About

Welcome to First Polymer Training Skillnet

Mission, Vision and Strategy

FPT Skillnet’s mission is to deliver current best practice training which meets the needs of employers and of new and existing employees in the plastics industry in Ireland.

Our vision is to maintain our position as the industry-recognised leading provider of accredited training in plastics.

Our strategy is to ensure that we maintain strong links with employers to ensure that we continue to provide the most comprehensive and most relevant training in the most cost-effective manner.

First Polymer Training (FPT) Skillnet operates as a training network for the  Polymer Industry in Ireland and is funded under the government’s Skillnet Ireland initiative. The aim of FPT Skillnet is to deliver training that is focused on the specific needs of the Polymer Industry and includes certification and development.

Initiated by Polymer Technology Ireland, FPT Skillnet’s objective is to provide technical training to polymer processors, both at our centre in Athlone and in-company as required. Our administrative and course centre is now located at 7  Centre  Court, Blyry Business and Commercial Park, Athlone.

Having a full range of plastics processing equipment on site allows FPT Skillnet to deliver intensive hands-on training.

First Polymer Skillnet focuses on supporting those in employment within the Polymer Industry.

Skills Connect

First Polymer Training Skillnet supports the workforce development needs of businesses within the medical device and manufacturing engineering sectors. If you are currently not in employment and wish to upskill or reskill, you may be interested in training offered by other Skillnet Networks through Skills Connect. Further details of Skills Connect and the eligibility criteria can be found on the Skillnet Ireland website by clicking here. 

Opening Hours
Our office is open from 9.15am to 5.00pm Monday – Friday.

About Polymer Technology Ireland

Polymer Technology Ireland represents the interests of the polymer industry in Ireland. The association’s principal role is to enhance the competitive position of its members by influencing the business environment in which the industry operates by promoting, supporting and encouraging further development of the multinational and indigenous plastics sector in Ireland.

Membership includes both suppliers of raw material and services to the industry as well as the leading plastics processors in Ireland. Polymer Technology Ireland is a business association within Ibec.

First Polymer Training Equality Policy

Steering Group

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About Skillnet Ireland

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Testimonials

Having faced a career change in the middle of an economic downturn, I lost some of myself confidence and needed a major boost. The area of polymer technology was of interest to me as it does play an important role in the manufacturing sector at present. I have recently completed my First Polymer Training course where I achieved a level 5 qualification in the Plastic Materials and Processing (Medical Device).The administration staff and lecturers at First Polymer Training center are first class and the course material was delivered in an engaging, interesting and supportive way. I have recently been offered a job by a medical device company in Limerick and I look forward to put what I have learned into practice.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Stephen, yourself and the First Polymer team for all the help and support, both financially and academically, over the past couple of years as this played a vital part of my securing permanent employment in the injection moulding industry

A Big thanks to you, Catherine, Edel, and Steve for the opportunity to attend and the warm hospitality shown and of course the high Quality of instruction Delivered. Hope to see you all again. Again many thanks

The training was made enjoyable with discussion and interaction between trainer and the trainees. Very well presented course. (Siemens S7, Sept 2019)