Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Assured Skills Academy at Northern Regional College launches

The Department for the Economy and ADS NI, the body representing the aerospace, defence, security and space industries in Northern Ireland, have launched an Assured Skills Academy offering 12 people the opportunity to learn manufacturing techniques that are in demand.

The CNC Academy includes five weeks of intensive training at Northern Regional College followed by a three-week placement at a leading local engineering company.

Head of Skills at the Department for the Economy, Graeme Wilkinson, said: “With CNC Machine Operators in demand by growing businesses in the local manufacturing and engineering sector, this Academy provides an important opportunity to secure skills in demand. This will include cutting edge manufacturing to support the local aerospace, defence, security and space industries.

“Completing the CNC Assured Skills Academy will secure a Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering and an on-site work placement with further training and mentoring in a CNC role. I urge anyone with an interest in working in these dynamic sectors to apply.”

Participants on the Academy will receive a weekly training allowance and travel expenses, and may be eligible for a childcare allowance.

Training will be delivered at Northern Regional College’s Farm Lodge Ballymena Campus followed by placement with a company in Greater Belfast, County Antrim, County Down or County Derry~Londonderry.

Business Development Manager at ADS Northern Ireland, Robert Hutchinson, says the Academy is an excellent opportunity: “This Assured Skills Academy will give participants a flying start for a career as a CNC machinist. ADS NI is very pleased to be collaborating with the Further Education sector and the Department for the Economy to help our member companies grow and continue to be successful. I look forward to the next cohort of Academy participants coming through.”

Gordon Kane, Assistant Head of Department, Engineering and Built Environment at Northern Regional College said: “Northern Regional College is committed to working with the business community to deliver programmes that help them compete and grow. Participants in this Academy will learn at our Farm Lodge Campus before going on a company placement, equipping them to take on a CNC Machine Operator role.”

Applications for the CNC Academy are open until noon, Friday 29 November. Applicants must by 18 years old by 6 January 2020, eligible to work in the UK and have either:

• GCSEs in English and maths at grades A*-C (or equivalent) and an additional three GCSEs in any other subjects at grades A*-D (or equivalent)

Or

• At least one year’s experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment.

Placements will be at one of the following companies:

• Creative Composites, Lisburn
• Datum Tool Design, Lisburn
• Smiths Engineering, Ballymena
• Moyola Precision Engineering, Castledawson
• Crossen Engineering, Newtownards
• IPC Mouldings, Carrickfergus
• Whiskin Precision Engineering, Belfast

More information and details of how to apply are available on NIdirect

Notes to editors: 

1. Assured Skills is a pre-employment training programme run by the Department for the Economy. More information is available on the Assured Skills page

2. More information is available on the ADS NI website 

3. Follow us on Twitter @Economy_NI 

4. For media enquiries contact the Department for the Economy Press Office on 028 9052 9604 or email pressoffice@economy-ni.gov.uk . Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer on 028 9037 8110.

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