Talent to Thrive: The Newsletter for Ireland's Medtech Sector - April 2025
Welcome to the latest newsletter from Irish Medtech Skillnet, the premier source of innovative, funded,
industry-led training for Ireland's medtech and manufacturing sectors.
In this issue
1. Thrive in 2025: Upcoming Course Highlights
- Digital Transformation Simplified
- Masters in Medical Technology Regulatory Affairs
- Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Advanced Manufacturing Systems
- Launch of ‘Empowering Women in STEM, A Gender Representation Study for the Health Technology Sector’
- Marguerite O’Sullivan is the new Chair of Irish Medtech Skillnet Steering Committee
- Skillnet Ireland and IDA Ireland Celebrate First Strategic Talent Development Programme Graduation
- On the Road: Site Visits to our Industry Partners
- Learn About Our Programmes: Professional Mentor Training
Upcoming Courses: Driving Innovation, Transformation and Quality Standards
In the fast-paced Medtech and Manufacturing sectors, digital transformation is no longer a choice—it’s essential. This industry-driven programme is specifically designed to empower professionals with the knowledge, tools, and strategies required to lead successful digital transformation initiatives.
Over four engaging and interactive in-person sessions, participants will develop the expertise to identify opportunities, create strategic roadmaps, and drive meaningful change that delivers measurable business outcomes.
Participants will delve into key aspects of digital transformation tailored specifically to the Medtech industry, including:
• Develop a Digital Transformation strategy for your company. • Learn to prioritise projects and secure the resources necessary for successful implementation. • Understand the availability of Funding Agencies to support your company. • Build cross-functional teams that are equipped to execute strategies with cohesion and confidence. • Understand the change management processes necessary to sustain transformation efforts. • Establish and Launch your Digital Transformation Plan. |
The Digital Transformation Simplified programme is your opportunity to become a driving force behind innovation and operational excellence in the Medtech sector. By mastering the process of digital transformation, you will not only simplify complexity but also unlock unprecedented value for your organisation. It starts on May 16th. Book it here.
2. From Compliant to Competitive: Book the MSc in Medical Technology Regulatory Affairs, for Medtech Regulatory Leaders
In a sector defined by precision and pace, regulatory expertise is mission-critical. The MSc in Medical Technology Regulatory Affairs, developed in partnership with, ATU Sligo and the University of Galway, is Ireland’s gold-standard qualification for QA/RA professionals and delivers the specialised, future-facing expertise needed to lead with confidence in a complex global regulatory environment.
| • This part-time, flexible programme dives deep into essential areas including EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR), In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR), US FDA submissions, global market access strategies, and risk and quality management systems.
• As these regulations continue to evolve - from stricter conformity assessments under MDR to expanding post-market surveillance requirements - companies are under pressure to secure professionals who can translate compliance into competitive advantage. • If you’re looking to expand your regulatory influence, strengthen cross-functional impact, and future-proof your expertise — this is your next move. |
This Irish Medtech Skillnet programme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union using ESF+ funding. Now open for September 2025 Applications
3. Level Up to Industry 4.0: Your Next Move in Manufacturing Engineering
In a sector where innovation is the norm, the ‘Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Advanced Manufacturing Systems’, delivered by Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is tailored for professionals eager to lead the charge into Industry 4.0.
| • This Level 8, one-year, part-time programme is designed for those holding a Level 7 degree in Manufacturing Engineering or a related discipline already, with at least one year of industry experience.
• It offers a flexible, blended mode of learning over 52 weeks, with two evenings of online classes per week, and 8 onsite days to include induction and examination. • A standout feature is the Industrial Engineering Project, where students apply the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control) methodology to real-world challenges within their organisations, targeting significant operational enhancements and/or cost savings. move. |
With a subsidised fee of €4,260, this programme is not just an investment in your education but a strategic move to enhance your role in the evolving manufacturing landscape and applications are now open here.
Maximise your 2025 Training Budget with our Subsidised Programmes
Enrolment is now open for many more programmes on our website!
Our training programmes are subsidised by the Government of Ireland and the European Union, saving companies on standard course fees, with minimal barriers to access. Whether you are a start-up, scaling up, or a multinational, all Irish companies can access our funded training programmes with no paid membership required.
| Irish Medtech Skillnet develops and delivers transformative, industry-led training solutions to help companies of all sizes in the medical technology and manufacturing sectors to grow and retain best-in-class talent, supporting the future success and competitiveness of medtech in Ireland.
View our 2025 Programme Catalogue here. |
Industry News for Ireland: The Global Medtech Hub
Empowering Women in STEM: A Gender Representation Study for the Health Technology Sector is released
An impactful new report from Irish Medtech Skillnet, First Polymer Training Skillnet, and Connected Health Skillnet has highlighted the crucial role of upskilling in addressing the ongoing gender imbalance in Ireland’s STEM sectors. The ‘Empowering Women in STEM’ report, conducted by Xenon Health Solutions on behalf of the three Skillnet Ireland Business Networks, presents a detailed analysis of gender representation challenges and solutions within the health technology industry.
The report comes at a pivotal time of expansion for Ireland’s STEM industries. The study found that despite a skills shortage in the sector, women remain significantly underrepresented, especially in leadership and technical roles. While the number of female STEM graduates in Ireland is increasing, just one in four STEM professionals in the workforce are women. This disparity is even more pronounced for leadership roles, where women hold just 19% of CEO positions in large enterprises.
Among the key recommendations outlined in the report are:
• Provision of training and education opportunities for women with leadership aspirations, to address skills and qualification gaps that may be hindering career progression.
• Implementation of unconscious bias training within businesses to foster a more inclusive workplace culture.
• Adoption of flexible working policies to support better work-life balance and attract a diverse workforce.
• Development of structured career pathways to facilitate the advancement and retention of female talent.
• Use of the ‘Best Practice Checklist’ developed by the study to guide companies in achieving their gender equity objectives.
Commenting on the importance of the research, Dave Flynn, Skillnet Ireland Director of Business Networks, said: “This report highlights the critical need to strengthen and diversify Ireland’s STEM talent pipeline, particularly within the rapidly evolving health technology sector. This sector is vital to Ireland’s economy, and ensuring it is inclusive and future-ready is a key priority for Skillnet Ireland. We are committed to supporting women in STEM by providing targeted development opportunities that empower individuals and drive innovation.”
Dr Ann O’Connell, Head of Funded Projects for Medtech and Engineering at Ibec, and Network manager for Irish Medtech Skillnet, said: “This report re-emphasises the need for gender equity across the Health Technology sectors and offers informed insights to support companies in developing an effective gender representation strategy. The underrepresentation of women and girls in STEM is a lost opportunity for innovation, growth, and global impact at a time when the world faces unprecedented health challenges. As the sector continues to expand, this report will serve as a key resource, guiding efforts toward fostering a more balanced representation of gender within the health technology ecosystem.”
Jackie Murphy, Vice President, Manufacturing Plant Manager, Alcon and Chair of Irish Medtech, said, “Continuing to promote gender equality in STEM is vital for advancing women in the industry. When women are empowered and given equal opportunities, they contribute significantly to innovation and leadership. Their advancement not only enriches the field but also drives progress and sets a precedent for future generations. Undertaking the work in generating a report like this baselines the current state of play and importantly acknowledges the progress made to date but also serves as a motivator to drive towards greater advancement and progression for women within STEM and industry as a whole”.
The report revealed that girls in Ireland continue to opt out of STEM subjects at an early stage, with only 29% of girls choosing a STEM subject beyond maths or science in secondary school. Despite earning STEM degrees, women often face barriers to career progression, with leadership representation significantly lagging male counterparts. Industry respondents cited a lack of flexible work options, unconscious bias, and limited mentorship opportunities as key obstacles preventing women from advancing in health technology careers. Meanwhile, 40% of surveyed companies lack formal gender equity strategies, highlighting an urgent need for industry-wide policy shifts.
A total of 207 health technology industry representatives and 49 educators participated in this research. Their feedback underscores the importance of early intervention in schools, structured mentorship programmes, and company-led diversity initiatives.
The report is available to view online: click here to view report.
A New Chair for Irish Medtech Skillnet Steering Committee: Industry Veteran, Marguerite O’Sullivan takes the helm
Please join us in welcoming the new Chairperson of our Steering Committee, Marguerite O Sullivan , Director of Learning & Development at Kenvue.
Marguerite is well-known in our industry as a passionate learning professional and an inspiring STEM leader dedicated to diversity, development, and education. She is an active networker, a mentor, and co-founder of STEM Southwest and the Cork Life Science Group. She is also a celebrated author of a textbook titled 'Engineering in the World' aimed at TY Students, to teach fundamental life skills relating to the world of STEM.
Through her years of committed and generous service on the Steering Committee, Marguerite has personally shaped the future of STEM by significantly influencing programme development and contributing to some of our most important initiatives including the publication of 'Talent to Thrive: The Future Skills Report for Ireland's Medtech Sector', published in 2024.
Marguerite is an ambassador for our work, always supportive of her fellow Medtech professionals, and a real inspiration for the next generation. We're delighted to have her as our Chair for the coming year, and look forward to close collaboration under her leadership. Thank you and welcome, Marguerite!
Our sincere thanks go to outgoing Chair and long-term Steering Committee member, Annette Costello, Principal Specialist - Technical Training Programs at Stryker, for her immense contribution to our network.
Annette has strongly influenced the Irish Medtech Skillnet strategy to support learning and talent development in the Medtech sector, and has been a stalwart supporter and an advocate for talent development throughout her career. She is a role model for our industry, selflessly contributing to initiatives and “putting in the work” for the good of the Medtech sector overall. Annette remains an active member of the committee, continuing to contribute her expertise and passion. Thank you for your generous support and many contributions, Annette!
Skillnet Ireland and IDA Ireland are pleased to celebrate the first graduates to achieve a Certificate in Strategic Talent Development awarded by TU Dublin. Developed by Skillnet Ireland in collaboration with IDA Ireland, this new qualification upskills employees with the expertise to build a robust talent development strategy and plan, and may be of interest to the Learning and Development professionals in our network. The Certificate in Strategic Talent Development offers participants a micro-credential award worth 5 ECTS at Level 9 on the NFQ from the Graduate Business School, Faculty of Business at TU Dublin. Skillnet Ireland has been successfully delivering the Strategic Talent Development Programme in partnership with IDA Ireland since 2021, with 50 companies and 77 individuals participating in the programme to date.
Irish Medtech Skillnet in the SpotlightIrish Medtech Skillnet on the Road
Promoting our transformative training solutions “on the road” is all in a day’s work for our team! These events keep us close to our industry audience and drive awareness of our industry-led, funded programmes which attendees can avail of.
If you’re planning an event or career day to support continuing professional development for your employees, we would love to have a stand there! We can also participate in industry events as speakers or panel participants. Here’s how our 2025 Tour schedule is shaping up. Please get in touch if we can add your event to the list.
• We will exhibit at the Inspire Learning Week in Boston Scientific Clonmel, Cork and Galway on Wednesday 7 May 2025.
• We will exhibit at the Abbott Cootehill Learning Event on Wednesday, 21 May 2025.
• We will discuss skills and talent development during the panel discussion at Irish Medtech’s Sustainability Forum: Navigating Uncertainty: Sustainability in Medtech and Engineering on 27 May in Galway.
• We will exhibit at Medical Technology Ireland on 24 & 25 September 2025 at the Galway Racecourse.
• We will be sponsoring Irish Medtech’s Medtech Rising on Thursday, 4 December 2025, in the Galmont Hotel, Galway.
Programme Profile: Professional Mentor Training
"As the Medtech professional mentor community grows, participants are telling us that they are learning a lot from the diverse perspectives of colleagues across the sector as well as building the practical skills to bring their mentoring and leadership to the next level”, says Aodan Enright, Life and Executive Coach, and member of Edelia, facilitators of the ‘Professional Mentor Training’ programme established by Irish Medtech Skillnet in 2024.
Launched in direct response to industry demand, this European Mentorship and Coaching Council (EMCC) accredited ‘Professional Mentor Training’ programme enables participants to “gain a globally recognised mentoring qualification while doing your job”. The programme emphasises experiential learning in a psychologically safe environment where Mentors develop skills through facilitated processes including identifying their individual strengths profile, understanding their mentoring style, and reflecting on practice.
The programme includes workshops, group discussions, and interactive exercises led by Edelia Learning, a leading provider of EMCC-accredited coaching and mentoring programs, specialising in enhancing leadership through comprehensive projects such as ISMCP accreditation and bespoke solutions like team coaching events. These expert facilitators are versed in learner-centred principles and preparing emerging leaders to excel in mentoring roles in the Irish MedTech industry. There are various accreditation options on offer, ranging from a Certificate of Attendance right up to an EMCC Professional Mentor at Practitioner Level certification.
Funding for this Programme
This Irish Medtech Skillnet programme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ESF+ Fund profiled in last month’s newsletter. This funding enables us to offer subsidies to participants:
• Subsidised rate: €1,820
• Full cost: €2,600
Learn more on European Funding here: www.eufunds.ie
Who should attend
This course is intended for emerging leaders in middle-management roles. All learners on this programme will be expected to identify a mentee in advance of the programme, who they can actively mentor throughout.
Book your place on the September, 2025 ‘Professional Mentor Training’ programme here.
Thank you for joining us in this edition of Talent to Thrive, the monthly newsletter updates from Irish Medtech Skillnet for Ireland’s Medtech Sector! We look forward to continuing our journey of learning and innovation together in future and we plan to bring you these updates regularly.
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