First Polymer Technologies

Atlantic Technological University is a multi-campus technological university in the west and northwest of Ireland that delivers a rich combination of academic and research excellence, quality of life and opportunity. For decades, our institution has been contributing to development of precision and manufacturing engineering.

Developed in partnership with First Polymer Training Skillnet and IBEC (Polymer Technology Ireland), we offer a suite of courses focused on Polymer Processing, ranging between levels 6 and 8 of the National Framework of Qualification. The courses are delivered online, designed as part-time distanced-based learning. The lectures are recorded and uploaded to our Moodle learning platform. The student has flexibility to consume the material weekly at their convenience. This method of Teaching & Learning is highly convenient to mature students with family dedication or unusual shift scheduling. The student is required on campus only for practical sessions or examinations. The course can also be partially subsidised with up to 30% reduction via your employer through First Polymer Training Skillnet.

ATU also helps industry with academic approach to project development. Through funding calls like Innovation Boost from InterTrade Ireland and Innovation Voucher from Enterprise Ireland, we are able to contribute with projects in process development, material characterization, product prototyping and more. Through the PEM Technology Gateway and its Precision Engineering Materials and Manufacturing Research Centre, polymer-based business partners can tap into specialist knowledge, state‑of‑the‑art equipment, and applied research capability at ATU Sligo.

CERT IN POLYMER TECHNOLOGIES – NFQ6

This one-year-long part-time programme offers a level 6 Certificate in Polymer Technology and is jointly delivered (primarily online) by First Polymer Training Skillnet and ATU Sligo. The Certificate in Polymer Technologies aims to ease the student into engineering education. Modules focus on computational design, mathematics, electronics & automation, and of course polymers. It might seem like a lot to embrace in only one year, but these skills will set the foundations for any engineering course the student decides to progress to in the future.

The successful completion of this programme will allow entrants to gain the necessary technical skills to help secure employment in the plastics manufacturing, medical device industries as a technician/apprentice technician in polymer processing. The course was designed in partnership with First Polymer Training Skillnet, aiming to attend the needs of the Irish industry. Irish Business and Employers Confederation, through its section Polymer Technology Ireland, serves as the bridge between our academic expertise and the particular demands from the Irish industry. At the end of the course, the graduate is apt to pursue an entry level position in the polymer, automotive, medical devices and pharmaceutical industry, specifically in a manufacturing capacity.

Entry Requirements: Applicants should hold an NFQ Level 5 or equivalent.

For more information: https://www.atu.ie/courses/certificate-polymer-technologies