South Eastern Regional College (SERC) has officially inaugurated a new Industrial Training Centre at its Downpatrick Campus. The facility, designed to foster skills development and growth within the electrical and mechatronic engineering sectors, was opened by Councillor Philip Campbell, Chair of Newry Mourne and Down District Council.

The launch, held during a business breakfast, provided local engineering and electrical firms with an overview of the various training and upskilling opportunities now available at the college.

Councillor Campbell expressed his support for the project: "I am delighted to open SERC's new Industrial Training Centre at Downpatrick Campus. This investment ensures SERC can continue to support employers who drive innovation, productivity, and growth in electrical and mechatronic engineering in the local area."

Tommy Martin, Principal and Chief Executive of SERC, emphasised the vital role engineering plays in the economy. He noted that the new centre is specifically equipped to provide learners with the technical knowledge required for high-value employment. "Engineering underpins every sector of our economy, and our new Industrial Training Centre supports learners with the knowledge and skills to succeed in high‑value roles. Access to specialised programmes at this dedicated centre will improve the expertise of people working in the industry, help support a cycle of innovation and product development, and boost the local economy," said Mr Martin.

As an official training partner for both Siemens and Autodesk, SERC will offer several specialist programmes through the centre, including:

• Siemens Mechatronic Systems Certification.

• Industrial 3D CAD Modelling.

• Electrical Upskilling (Levels 1 & 2).

In addition to technical training, the college provides mentoring and innovation support through various initiatives. These include the Department for the Economy-funded InnovateUs programme, Invest NI's Innovation Vouchers, and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships funded by Invest NI and Innovate UK.

The opening of the centre was supported by Connected, a Department for the Economy-funded programme dedicated to the transfer of knowledge regarding key developments in industry.