Moulding the Future for Apprentices

South Eastern Regional College (SERC) working in partnership with the Northern Ireland polymers industry have announced the launch of a new Polymer Processing Apprenticeship to support one of the most important advanced manufacturing sectors in the Northern Ireland economy. The apprenticeship has been approved for delivery in Northern Ireland by the Department for the Economy who will fund the training.  

The Polymer sector comprises over 80 companies, employing one in six in the Northern Ireland manufacturing sector with a combined annual turnover in the region of £2.2 billion.  In recent years’, the sector has recruited around 500 new employees and invested £60 million in new equipment and facilities.  

William Greer, Chief Contract Officer at SERC said, “The Polymers Processing Apprenticeship, developed by SERC in partnership with NIPA and the industry, will prepare employees with experience, skills and qualifications for an industry which supplies into a range of sectors including aerospace, defence, automotive, packaging, utilities and construction, medical and healthcare, and materials handling, with products being exported to over 40 countries worldwide.  

He added, “This is a fantastic opportunity for any young person who wants to earn whilst they learn at SERC and carve out a specialist career in the Polymer industry.” 

Gerry McNally, Northern Ireland Polymer Association (NIPA) said, “As a representative of around 60 member companies in polymer processing and advanced manufacturing, we are delighted to be working with SERC to bring this newly developed Polymer Apprenticeship to fruition. The sector is at the cutting edge of manufacturing and it is essential we are prepared for continued growth with highly skilled apprentices who will be part of the future.” 

For further information contact apprenticeships@serc.ac.uk  

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Caption: PolymerSERC: Moulding the Future for Apprentices: South Eastern Regional College (SERC) working in partnership with the Northern Ireland polymers industry have announced the launch of a new Polymer Processing Apprenticeship to support one of the most important advanced manufacturing sectors in the Northern Ireland economy.  (L – R) Steven Boal, Plastics 2000; Sophia Robinson, Denroy; Noel Gourley, Brett Martin; Ken McKinstry, SERC, Andrea Foster, SERC and Gerald McNally Northern Ireland Polymer Association. Contact apprenticeships@serc.ac.uk