Carrick business students prepare for exams at IPC

Joanne Liddle, managing director, IPC Mouldings. INCT 18-756-CON

Ahead of their AS Level Business Studies exams, year 13 students had a chance to observe theory in practice with a visit to the Kilroot-based firm.

Through talks from John McPherson, operations manager and Joanne Liddle, managing director, and a factory tour from Hugh Henry, KTP associate engineer, the young people heard how the company has grown and how the operations, marketing, HR and finance departments have faced various challenges and developed.

Operating from a 14,000 sq ft location, IPC Mouldings is an AS9100 accredited provider of technical solutions for global industries, using advanced engineering polymers and processing techniques.

Hugh Henry addressing Carrickfergus Grammar School pupils during their visit to IPC Mouldings. INCT 18-757-CON

In November last year, it was also awarded SC21 Bronze in B/E Aerospace Supply Chain Programme and more recently the company was awarded EFQM Recognised for Excellence at the EFQM Ireland Excellence Awards.

Senior teacher Paul McKittrick said: ““The visit to IPC Mouldings was exceptionally interesting. Having taught Business Studies for 20 years, it is always refreshing to get out and visit dynamic, local firms and hear about the issues they face and how they are overcoming them and growing.

“What our students listened to and observed today will have made an impact on them when they revise over the coming weeks for their AS Business Studies exams, so I’d like to thank IPC Mouldings on their behalf.”

Joanne Liddle, managing director at IPC Mouldings, said: “We were delighted to host Carrickfergus Grammar School and give students a better insight into our business and its operations, hopefully helping with their preparation for their forthcoming examinations.

“STEM is more than just a buzzword – it is the future. In this sector there is and will be more investment and thus job opportunities. This can only be good news for these students moving forward.

“I’d like to highlight the importance of STEM education from an early age and we at IPC Mouldings place great emphasis on innovation and education. I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all the students every success in the future.”