Bachelor of Science Polymer Processing Technology (Apprenticeship) drafted
Program Overview
Why take this course?
This three-year apprenticeship programme offers on the job learning with an approved employer with one academic semester of study (15 weeks) per year in AIT. As the apprentice progresses, the complexity of the pre-assigned tasks he/she will be asked to complete will increase. This will range from observing experienced practitioners through to working autonomously as a polymer processing technologist. The apprentice’s completion of the tasks will be verified by an assigned industrial mentor. Each apprentice will be assigned an academic mentor from AIT who will be available for on-going support and to discuss progress made.
What will I experience?
Summer intake*: Apprenticeship contracts start in May.
Phase 1 – May to August (Observation based on-the-job learning phase in company)
Phase 2 – September to December (off-the-job learning semester in AIT)
Phase 3 – January to August (Practice based on-the-job learning phase in company)
Phase 4 – September to December (off-the-job learning semester in AIT)
Phase 5 – January to August (Application based on-the-job learning phase in company)
Phase 6 – September to December (final off-the-job learning semester in AIT)
Phase 7 – January to April (Final Autonomy based on-the-job learning phase in company)
Autumn intake*: Apprenticeship contracts start in September.
Phase 1 – September to December (Observation based on-the-job learning phase in company)
Phase 2 – January to April (off-the-job learning semester in AIT)
Phase 3 – May to December (Practice based on-the-job learning phase in company)
Phase 4 – January to April (off-the-job learning semester in AIT)
Phase 5 – May to December (Application based on-the-job learning phase in company)
Phase 6 – January to April (final off-the-job learning semester in AIT)
Phase 7 – May to August (Final Autonomy based on-the-job learning phase in company)
*Intake schedules will be based on demand from industry.
What opportunities might it lead to?
Polymer technology is a growing industry in Ireland with the number of companies rising to which boasts an annual turnover of €2.1 billion. This has driven strong jobs growth of 7.7% in the past couple of years with 7, employees now working across Ireland with major hubs in Athlone, Limerick, Galway, Sligo, Dublin, Cork and Waterford. The high-tech polymer industry is a driver of innovation in the medtech, ICT, biopharma, agri-food and automotive sectors. As well as being an industry of regional significance, the polymer sector is making a global impact with 77% of sales exported worth € billion annually. (Polymer Technology Ireland - IBEC)
Program Outline
Course Structure
Year 1
Year 1 - Modules of Learning
Phase 1 (Based in Industry)
On the Job Learning (Observation Phase)
ICT & Learning to Learn*
Phase 2 (Based in AIT)
Polymer Processing
Materials Science
Mathematics for Engineering
Core Science for Engineering
Electronics and Instrumentation
Workshop Practice & Metrology
Phase 3 (Based in Industry)
On the Job Learning (Practice Phase)
Good Manufacturing Practice*
Engineering Drawing and CAD*
Year 2
Year 2 - Modules of Learning
Phase 4 (Based in AIT)
Polymer Processing
Automation & Control
Mould Design & CAD
Polymer Science
Maths & Engineering Science
Phase 5 (Based in Industry)
On the Job Learning (Application Phase)
Six Sigma 1 – Lean Sigma*
Project Management*
Year 3
Year 3 - Modules of Learning
Phase 6 (Based in AIT)
Polymer Processing
Automation & Control
Process and Inspection Technology
Polymer Materials
Phase 6 Project (Project Planning)
Phase 7 (Based in Industry)
On the Job Learning (Autonomy Phase)
Six Sigma 2 – Statistical Control*
Phase 7 Project (Project Implementation)
*Online module
Careers & Opportunities
Career Prospects
Polymer processing technologists are responsible for the efficient set up, operation and control of polymer processing technologies in the fields of injection moulding, blow moulding or extrusion for the production of plastic components in industries within, for example, the medical devices, biopharma, agri-food and automotive sectors.
