Program Overview

Polymer Processing Technology Apprenticeship

Overview

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 TUS. 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 TUS who will be available for on-going support and to discuss progress made.

Minimum Entry Requirements

• Leaving Certificate (or equivalent), Grade 06 at ordinary level in 5 subjects
• 2 of which must be Maths and a language (English or Irish)
• In the case of a mature student (over 23yrs), an industry interview is required + recognition of prior learning (RPL) in accordance with the institute’s policies
• All applicants will follow company and SOLAS recruitment procedures

Course Structure

Year 1

• Phase 1 (Based in Industry)
  • On the Job Learning (Observation Phase)
  • ICT & Learning to Learn
• Phase 2 (Based in TUS)
  • 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

• Phase 4 (Based in TUS)
  • 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

• Phase 6 (Based in TUS)
  • 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 (Online Module)
  • Phase 7 Project (Project Implementation)

Further Information

What opportunities might it lead to?

Polymer technology is a growing industry in Ireland with the number of companies rising to 230 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 7,000 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 €1.62 billion annually. (Polymer Technology Ireland – IBEC)

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.