Boomer Polymer Apprentices Go SE
Updated: 13th November 2008
Boomer Polymer Apprentices Go South East
NORTHERN Ireland’s fast growing polymer and plastics processing industry welcomed the announcement of the sector’s first NI Polymer Apprenticeship, founded by South Eastern Regional College.
With the polymer and plastics processing sector comprising more than 80 companies and employing approximately 6,000 people in Northern Ireland, there was an increased need to bridge the gap in the polymer training agenda.
The Apprenticeship, which will enable current employees in the polymer industry to gain further skills and school leavers to become Process Technicians within the industry, is a collaborative venture between the College, Northern Ireland Polymer Association (NIPA) and the Polymer Processing Research Centre (PPRC) at Queen’s University Belfast.
Over a three year period those currently employed by a polymer company can attend the College one day a week to undertake the BTEC National Certificate in Polymer Processing and work towards obtaining the NVQ Level 3 in Polymers.
David Milford, senior lecturer in charge of polymers at South Eastern Regional College, believes the Apprenticeship will provide the necessary training needed for the polymer industry.
“After more than two years hard work with NIPA, the Department of Employment and Learning and Queens University it is fantastic that we have put in place a programme which has been developed in conjunction with the polymer industry to meet their very specific needs,” said David.
“Northern Ireland’s polymer companies can manufacture higher end injection moulding and polymers, and are holding their own against competition from the Far East. However, as a growing industry there is an increased need for good skills and training to help further development.”
The development and promotion of NI’s first Polymer Apprenticeship programme has been supported by the Connected project, which is funded by the Department for Employment and Learning. Connected enables the Higher Education and Further Education sectors to identify and meet, in a coordinated and holistic fashion, the knowledge transfer needs of businesses in particular, and also the wider community.
Lynn Connaughton, Connected Business Development Manager said, “The polymer apprenticeship programme is an excellent example of what can be achieved through HE/FE collaboration. This programme not only meets the needs of the provinces polymer industry but has also raised awareness of the sector and the career paths it offers. The programme has additionally generated a productive synergy between Queen’s University and South Eastern Regional College that is set to unlock further innovation.”
For more information: www.boomer.co.uk
To Submit Content For Inclusion, Contact:
