AMIC Celebrates Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2026 by Showcasing the Power of Apprenticeships
As Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2026 takes place from 2–6 February 2026, the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) is proud to celebrate the vital contributions apprentices make to the region’s skills pipeline.
This week, we’re proud to celebrate Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2026, taking place from 2–6 February 2026 - a key moment to spotlight the talent, energy and future potential apprentices bring to Northern Ireland’s economy.
As Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2026 takes place from 2–6 February 2026, the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) is proud to celebrate the vital contributions apprentices make to the region’s skills pipeline - especially at this
AMIC currently employs two Apprentice IT Technicians, recruited as part of its commitment to developing next‑generation talent crucial for supporting advanced manufacturing innovation. The apprentices are completing the Level 3 ICT Apprenticeship programme with Belfast Metropolitan College, covering areas including networking infrastructure, software development, cybersecurity, systems support and applied digital skills. This programme combines academic learning with on‑the‑job experience at AMIC’s state‑of‑the‑art facilities, including the new Global Point campus opening in early 2026.
Building Skills for a High‑Value Manufacturing Economy
AMIC’s apprenticeship initiative forms part of a broader strategy to address skills shortages across Northern Ireland’s engineering, digital and manufacturing sectors - a priority also echoed across this year’s NI Apprenticeship Week events. The Department for the Economy emphasises that apprenticeships are essential to strengthening the workforce, driving innovation and supporting long-term business growth across the region.
Through direct experience with industrial systems, digitalisation, IoT, AI, data analytics and advanced manufacturing technologies, AMIC’s apprentices are gaining practical competencies that position them for long-term career success - whether progressing to higher-level apprenticeships, roles within Queen’s University Belfast or employment across the wider NI manufacturing sector.
AMIC’s apprenticeship programme - delivered in partnership with Belfast Met - is a direct example of how City Deal investment is enabling new pathways into STEM, digital and engineering roles.
A Crucial Time for AMIC and Northern Ireland’s Industrial Future
With the opening of the Factory of the Future on the horizon, apprentices are already playing a hands-on role in ensuring the digital infrastructure, technical systems and operational readiness of AMIC’s facilities. Their work supports AMIC’s mission to drive commercial innovation, boost inward investment and cement Northern Ireland’s position as a leader in high-value manufacturing.
This contribution aligns strongly with the purpose of Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week, which aims to recognise how apprenticeships benefit both individuals and employers, while helping reshape the region’s skills landscape.
Showcasing Excellence in Composite Skills Training for Apprentices
As part of its growing role in strengthening Northern Ireland’s advanced manufacturing skills base, AMIC is also delivering dedicated composite‑focused training to apprentices in partnership with Belfast Met. Each week, apprentices attend AMIC for hands‑on, industry‑aligned technical training that supports the development of a highly skilled future workforce.
This specialist training covers a broad range of composite manufacturing techniques essential to modern aerospace production, including:
- Composite processing methods, with a focus on both infusion techniques and traditional “bucket and brush” methods.
- Working with advanced and sustainable materials, including carbon fibre, glass fibre and emerging bio‑based fibres.
- Understanding and application of resin systems, ranging from epoxy and polyester to new bio‑resin formulations.
- Health, Safety and COSHH compliance, ensuring apprentices develop safe, responsible working practices aligned with aerospace industry standards.
- Pattern, mould and part manufacturing, enabling apprentices to develop confidence in end‑to‑end composite component production.
- Layup procedures, supporting precision, consistency and quality in the manufacture of structural composite components.
This collaboration between AMIC, Belfast Met and Industry reflects the strength of Northern Ireland’s apprenticeship ecosystem - providing apprentices with industry‑relevant skills, practical experience with real manufacturing processes and a clear pathway into high‑value aerospace careers. It also demonstrates AMIC’s expanding impact ahead of the Factory of the Future opening, ensuring that world‑class industrial training is embedded at the heart of NI’s advanced manufacturing landscape.
Media
Jenny McAuley
Skills Lead
J.McAuley@qub.ac.uk