Siemens sets up Kildare training centre

23-04-2007

by Maxim Kelly

Siemens Ireland has opened a new training centre in Naas, Co Kildare specialising in automation technology for the manufacturing industries.

The Siemens SITRAIN (Training for Automation and Industrial Solutions) courses will be available to companies who wish to certify employees in automation technologies used in the process and manufacturing sectors in Ireland.

Previously, Irish firms seeking Siemens training had to send employees to a training centre in Britain. The educational programes are to be delivered at the Naas facility in conjunction with local firm Industrial Training Solutions (ITS).

ITS manager Mick Mahon said the courses offered by the training facility would include traditional theory lessons, as well as hands-on exercises using production simulators controlled by Simatic Programmable Logic Control automation systems and drive devices. Classroom training will also be supplemented by online and media-based options.

"Having a dedicated training facility also means flexible options are available to meet the individual needs of trainees in a variety of automation related roles. Siemens is expecting to train in the region of 250 individuals annually, from a diverse range of companies operating in and servicing the food & beverage, pharmaceutical, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors," said Mahon.

Martin Feely, Automation Systems Manager, Siemens Ireland, said the new courses are globally recognised. "[This] ensures that employees are amongst the best educated in the world in these fields and enables companies to select and manage comparably qualified in-house and external systems integration and maintenance personnel, offering greater potential for reducing risk and increasing overall productivity," he said

"Siemens partnering with Industrial Training Solutions allows us to offer an extended range of training courses locally, and more specialised training can still be provided in other regional offices."