02 October, 2024

Background

Dell Technologies Inc. is a global leader in desktop personal computers, software, and peripherals. With three campuses in Dublin, Cork, and Limerick, Dell has established Ireland as a global hub for its operations. The company's commitment to innovation and employee development has driven its collaboration with MTU to provide cutting-edge training in automation technologies.

 

MTU’s CAMMS (Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Management Systems) is attached to the Department of Mechanical, Biomedical and Manufacturing Engineering at the Munster Technological University in Bishopstown, Cork. CAMMS is a Continuing Professional Development Centre dedicated to workforce development and upskilling. CAMMS leverages MTU’s expertise, alongside external professionals, to deliver tailored programmes in Automation, Robotics, Lean Sigma, Project Management, and more.

 

The Need

As industries evolve with increasing integration of Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronic equipment, it became clear that Dell required an integrated approach to train personnel involved in these areas. This need for upskilling led Dell to seek collaboration with MTU to design a custom staff development and training programme focused on Automation.

 

The Solution

 

The collaboration between Dell Technologies and MTU was spearheaded by Tom Herdman, Learning and Development Coordinator at Dell, Cork, Niall Morris, Head of Department of Mechanical, Biomedical and Manufacturing Engineering at MTU, Dr. Ciara Lavelle, Centre Coordinator at CAMMS and Dermot O’Neill, Network Manager, Cobotics Skillnet. A critical part of finding the solution was asking and listening to the voice of the customer in this case the engineers and technicians at Dell. This group were a critical part of the design and the delivery of the programme and created a strong sense of ownership and commitment to the programme from the very beginning.

 

They worked with MTU subject matter experts Dr William Quinn, Dr Michael Breen and Dr Adolfo Sanchez Del Pozo Fernandez to develop a tailored programme, which included modules on: PLC Control, Networked Instrumentation and Database Management and Artificial Vision for Industry.

 

 

The course, designed to meet Dell’s specific needs, featured a 70% hands-on lab component, utilising state-of-the-art equipment at MTU, and a 30% theory component with flexible timetabling to accommodate participation. In the first 12 months, 30 Dell employees successfully completed the programme.

 

The programme was part-funded by Cobotics Skillnet, a business network that supports companies in the robotics and automation technology sector by addressing technical and non-technical skill needs. Cobotics Skillnet aims to enhance the international competitiveness of Irish businesses and support employment growth by increasing the uptake of automation technologies.

 

Benefits of The Engagement

 

This initial collaboration between Dell Technologies and MTU has led to an international roll out of a bespoke fully online training programme developed by MTU and Dell entitled “Introduction to Technology”. After completing this course, the learner will have an understanding of the history and progression of automation technologies and the advantages they bring, a foundational understanding of the key components to automation in their workplace and will also have reflected on the skills, knowledge and attitudes they will require to work successfully in a fast-changing environment. It is expected four more deliveries of this programme will take place over the course of the next year.

 

 

Feedback and Testimonials

 

“I thought this was an excellent course and it was significantly and nicely tailored to meet our needs. Time very well spent and I can see attendees getting great benefit as a result. I would like to say thanks to MTU for their prep work and delivery of this course.”

 

“The lab setup and equipment were excellent. It was great to work on the same camera systems and software that we have deployed in the work environment.”

 

Contact us to connect your Enterprise with MTU. Email us at extended.campusCork@mtu.ie to discuss a collaboration that suit your needs!