IMaR Technology Gateway based in Institute of Technology Tralee (ITT) provides research, development and bespoke training expertise in electronic and mechanical hardware, software, IoT and data analytics, working with companies in the manufacturing, agriculture and process sectors.
Following substantial interest and feedback from our industry partners and the South-West Regional Skills Forum, IMaR, working with the academic staff in the School of STEM, IT Tralee, recently developed an Industry 4.0 and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Level 8 programme to assist our manufacturing sector clients to up-skill their workforce. The course also gives manufacturing sector employees the chance to gain a qualification in this advancing area. An additional benefit is the “blended learning” delivery, with all evening lectures and tutorials being offered online, with hands-on practical sessions delivered over two to three days per semester at IT Tralee. By gaining approval for the course under the HEA Springboard+ program, 90% of course costs are government funded.
The ever increasing prominence and relevance of IIoT within industry only serves to highlight the growing need for a programme such as this. IIoT aims to assist manufacturers navigate current challenges, allow for greater machine connectivity, improved operational process insight, greater product traceability and the ability to react to changes in the manufacturing process quicker and more efficiently. The modules on this new programme reflect industry’s current needs, address technologies in advanced manufacturing and provide their staff with the broad range of skills required. The programme modules are:
- Instrumentation & Interfacing
- Industrial Internet of Things: Applications
- Industrial Networks, Distributed Systems & Cloud Computing
- Industry 4.0: Cyber Physical Systems
- Machine Learning/Data for Internet of Things
Fully accredited by IT Tralee, the Level 8 part-time programme in Industry 4.0 & Industrial Internet of Things is also available via the Springboard initiative and recently commenced in ITT with 20 registered students. On finishing, students will gain a Level 8 Certificate Award (Special Purpose). The programme also has a progression route to other Level 8 degree programs such as the degree in Manufacturing Engineering.
Of the importance of this new programme to industry, IMaR Technology Gateway Manager Daniel Riordan said:
“Having been approached about providing IIoT training to manufacturing staff by many of our industry partners, and with a history of providing bespoke training, we saw the opportunity to create a certified training course in the area of IIoT. The course is designed to prepare engineering staff for advancements in the manufacturing sector towards the introduction of Industry 4.0, leading to more efficient, agile factories producing higher quality products.”
For further information on the new Industry 4.0 and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) programme please see here. You can also find out more about IMaR or follow them on Twitter and LinkedIn