AMTCE - Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence

What AMTCE - Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence does

AMTCE (Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence) is a statutory training centre operated by Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) and headquartered at Building B, Xerox Technology Park, Dundalk, Ireland, with a satellite training facility in Navan. Established in 2021 and officially opened in March 2025, AMTCE delivers employment-oriented training in Industry 4.0 technologies to manufacturing companies, pharmaceutical/medical device firms, construction sector employers, ICT/cybersecurity employers, and individual learners/job seekers across the island of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Its curriculum spans apprenticeships (QQI L6 Cyber Security with CompTIA certifications), traineeships (QQI L6 Advanced Manufacturing Technician in Pneumatics and Electronics variants), and short Skills to Advance courses covering robotics and cobotics, 3D printing and additive manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma certification, industrial systems and PLCs, Industry 4.0 fundamentals, and pharma/food sector specialisations including cGMP, cleanroom operations, and validation.

AMTCE's underlying technology is a Smart Factory training environment featuring customised 6-axis industrial robots (ABB, KUKA) with vision systems, robot welding cells, robot milling/machining cells, collaborative robot (cobot) cells, CAD stations, AR/VR welding simulators, CNC machinery, and a COBOD 3D concrete printer — the first such system owned by any Education and Training Board in Ireland. Training is delivered via classroom, virtual classroom, online self-directed, and hands-on workshop formats, with delivery at the Dundalk facility, the Navan satellite, employer premises, or through the mykademy LMS and the national fetchcourses.ie portal. Total public investment of €62.4m underwrites the infrastructure, including €26m+ from DFHERIS/SOLAS for building purchase and capital works, €7m from Enterprise Ireland, and approximately €28m in cumulative SOLAS operational funding over four years.

AMTCE operates as a government-funded, mission-driven training provider rather than a commercial fee-for-service business. Revenue is sourced primarily from SOLAS annual operational funding (approximately €7m/year), Enterprise Ireland grant funding (€4.5m BEDF award), DFHERIS capital investment, and EU/ESF co-funding for traineeships. All training programmes are free or heavily subsidised for eligible participants, with no publicly disclosed commercial pricing. The go-to-market model relies on partnerships with ETBs, SOLAS, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, industry intermediaries (FIT), Dundalk/Newry Chambers, MMC Ireland, vendor partners (KUKA, ABB, COBOD), IMR, and AMIC/QUB, supplemented by direct employer engagement, the mykademy LMS, fetchcourses.ie, and an active multi-channel digital and events presence. Named enterprise beneficiaries include West Pharma, Tecomet Inc., Zimmer Biomet, Edward Vacuum, and Harcourt Technologies, alongside a diverse SME base across fabrication, engineering, and construction.

Name

AMTCE - Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence

Legal name

Louth and Meath Education and Training Board

Website

https://amtce.ie

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

AMTCE is an Irish government-funded training centre of excellence, operated by LMETB in Dundalk, delivering subsidised apprenticeships, traineeships, and short courses in robotics, 3D concrete printing, automation, cybersecurity, and pharma manufacturing to employers, employees, and learners across Ireland.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Advanced Manufacturing Training Services

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Apprenticeship Training (611513), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

SIC

General Industrial Machinery & Equipment, Nec (3569)

akta.pro primary industry

Professional Training & Workforce Upskilling (AM) (IMAAAJAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Additive Manufacturing Education & Academic Programs (IMAAAJAB), Industrial Manufacturing (EDABALAP), Machine/Process Qualification & Validation Training (IMAAAJAH)

Keywords

• Advanced manufacturing training
• Industry 4.0 training
• Robotics training programmes
• Additive manufacturing courses
• Apprenticeship traineeship training

Headquarters

HQ city

Dundalk

HQ country

Ireland

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government Funding - SOLAS Operational: Annual operational budget of approximately €7 million provided by SOLAS, covering ongoing training delivery and centre operations. Over the past four years, SOLAS has contributed approximately €28m in operational funding.
2. Government Capital Investment: Capital investment totalling €62.4m to date, including €7m from Enterprise Ireland administered funds, €1.4m in 20% match funding from DFHERIS/SOLAS, and over €26m from DFHERIS/SOLAS for building purchase and capital works at Xerox Technology Park.
3. Border Enterprise Development Fund: Successful application under stream 2 of the Border Enterprise Development Fund (BEDF), with Enterprise Ireland providing €4,499,829 representing 80% of full project costs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

AMTCE delivers employment-oriented training in advanced manufacturing technologies for Industry 4.0, including apprenticeships, traineeships, and short courses in robotics, cobotics, additive manufacturing, PLCs, AR/VR welding simulation, 3D concrete printing, CNC machining, Lean Six Sigma, and digital manufacturing. Training is offered through a state-of-the-art Smart Factory facility in Dundalk, via satellite locations, on employer premises, and online through its mykademy LMS, serving manufacturing companies, individual learners, apprentices, and trainees across Ireland.

Product overview

AMTCE is a training centre of excellence operated by Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) offering a portfolio of vocational training programmes. The centre provides employment-oriented training through apprenticeships (QQI L6 Cyber Security), traineeships (Advanced Manufacturing Technician in Pneumatics and Electronics variants), and short Skills to Advance courses. The training catalogue spans robotics and cobotics, 3D printing and additive manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma certification, industrial systems and PLCs, Industry 4.0 technologies, and pharma/food sector specialisations. Training is delivered via classroom, virtual classroom, online self-directed, and hands-on workshop formats at the state-of-the-art Dundalk facility.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• QQI L6 Cyber Security Apprenticeship Two-year apprenticeship programme leading to NFQ Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Cybersecurity, including CompTIA Cybersecurity Certifications. Prepares learners for careers in security design, architecture, testing, investigations, and response.
• QQI L6 Advanced Manufacturing Technician Traineeship - Pneumatics 48-week full-time traineeship covering electrical principles, PLCs, preventative maintenance, industrial pneumatic systems, robotic systems, and computer-aided manufacturing, with a 12-week work placement module.
• QQI L6 Advanced Manufacturing Technician Traineeship - Electronics 48-week full-time traineeship covering mechanical maintenance skills, electronics, electrical systems, and automation, including a 12-week work placement module for hands-on industry experience.
• Robotics and Cobotics Training Courses Comprehensive robotics training portfolio including Introduction to Robotics (Entry, Intermediate, Advanced levels), Robotic Welding, Cobotics (2, 3, 5-day programmes), Cobotics Programming and Vision Training, and Off-Line Programming and Simulation courses.
• 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Courses Training in 3D printing technologies including SolidWorks Essentials, Introduction to 3D Printing, Reverse Engineering Scan-to-Print, Advanced Materials Training, Certified User Training, and metal powder bed fusion design courses.
• Lean Six Sigma Training Programme Comprehensive Lean Six Sigma training covering Yellow Belt, Green Belt, and Black Belt certifications, plus specialised courses in Lean Laboratory Training, Lean in Service, Good Manufacturing Practices, and Executive Leadership.
• Industrial Systems and Control Training Courses covering electrical principles, digital sensors, industrial electrical systems, systematic troubleshooting, electronics, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) for maintenance technicians.
• Pharma/Food Sector Training Specialised courses for pharma, healthcare and food sectors including Introduction to Bioprocessing, Cleanroom Operations, Technical Writing, cGMP, Medical Devices, Process Analytical Technology, HVAC and Cleanroom, Tablet Manufacturing, Validation, and Quality Assurance.
• Industry 4.0 Technology Training Training covering Industry 4.0 fundamentals, IIoT introduction, Machine Learning basics, digital manufacturing, laser processing, and the Industry 4.0 Automation Pyramid Technologies.
• 3D Construction Printing Course 2-Day Fundamentals of 3D Construction Printing course providing hands-on experience with the COBOD 3D concrete printer, material selection, regulatory compliance, and construction printing techniques for the built environment sector.
• Skills to Advance Programme Government-funded training programmes under the SOLAS Skills to Advance initiative, offering subsidised training for employed persons in manufacturing sectors across pneumatics, robotics, additive manufacturing, and digital technologies.

Quantifiable outcome

• Homes built 35% faster than traditional methods using 3D concrete printing, with one-third the labour normally required and 25-30% reduction in construction schedule
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and supporting.

• Dundalk Chamber of CommercemajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025Dundalk Chamber of Commerce is a key partner in the USA/Cross-Border Trade Mission initiative alongside AMTCE-LMETB, Newry Chamber of Commerce, and Invest NI. CEO John McGahon actively promotes the M1 Corridor and Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor through partnership with AMTCE.
• Newry Chamber of CommercemajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025Newry Chamber partners with AMTCE-LMETB on the USA/Cross-Border Trade Mission to promote cross-border collaboration and the Newry-Dundalk border hinterland as a place to do business.
• Invest NImajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025Invest NI partnered with AMTCE on the USA/Cross-Border Trade Mission. Sam Knox highlighted government investment in AMTCE Dundalk and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre in Belfast as critical to delivering collaborative skills initiatives across the island.
• Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh (IIP)majorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 September 2025IIP led the USA delegation for the USA/Cross-Border Trade Mission (22-25 September 2025), working with Dundalk Chamber, Newry Chamber, AMTCE, and Invest NI to foster joint ventures, collaborative alliances, and knowledge-sharing around innovative technologies.
• North-East Regional Enterprise Plan (Digitalisation Working Group)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025AMTCE collaborates with the North-East Regional Enterprise Plan's Digitalisation working group to deliver flagship events such as 'Risk to Reward – The SME Digitalisation Journey', supporting SME digital transition across Cavan, Louth, and Monaghan.
• MMC IrelandmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2025AMTCE hosts MMC Ireland members events focused on accelerating the adoption of Modern Methods of Construction in Ireland. The collaboration brings together construction, manufacturing, and education stakeholders to explore offsite construction, automation, digital design, and sustainable building practices.
• Southern Regional College (SRC)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025SRC collaborated with AMTCE to provide 3D construction printing workshops for 94 Higher Level Apprenticeship students and six staff, using the COBOD 3D concrete printer developed through the LMETB-HT partnership. An MOU was signed between LMETB/AMTCE and SRC.
• Queen's University Belfast / Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2024MOUs signed between LMETB and Queen's University Belfast, with AMIC playing a key role in the All-Island Industry 4.0 Future Skills Report alongside AMTCE and IMR, funded by InterTradeIreland. The North's Economy Minister visited AMTCE in May 2024 to strengthen all-island advanced manufacturing skills collaboration.
• Irish Manufacturing ResearchcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023IMR partnered with AMTCE and Tecomet Inc. to deliver women-led CNC training, removing barriers to entry and creating a supportive environment for women in manufacturing upskilling programmes.
• Harcourt Technologies (HTL.tech)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021HTL.tech (design and build contractor) partnered with AMTCE/LMETB to deliver Ireland's first 3D-printed homes at Grange Close, Dundalk. AMTCE trained workers on the 2-Day Fundamentals of 3D Construction Printing course. HTL won 'Housing Project of the Year' at the 2025 Building & Architect of the Year Awards. HTL developed the COBOD 3D concrete printer used in training.
• Industrial Development Authority (IDA)supportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 June 2020IDA Ireland was identified as a key ecosystem partner in the BEDF proposal and is listed as collaborating on the establishment of AMTCE to advance entrepreneurship, productivity and innovation in the border region. IDA representatives attended the official opening.
• Cavan Monaghan ETBsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 June 2020Listed as a collaborating ETB in the BEDF application for the establishment of the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence.
• Regional Skills Forum – North East (RSF-NE)supportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 June 2020RSF-NE collaborated on the North East Region Advanced Manufacturing Skills Audit 2019 which informed the BEDF funding application and skills needs analysis for hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical systems, robotics, automation and control, and additive manufacturing.
• Louth County CouncilsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 June 2020Louth County Council provided the site at Grange Close for Ireland's first 3D-printed homes project. CEO Martin O'Brien approached the council with the idea of using 3DCP to deliver social housing.
• Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019IMR is a key strategic partner providing innovation services and highly relevant training programmes. Barry Kennedy, CEO of IMR, noted that IMR's strategic alliances with AMTCE enable the project to provide training programmes and access to innovation services of key organisations. IMR and AMTCE collaborated on developing the All-Island Industry 4.0 Future Skills Report and women-led CNC training initiatives.
• Fastrack into Information Technology (FIT)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019FIT is the co-ordinating provider for the QQI L6 Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Programme managed through AMTCE. FIT manages employer approvals, apprenticeship contracts, and programme delivery in partnership with AMTCE. FIT also partners with AMTCE and Intel on QQI L6 Advanced Manufacturing Technician Traineeships.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• South East Technological University (SETU): Irish TU formed from WIT and IT Carlow, offering engineering and manufacturing programmes across the South-East region. Comparable publicly funded third-level engineering/skills provider targeting industrial upskilling of Irish employers, though with less advanced-manufacturing specialisation.
• Technological University of the Shannon (TUS): Midlands/Mid-West Irish TU offering engineering, automation and polymer/manufacturing programmes. Overlaps with AMTCE's apprenticeship and Industry 4.0 training portfolio within a different geographic catchment, making it a competitor for Skills to Advance and apprenticeship funding.
• Atlantic Technological University (ATU): Irish TU formed from the merger of GMIT, IT Sligo and Dundalk IT (DkIT), with campuses in the same North-East region as AMTCE. Delivers undergraduate and postgraduate engineering/manufacturing/robotics programmes that partially overlap AMTCE's upskilling remit, and competes for the same regional learner pool.

Direct peers

• WMG (Warwick Manufacturing Group): Academic department at the University of Warwick delivering applied manufacturing research and Industry 4.0 skills programmes for OEMs and supply chains. Comparable academic-industry hybrid model that couples equipment-based training with industry innovation services similar to AMTCE's IMR/AMIC partnership.
• Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC): UK Catapult-style centre combining applied manufacturing R&D with industry training on additive manufacturing, automation and digital technologies. Comparable to AMTCE's blended research-and-training positioning, although operating at significantly greater scale.
• Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR): Statutory Irish applied-research and innovation body for manufacturing and a formal AMTCE strategic partner that co-authored the All-Island Industry 4.0 Future Skills Report and delivers joint training (women-led CNC). Operates at the same intersection of government funding, industry services and skills development that defines AMTCE.
• National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS): Government-backed Scottish centre for advanced manufacturing innovation and skills development, operated under the University of Strathclyde. Closely mirrors AMTCE's model — public investment, smart factory, equipment-led workforce training, and Industry 4.0 focus — making it the most analogous international peer.
• TWI (The Welding Institute): UK-based independent research and training organisation for welding, joining, additive manufacturing and materials integrity. Directly comparable to AMTCE's AR/VR welding, robotic welding cell, and additive manufacturing training specialism, with overlapping industrial membership and certification pathways.

Broad incumbents

• Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology (IPT): Large German applied-research institute focused on production technology, quality and cyber-physical production, with industry-targeted workforce training programmes. Comparable in the equipment-led, applied-skills style of operation, though operating at much greater scale and across broader industrial domains.
• High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVM Catapult): Network of seven UK manufacturing technology centres (including MTC, WMG, NCC, AMRC, etc.) backed by Innovate UK. Provides the broader UK institutional equivalent of what AMTCE attempts within Ireland — a Catapult-style multi-stakeholder manufacturing innovation platform — and signals the scale potential for AMTCE's model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/amtceT
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCFHubffJGi-xBvlThPQD8cw
• Facebookfacebook.com/AdvancedManufacturingTraining
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/advanced-manufacturing-training-centre-of-excellence
• Instagraminstagram.com/amtcelmetb

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about AMTCE - Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence