First Polymer Training Skillnet (FPTS) operates as a training network for the plastics industry in Ireland and is funded under the government’s Skillnet Ireland initiative. 

Initiated by Plastics Ireland (Ibec) in 1999, FPTS's primary objective is to provide technical accredited training to polymer professionals, at its state-of-the-art Centre in Athlone, in-company or online as required. 

Working with leading industry experts and training specialists, FPTS's areas of expertise include:

- Injection moulding
- Extrusion
- Thermoforming
- Plastic materials selection
- Troubleshooting
- Automation (electrical, PLCs & HMI using Siemens and Allen Bradley)
- Validation
- Sustainability 

Most recently FPTS has also supported companies in the areas of cobotics, GD&T, digitalisation and excel, solidworks essentials, train the trainer/mentorship and mental health first aid. 

In addition to our short form programmes, FPTS can support individuals, through financial subsidies, to pursue third level qualifications in polymer processing (part-time) with ATU, Sligo. 

The training centre contains the latest in equipment and facilities including 2 training rooms and a technical training hall comprised of 4 injection moulding machines, extrusion, thermoforming equipment and customised electrical maintenance training boards. Leading the way in innovation, FPTS has introduced a bespoke VR module to all injection moulding courses. 

FPTS can support the L&D needs of individual companies by providing subsidies of up to 40% towards the cost of programmes, tailoring bespoke programmes to meet individual company needs for delivery in-company, online or at the FPTS Centre and developing career progression pathways for employees to aid growth and succession planning.

First Polymer Training Skillnet

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