New Advanced Polymer Diploma - by industry for industry

The Northern Ireland Polymers Association (NIPA) has launched a new Diploma in Advanced Polymers at in Belfast as a response to the skills challenge in the sector. The course will be delivered by NIPA’s business based Polymer Academy, established in 2014. The Polymer Academy is “by industry for industry” and is the first business based academy in the NI manufacturing sector, and the first business based Polymer Academy in the UK.

The Diploma in Advanced Polymer Materials Processing and Applications has been designed to provide candidates with a robust knowledge of advanced polymer materials principles, polymer processes and other important elements associated with the processing of advanced polymers and their applications. The course has been designed to provide existing engineering/scientific staff with the necessary knowledge and skills in advanced polymers and processing. It will provide the candidates with an improved understanding of the fundamental and advanced concepts in polymer science, engineering and manufacturing technologies.

Academy Director and Principal Tutor, Gerry McNally, explains: 'This intensive, broad ranging course will give them a far more advanced scientific and engineering understanding of the processes and applications of polymers, far beyond what could be achieved with specific in-house training alone. We want to break down the silos by demonstrating how each process works and, more importantly, how they relate to each other. By doing this, we will build both confidence and competence, allowing participants to widen their horizons and develop innovative ideas which will benefit their companies.”

For further information, please contact Gerry McNally, Director, Innovation Research and Competence Northern Ireland Polymers Association, Advanced Polymer Academy, [email protected]