Empowering Ireland’s Advanced Manufacturing Sector: First Polymer Training Skillnet

Empowering Ireland’s Advanced Manufacturing Sector: First Polymer Training Skillnet

First Polymer Training (FPT) Skillnet is a cornerstone of Ireland's advanced manufacturing landscape, dedicated to supporting the plastics, medical device, manufacturing and engineering sectors. Initiated by Polymer Technology Ireland (Ibec) and co-funded by Skillnet Ireland and member companies, FPT Skillnet plays a pivotal role in bridging the industry's skills gap. By offering highly relevant, practical, and heavily subsidised training programmes the Skillnet empowers individuals to build rewarding careers while helping businesses maintain a global competitive edge.

A standout feature of FPT Skillnet is its dedicated technical training centre in Athlone. Moving beyond purely theoretical learning, trainees have access to a fully equipped laboratory housing state-of-the-art injection moulding machinery including cutting-edge equipment from Arburg, Engel, Fanuc, Haitian and Sumitomo Demag. This hands-on approach ensures that learners gain practical, industry-ready skills that can be immediately applied in the workplace. Operating synergistically alongside the national polymer apprenticeship and third-level offerings from institutions like ATU and TUS, FPT Skillnet is an integral part of a comprehensive talent development ecosystem for the Irish polymer sector.

Whether you are looking to take your first steps into the medical device or broader manufacturing industry, or you are an experienced engineer seeking to master complex mould design or lean manufacturing techniques, FPT Skillnet provides an accessible and flexible pathway. Their continuously updated offering makes their network an essential resource for the Irish polymer industry.

Injection Moulding Courses

Hands-on, QQI-accredited short courses delivered at the Athlone training centre, scaling from beginner to advanced troubleshooting.

  • Suitable for: Machine setters, technicians, and quality engineers ranging from novices to advanced practitioners.
  • What it does for the learner: Moves learners from the foundational theory and practice of injection moulding (Module 1) to advanced troubleshooting, process mapping, and statistical process control (Modules 3 & 4), giving them the tools to drastically reduce moulding inconsistencies.
  • Entry Requirements: No prior knowledge is required for Module 1. Subsequent modules require the successful completion of previous levels or equivalent industry experience.

Design and Materials

Essential foundational courses for understanding the science and design behind plastic components.

  • Suitable for: Part designers, mould designers, and any technical personnel wishing to understand the influence of materials and tool design on overall part quality.
  • What it does for the learner: Equips learners with a platform for mould design, material selection, and output optimisation. It gives trainees a greater understanding of how the mould tool and material impacts process efficiency and ultimate part properties.
  • Entry Requirements: No prior design knowledge or CAD ability is assumed. Ideal for those with a basic technical aptitude.

Automation & Electrical Maintenance

Critical upskilling for modern manufacturing environments that rely heavily on automated production lines, PLCs, and complex electrical machinery.

  • Suitability & Outcomes: Ideal for technicians, maintenance staff, and machine operatives. Courses like Maintenance Electrical place a strong focus on theory and practical skills, teaching learners how to safely use multi-meters and schematic drawings to diagnose industrial faults and trace machine stoppages. Additional offerings, such as Fundamentals of Automation provide hands-on experience with power distribution circuits, system programming, and resolving safety interlocks. Learners gain the confidence to carry out minor repairs safely and the knowledge to know exactly when a qualified electrician is required.
  • Entry Requirements: Suitable for individuals with a basic technical or mechanical background looking to expand their skills into electrical troubleshooting and automation.

Third-Level Polymer Programmes (Delivered in partnership with ATU Sligo)

Delivered primarily online and part-time to accommodate industry professionals, these programmes provide a structured academic pathway from Level 6 to Level 8.

  • Certificate in Polymer Technology (Level 6):
    • Suitable for: Beginners, machine operatives, or those looking to secure an entry-level technician role in plastics or medical device manufacturing.
    • What it does for the learner: Eases students into engineering education, covering polymer basics, computational design, mathematics, electronics, and automation.
    • Entry Requirements: NFQ Level 5 (Leaving Certificate) or equivalent. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may apply.
  • B.Eng in Polymer Processing (Level 7 & Level 8):
    • Suitable for: Industry professionals aiming for advanced technical roles, process engineering, or quality engineering positions.
    • What it does for the learner: Deepens knowledge in polymer characteristics, automated production, advanced tooling design, and includes integrated Six Sigma training to master process variations.
    • Entry Requirements: A Level 6 engineering qualification (plus 5 years of industry experience) is required for Level 7; a Level 7 B.Eng in Polymer Processing or similar is required for Level 8.

See here for a full list of all programmes on offer and check out our facility here