The Manufacturing & Engineering Growth & Advancement (MEGA) cluster is proud to announce the launch of a brand-new Lean Manufacturing Apprenticeship in conjunction with South West College (SWC)—a major step forward in building the next generation of manufacturing talent in Northern Ireland, aptly timed to coincide with Manufacturing NI Month.
MEGA have entered into a sub-contracting agreement with SWC to facilitate the delivery of this new apprenticeship programme, supported through the Department for the Economy’s ApprenticeshipsNI programme , highlighting the importance of collaboration between government, education and industry in addressing skills needs across the region.
Now enrolling for September 2026, the 15-month Level 2 apprenticeship will be delivered by industry and to industry timescales in an industry-led learning environment designed to reflect the realities of modern manufacturing and engineering workplaces.
The apprenticeship combines practical workplace learning with real continuous improvement activity, helping apprentices build the skills, mindset and behaviours needed to contribute and add value from day one.
Barry Taylor, Managing Director of MEGA, said:
“This is a significant step forward for MEGA and for manufacturing in Northern Ireland. Industry has been clear for a long time that we need a different approach to developing talent, one that is practical, relevant and closely connected to the real challenges businesses face every day. This apprenticeship programme has been designed with that in mind. It’s about developing people who understand how to improve processes, solve problems and contribute to operational performance from the start of their careers.”
Ciaran McManus, Director of Development & Support at South West College welcomed the collaboration between education and industry.
“South West College is delighted to collaborate with MEGA in the delivery of this exciting new apprenticeship programme. Strong partnerships between education and industry are essential to developing the workforce needed for the future and this initiative is an excellent example of that collaboration in action.”
Maria Curran, Project Director at MEGA, said the launch represents the culmination of several years of planning and collaboration with industry partners.
“The concept of creating an industry-led learning environment has been a vision for MEGA for the last four years has been to create something that genuinely reflects how manufacturing works today, practical, hands-on learning.
This apprenticeship is about much more than gaining a qualification. It’s about building confidence, developing the right mindset and helping young people understand how they can contribute, improve and add value within a business.
We believe this programme has the potential to make a real difference, both for people entering the sector and for the companies investing in their future workforce.”
The industry-led nature of the programme, combined with the practical learning environment will provide apprentices with highly relevant skills and experience.”
Darragh Cullen, Chair of MEGA and Managing Director of Edge Innovate, said the initiative responds directly to the evolving needs of manufacturing businesses.
“Manufacturing businesses need people who can think differently, solve problems and continuously look for ways to improve performance. This apprenticeship has been designed to develop exactly those skills.
As employers, we have a responsibility to invest in the future workforce and create opportunities that are meaningful, relevant and aligned to the realities of modern industry. This programme is a really positive step in that direction.”
The apprenticeship will support both new entrants into manufacturing and existing employees looking to develop lean and continuous improvement skills. Apprentices will spend most of their time within manufacturing companies while also attending off-the-job learning.
MEGA is now inviting manufacturing employers to register their interest in becoming part of the first apprenticeship cohort launching in September 2026.
Applications are also now open for individuals interested in joining the programme. The apprenticeship is open to school leavers, existing manufacturing employees and career changers who want to develop practical skills, gain industry experience and build a long-term career in manufacturing.
For more information or to apply, contact: maria.curran@midulstermega.com
Employer expressions of interest can be submitted here: https://ow.ly/pUUY50YXvH1
Complete application form here: Application form - MEGA Lean Manufacturing Apprenticeship Application Form. Level 2 – Business Improvement Techniques