Polymer Technology Ireland (PTI), the Ibec group that represents the polymer industry in Ireland along with First Polymer Training Skillnet, have announced the expansion of its training Centre of Excellence in Athlone.
The Centre of Excellence, supporting businesses since 1999, represents Ireland’s only dedicated training centre for the polymer industry. The expansion positions the centre as a truly world-class hub. And at a time when the Irish economy faces increasing competitive challenges, it will further support employers in the industry to attract and retain talent through specialised upskilling programmes and progression opportunities.
As an economy, Ireland is set to experience increasingly significant challenges to our capacity to compete internationally in the coming months and years. Whether it be from Brexit, international tax reforms or ongoing Covid obstacles, enacting measures that protect our competitiveness will be the key to weathering an exceptionally volatile external environment and reaping the long-term opportunities for sustainable growth.
Business recognises that Ireland’s future economic prosperity and ability to maintain and enhance a competitive advantage over international competitors will be derived through the prioritisation of strategic investments in human capital and, in particular, skills.
Indeed, Ibec research highlights that the attraction and retention of talent are the top priorities identified by HR professionals for 2022. In the group’s recent HR Update report for 2021, attracting the right employees was identified as a top priority for more than a quarter (29 per cent) of respondent organisations (ranging across the economy). Three out of five respondents rating it within their top five priorities. Retaining existing employees was a top priority in 13 per cent, with almost half (48.9 per cent) listing retention among their top five priorities for the next year.
We need to maintain a constant focus on ambitious investment in human capital to ensuring domestic businesses of all sizes are equipped with high-quality skillsets that are so crucial to sustaining the country’s long-term national productivity and economic competitiveness.
The expanded Centre of Excellence from PTI and First Polymer Training Skillnet will play a crucial role in supporting such ambitions.
The polymer technology industry is the backbone of Irish manufacturing with world-class processors. Latest figures show that the polymer sector employs 7,000 people across 230 businesses. The expansion of the Centre of Excellence is a testament to the growing strength of Ireland’s indigenous polymer industry and will be a crucial platform for showcasing the latest in robotics, automation, and smart support technologies. The expansion includes a doubling of the existing training hall space along with the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment to cover a wider range of upskilling needs: from machine set-up to processing and maintenance.
Observes Mark McAuley, director of Ibec’s Polymer Technology Ireland: “World-class technical skills lie at the heart of successful polymer companies. That is what First Polymer Training Skillnet is all about. We need to constantly develop our industry expertise to stay at the cutting edge of innovation and manufacturing excellence, supporting sustainable growth and development. The expansion of the Centre of Excellence will form a central pillar in the delivering of this ambition.”
Adds Paul Healy, chief executive at Skillnet Ireland: “Developing specialist talent in Ireland’s manufacturing and technology industries is vital for innovation and building stronger companies within the polymer sector. By supporting this Centre of Excellence, Skillnet Ireland and Ibec are providing a platform for polymer companies to work together to develop the talent they need to compete and to offer rewarding career paths for their employees.”
Catherine Collins, network manager for First Polymer Training Skillnet, says that the “announcement of the centre’s expansion is hugely exciting. Over the course of 20 years we have trained almost 10,000 people, supporting the needs of employers and of new and existing employees in the domestic polymer industry.
“The Irish polymer sector continues to evolve as one of Ireland’s premier manufacturing and technology industries. The expansion and upgrading of the Centre of Excellence will further support this growth, while continuing to bring companies together to make connections, develop business links and identify sustainable growth opportunities.”
About PTI
Polymer Technology Ireland represents the polymer industry in Ireland. Membership includes suppliers of raw materials, services, and equipment to the industry as well as the leading polymer processors in Ireland.
Through First Polymer Training Skillnet, PTI also deliver technical training to drive skills development for the industry.
The centre expansion realises one of the First Polymer Training Skillnet’s principal strategy objectives: to become a centre of excellence for workforce training & development for the Irish polymer industry. The newly enhanced centre of excellence will strengthen the capacity to respond effectively to the specific skills needs of the sector.
The objective of First Polymer Training Skillnet is to support the growth of Ireland’s polymer processors and forms an integral part of the sector. The network continues to forge strong and lasting relationships, working as a partner to industry, and strives to empower employers to be competitive in global markets, while facilitating the ongoing upskilling and learning and development of their employees.
For more information on First Polymer Training Skillnet, visit www.firstpolymerskillnet.com
