A new initiative has been unveiled to help boost the technical skills base of Ireland's manufacturing sector.

The partnership between Siemens and Engineers Ireland will see Siemens certified training (SITRAIN) delivered to manufacturers in the Life Sciences, Food & Beverages and general industrial sectors from 31 May.

A range of SITRAIN courses will be on offer, including Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), critical for the automation of many processes to courses on Automation Systems, Process Control Systems, Industrial Communications, Process Instruments and Analytics, Drive Technologies and Digitalization programmes.

Overall, the scheme aims to increase the technical skills base in the hi-tech manufacturing sector and career development for engineers and technicians.

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Gary O'Callaghan, Chief Executive of Siemens, said: "With 160,000 people employed in Irish manufacturing, it's a critical sector for our economy. Digitalization is transforming Irish manufacturing allowing increased competitiveness, shorter time to market and increased flexibility of production.

"Investing in technology training is a key priority for Irish manufacturers as the digitalization of industry demands the intelligent use of "big data" combined with automation and process know-how.

"This partnership now offers Irish industry structured and certified training in the latest technology and marketplace solutions, previously only available abroad and will ensure that engineers are fully skilled in the latest technological advances as their drive their organisations to become even more resilient and agile."

Engineers Ireland's Director General, Caroline Spillane, said: "We are delighted to partner with Siemens to support this investment in raising the technical skills base in the manufacturing sector in Ireland. As an organisation, Siemens realises the value of continuing professional development and this initiative is a terrific endorsement of its commitment to CPD."

(LM)