Northern Ireland's Department for the Economy has announced £2 million (€2.3m) in skills development funding for the advanced manufacturing sector, as part of the broader £150 million (€174.3m) Enhanced Investment Zone programme for Northern Ireland. The Department for the Economy reported on the announcement, made on 27 May 2026 at Plaswire, a circular-economy manufacturer in Belfast specialising in the recycling of wind-turbine blades.

The funding, drawn from UK Government sources, follows a successful skills pilot that supported 30 SMEs in developing skills to improve productivity. The 2026/27 programme is expected to deliver over 400 Level 3 to 7 qualifications across engineering, core sciences, digital, and business disciplines including leadership and management.

The programme will also provide targeted support to businesses, helping them adopt new technologies, improve productivity, and compete more effectively in global advanced manufacturing markets.

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: "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 the 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, founder and CEO of Plaswire, 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."

Find out more about Northern Ireland's advanced manufacturing skills investment here.