics and Automation Apprenticeship. The presentation generated an excellent level of engagement, with students asking questions about entry requirements, academic progression opportunities and the all-important question of earning potential following qualification.
The discussion highlighted the importance of ensuring that students are aware of the different pathways available to them after the Leaving Certificate. Apprenticeships offer the opportunity to earn while learning, gain valuable industry experience and achieve a recognised qualification while developing the technical skills sought by employers.
The strong engagement from students and teachers was encouraging and provided an opportunity to demonstrate how the RAA can open doors to careers in robotics, automation and advanced manufacturing.
Get in Touch
The National Robotics and Automation Apprenticeship has been developed to help meet the evolving skills needs of Ireland’s advanced manufacturing sector while creating exciting career opportunities for future technicians.
Are you an employer looking to develop your robotics and automation workforce, or a prospective apprentice interested in learning more?
Contact us here at the AMTCE to find out more about the RAA, discuss how it could benefit your organisation, or explore the shorter upskilling courses available to support your employees’ professional development.
By working together with industry, education providers and prospective apprentices, AMTCE is helping to build the skills and talent pipeline needed for the future of advanced manufacturing in Ireland
