Pictured: Dr John Cosgrove, Technical Director for the ACORN Research Centre in Limerick Institute of Technology; Paul Healy, Skillnet Ireland Chief Executive; Sinead Keogh, Ibec Medtech and Engineering Director; and Pauline O’Flanagan, Ibec Head Engineering Network.
Business in Ireland must get ahead of international trends, adopt new technologies, and ensure that people working here are equipped for the jobs of the future. But how?
A new a toolkit to support Irish businesses develop digital skillsets has been launched by Ibec Medtech and Engineering, the Ibec group which represents the sectors. It is titled Master’s of Engineering in Digitalisation of Manufacturing, and is the first of-its-kind.
Ibec Medtech and Engineering Director, Sinead Keogh says: “Manufacturing is a vital part of the Irish economy, with more than 4,000 businesses employing in excess of 250,000 people.
“While Ireland is already recognised as a global leader in manufacturing, as we look to the future, we need to embrace new technologies to remain competitive. This structured master’s in Digitalisation of Manufacturing will combine specialist modules, online lectures with Limerick Institute of Technology, workshops and on-site visits to create ‘Digital Champions’.”
Hands-on master’s supports better business outcomes
“As a practice-based master’s it will help upskill professionals in manufacturing by equipping them with knowledge on a range of cutting edge technologies such as data analytics and machine learning, 3D and virtual reality, robotics, the Internet of Things, and more.
“This is another great example of how Skillnet Ireland is helping core industries achieve their potential by supporting the ongoing development of world-class talent. We know it will be very popular with both leading manufacturing business as well as engineering professionals.”
Skillnet Ireland Chief Executive, Paul Healy, says: “We are living in an unparalleled age of technological innovation and disruption especially in high tech sectors such as manufacturing.
“We need to continue to support businesses not only in attracting top talent, but also in achieving better businesses outcomes through boosting the creativity and career mobility of their existing workers.
“The Masters in Digitalisation of Manufacturing is a powerful example of what is possible through collaborations between Skillnet Ireland, Higher Education, Ibec Medtech and Engineering and their member companies.”
A skilled workforce will attract skilled future talent
Technical Director for the ACORN Research Centre in Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT), Dr John Cosgrove says: “LIT has a strong track record for professionally accredited engineering degrees that contribute to highly sought after graduates. We aim to deliver a hands on experience that enhances theoretical understanding and identifies added-value through industry-based research projects.
“The collaboration with the Ibec Medtech and Engineering Networks on the Masters in Digitalisation of Manufacturing will enable their employees to identify and grasp new opportunities in the evolving manufacturing sector.”
This unique programme was developed by Ibec Medtech and Engineering, the Limerick Institute of Technology, and is funded by the Irish Medtech Skillnet.