Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced a £2 million investment dedicated to skills development within the advanced manufacturing sector to support its growth, innovation, and competitiveness.

The funding is provided by the UK Government as part of the broader £150 million Enhanced Investment Zone (EIZ) for Northern Ireland. It follows a successful small-scale skills pilot that has already delivered a strong impact for participating businesses. The formal launch and further announcements regarding the Enhanced Investment Zone are scheduled for later this year.

The £2 million programme for 2026/27 will collaborate with industry partners to identify and cultivate the specific skills required to enhance growth and productivity in the advanced manufacturing sector. The initiative is anticipated to deliver more than 400 qualifications spanning Levels 3 to 7 in the broad disciplines of engineering, digital, core sciences, and business, including management and leadership. Additionally, it will offer targeted assistance to help enterprises adopt new technologies, increase productivity, and compete more effectively.

The Minister made the announcement during a visit to Plaswire, a circular-economy manufacturer specialising in recycling wind-turbine blades, which previously benefitted from the initial EIZ skills pilot programme.

Minister Archibald said: "The skills pilot my Department has delivered has already supported 30 SMEs to develop the skills to support their business and improve productivity. It is great to be here at Plaswire to hear more on the impact this is already having for businesses here. "This further £2 million investment in advanced manufacturing skills builds on this strong start and ensures more companies right across the north can benefit. It marks the next phase of delivery for the EIZ, with further investments to be brought forward over the coming months as the programme gathers pace.

"This programme is about backing our Advanced Manufacturing sector to grow, innovate and compete. By working with industry, colleges and our partners, we are helping businesses boost productivity and build the skills they need for the future."

Northern Ireland Office Minister Matthew Patrick said: "This advanced manufacturing skills pilot, delivered through funding from the UK Government for the Enhanced Investment Zone, is a great example of the UK Government and Northern Ireland Executive working together to support Northern Ireland's businesses and people.

"This latest investment will help develop essential workforce skills, providing businesses with the skilled employees essential for their success and ensuring that Northern Ireland's strong advanced manufacturing sector continues to thrive."

Andrew Billingsley, Plaswire CEO said: "Advanced manufacturing is evolving fast, and the skills investment announced today gives companies like ours the talent pipeline we need to scale. The support we've received from Belfast Metropolitan College through the AME Booster has already helped us strengthen our capabilities and boost productivity. Plaswire is a global leader growing rapidly across wind and aviation circularity, and this investment ensures more firms across the north can innovate, compete and create high value jobs."