Economy Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed the first in a series of three Collaborative Assured Skills Academies in Robotics and Automation to be delivered by South West College (SWC).
Funded by the Department for the Economy, SWC is offering an opportunity for 12 individuals to receive industry standard Robotics and Automation training that will provide them with the skills to take up potential Robotics and Automation roles with companies in Dungannon and the surrounding area.
Commenting on the Academy, Economy Minister Conor Murphy said;
“This Academy is an excellent opportunity for people to learn the skills needed for a career in Robotics and Automation and potentially gain employment with one of a number of local employers in the Dungannon area.
“Strengthening our local skills base will play a key part of our economic growth and my Department’s Assured Skills Academies have a proven successful track record in providing people with high quality training while helping employers access the skilled people they need to grow.
“My economic vision is that we can improve living standards through the creation of good jobs and ensure that opportunities created by a growing economy are accessible to all our people, wherever they live. This Assured Skills Welding Academy will equip participants with the skills they need, through an industry-recognised qualification, and position them very strongly to kick-start a new career in a much sought after occupation.
“With no previous experience required and a £87.50 weekly training allowance for the duration of the Academy, as well as help with travelling and childcare costs I would urge anyone who is interested to apply.”
Padraig McNamee, Curriculum Director, said;
“South West College is delighted to launch this Assured Skills Academy focused on Industry 4.0 technologies. This program will equip ambitious individuals with cutting-edge skills in areas like robotics, automation, data analytics, cyber security, and smart manufacturing. By partnering with local businesses, we're ensuring that our curriculum directly addresses the needs of our regional economy.
Participants will gain hands-on experience with the latest industrial technologies, positioning them for high-quality jobs that drive productivity and innovation. This academy represents our commitment to fostering economic growth and creating opportunities for our community to thrive in the digital industrial revolution.”
Successful participants will attend a 14 week part time intensive training course delivered by SWC at their dedicated training facility in Dungannon where they will study ETCAL Level 2 Preparing and Using Industrial Robots and Level 2 Assembling and testing Fluid Systems.
Following completion of the training, participants will be guaranteed an interview to take up a Robotics and Automation position at one of the supporting companies.
The Part Time Academy will be delivered between Monday 2 September and Friday 13 December 2024. Training will be delivered on Monday and Wednesday evenings between 6.00pm and 9.00pm, and Friday afternoons 2.00pm to 5.00pm
More information on eligibility and details on how to apply can be found at Part-time Robotics and Automation Academy | nidirect
The online application form must be completed by 12.00 noon on Friday 2 August 2024.
All applicants must be at least 18 years old by Monday 2 September 2024 and eligible to work in the UK at the time of application. By applying for a place on this pre-employment training programme, you are committing to pursuing a job opportunity with one of the employers supporting this Academy.
For further information please email your enquiry to assuredskills@economy-ni.gov.uk