Talent to Thrive: The Newsletter for Ireland's Medtech Sector - March 2025

Welcome to the Irish Medtech Skillnet newsletter!
In this issue
Thrive in 2025: March Course Highlights
1. Digital Transformation Simplified
2. Masters in Medical Technology Regulatory Affairs
3. Professional Mentor Training (EMCC)
Industry News in Ireland
1. Mark Jordan, new CEO of Skillnet Ireland - an Advocate for Industry-Led Learning
2. Launch of ‘Irish Medtech Manufacturing Report’
3. Jackie Murphy, new Board Chair for Irish Medtech
4. Skillnet Ireland Launch of ‘Ireland's Talent Landscape 2025’ Report
5. Industry Insights - In Conversation with Tony O’Reilly, Head of Engineering, Alcon and Vice-Chair of Irish Medtech Skillnet Steering Committee
Irish Medtech Skillnet in the Spotlight
1. On the Road: Site Visits to our Industry Partners
2. Learn About Us: ESF+ Funding
1. * Coming Soon * Digital Transformation, Simplified: Master the Process, Maximise the Value

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:

• Complete a detailed Digital Maturity Assessment for your company. • 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.

Watch this space for booking details, coming soon and learn more about this game-changing programme by attending our upcoming informational webinar on April 15th. Book it here.

2. Sharpen Your Edge in Regulatory Affairs – Masters in Medical Technology Regulatory Affairs Booking is Open

In a sector defined by precision and pace, regulatory expertise is mission-critical. The MSc in Medical Technology Regulatory Affairs, developed in partnership with industry leaders, 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.

Graduates of the programme, like Teleflex’s Ida Foley featured in last month’s newsletter, have used it not only to upskill, but also to shape industry best practices, publish peer-reviewed research, and step confidently into senior leadership roles. 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. Read on to learn more about the value of ESF+ for our network. Now open for September 2025 Applications

3. Elevate Performance Through Mentorship: Book Professional Mentor Training (EMCC)

In any dynamic industry, effective mentorship is pivotal for cultivating talent and driving innovation. The Professional Mentor Training (EMCC) programme, developed by Irish Medtech Skillnet in collaboration with EDelia Group, is tailored for emerging leaders in management roles. This comprehensive course equips participants with the skills to mentor effectively, fostering personal and professional growth within their teams.

Key Features:

• Accreditation Options: Choose from various accreditation levels, including the EMCC Quality Award in Mentoring at Diploma level and Professional Mentor at Foundation or Practitioner levels, accommodating different experience and commitment levels.

• Experiential Learning: Engage in hands-on activities, group discussions, and interactive exercises led by expert facilitators, ensuring practical application of mentoring theories and models.

• Personalised Development: Benefit from a personalised strengths profile and one-to-one debrief sessions to identify and leverage your unique strengths in your mentoring role.

• Flexible Delivery: The 11-week blended learning schedule includes in-person workshops and online sessions, accommodating the demands of busy professionals.

This Irish Medtech Skillnet programme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.

By completing this programme, participants will be adept at applying mentoring skills to enhance the development of their mentees, and ready to step into leadership roles within your organisation. Learn more about it here.

Maximise your 2025 Training Budget with our Subsidised Programmes

Enrolment is now open for many 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.

Mark Jordan, new CEO of Skillnet Ireland - An Advocate for Industry-Led Learning

Mark Jordan, formerly Chief Strategy Officer, has been appointed CEO of Skillnet Ireland, bringing energy and industry insight at a pivotal time for workforce development in Ireland. Skills and talent development are topping the national agenda, and industry demands across all sectors are evolving fast.

Throughout his time at Skillnet Ireland, Mark has championed collaboration with businesses, education providers, and policymakers - and was instrumental in expanding support for sectors like medtech, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and AI. His message? “Businesses understand that investment in talent is key to maintaining a competitive edge. Through our industry-led approach, and in collaboration with government, Skillnet Ireland is committed to playing a central role in delivering upskilling solutions that empower businesses to adapt and thrive.”

This is good news for networks like Irish Medtech Skillnet. Mark understands the unique challenges our sector faces, and the central role that targeted, strategic learning plays in meeting them. We warmly welcome Mark to his new role, and look forward to future, productive collaboration with him.

The Irish Medtech Skillnet team also wish to pay tribute to Paul Healy, the outgoing CEO whose contribution to the agency over the past nine years has been immense and lasting. Through Paul’s leadership, Skillnet Ireland networks including our own, are now at the centre of the Government’s workforce development agenda, contributing directly to key policy actions on skills development, digitalisation, sustainability and innovation for the major industry sectors, and directly influencing and supporting economic growth. Thank you, Paul!

Irish Medtech Manufacturing Report: Strong Growth, Real Pressures

The Irish Medtech Manufacturing Report newly released by Irish Medtech, identifies an uncertain global economy and highlights the need for investment and agile support from regulators and policymakers, to help Ireland keep pace with global demand and stiffer international competition.

Ireland’s medtech exports rose 4% to €14.9 billion in 2024, and the sector remains a global powerhouse, delivering high-value diagnostics, devices, and digital health solutions to over 100 countries. 293,000 people are employed in manufacturing in Ireland, and 40,000 of those people are employed in medtech. But, behind this success story lies a complex and evolving landscape. Energy costs, housing, and infrastructure gaps are threatening our cost competitiveness, and long lead times for regulatory approvals are slowing the pace of innovation.

Emerging technologies present an opportunity for industry if the industry is “skills-ready” to utilise them. In the report, skills shortages are also identified as a major challenge, and 80% of companies cite access to talent as a core concern. For medtech and manufacturing, AI certainly presents the opportunity to supercharge quality systems, automate services, and streamline production, however, without targeted investment in digital skills and infrastructure, this opportunity will not be fully realised.

According to new Irish Medtech Chair, Jackie Murphy, VP, Manufacturing Plant Manager, Alcon - “The European Union's landmark €200 billion InvestAI fund, with €20 billion earmarked for AI gigafactories, presents a unique opportunity for Ireland to lead in digital manufacturing. The Irish AI Advisory Council has already urged the Government to establish a real-time 'AI Observatory’ to track AI adoption, skills development, and market trends - aligning with Irish Medtech’s call for a national strategy to accelerate digital integration across all manufacturing tiers”.

Industry-led, funded training initiatives, like those driven by Irish Medtech Skillnet, are already helping companies to future-proof their teams by boosting skills and adaptability. Irish Medtech is now calling on the Government to expand funding for workforce reskilling and apprenticeships.

Alcon’s Jackie Murphy is new Board Chair for Irish Medtech

We extend our warmest congratulations to Jackie Murphy, VP & Manufacturing Plant Manager at Alcon Ireland, as she assumes the role of Board Chair for Irish Medtech.

Alcon are also represented on the Irish Medtech Skillnet Steering Committee, where Tony O’Reilly, Head of Engineering is our Vice-Chair. Dr Ann O’Connell, Head of Funded Projects for Medtech and Engineering at Ibec, and Network Manager for Irish Medtech Skillnet, said “We are delighted to have an opportunity to also work with and support Jackie in her new role. As our promoter and contracting organisation, Irish Medtech led by Dr Eoghan Ó Faoláin and the Ibec working groups and industry forums, collaborate closely with us and play a vital role in our effectiveness, as the primary conduit to the Medtech industry”.

Irish Medtech Director, Dr Eoghan Ó Faoláin said of Jackie’s appointment, “I am looking forward to working with Jackie as she brings this wealth of experience to the role of Chair of Irish Medtech as we embark on the renewal of our industry strategy later this year.”

Welcome aboard, Jackie!

We also extend our thanks and good wishes to the outgoing Chair, Padhraic McGinn, CEO of Mergon Group who has supported us generously on many initiatives throughout the year of his tenure and played an instrumental role in the development of the Future Skills Report which offers actionable insight on critical skills gaps within the Medtech sector, and how to address them. The report is a must-read for Medtech professionals, and was launched to great acclaim in June 2024, thanks to the support of Padhraic, Irish Medtech and others.

Ireland’s Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business - A new Report from Skillnet Ireland

"As skills gaps widen in critical areas such as technology, engineering, and sustainability, the ability to develop a future-ready workforce will define Ireland’s economic resilience."

This is an extract from the Skillnet Ireland 'Ireland’s Talent Landscape 2025 Report', launched on March 25th. Supporting a strong, digitally resilient, and sustainable talent pipeline is a critical priority for Skillnet Ireland, and this new report aims to examine the key challenges facing Irish businesses, framed within the context of their future skills needs.

The report surveyed 500 business leaders across Ireland assessing the skills and talent development needs of their business and industry. The analysis reflects both the current state, and aspirations of Irish businesses, revealing a strong awareness of the importance of upskilling and lifelong learning. The findings are consistent across sectors and regions and reflect the importance of supporting both the current and future workforce, to develop fundamental skills for the digital world of work, and the transition to a net zero economy. Read it in full.

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS - Driving Engineering Excellence in Medtech: In conversation with Tony O’Reilly, Head of Engineering & Manufacturing, Science & Technology (MS&T) at Alcon

As Head of Engineering & Manufacturing, Science & Technology (MS&T) at Alcon Ireland, Tony O’Reilly is at the forefront of innovation in ophthalmic medical device manufacturing. With over 30 years of experience in the Medtech industry, Tony is known for engineering strategies that enhance efficiency, quality, and technological advancement in medtech production.

Tony’s impact extends beyond engineering – he is a strong advocate for continuous professional development, ensuring that Alcon’s teams have access to world-class training and upskilling opportunities. Tony is a dynamic and committed member and Vice-Chair of the Irish Medtech Skillnet Steering Committee, where he dedicates time and energy to work with us on initiatives to enhance skills and foster a culture of excellence across the whole industry. We greatly benefit from his experience and were pleased to sit down and ask him some questions recently.

Tony, can you tell us about your current role within Alcon and the path that brought you here?

Within Alcon, I head up a team of about 70 people working in Engineering/MS&T and Facilities, comprised of Engineers, Technicians, Toolmakers and several specialists in areas such as Validation, Labelling, Data Science and Project Management. I moved into this role in 2013, but before that I worked in various roles within Manufacturing, Engineering and Project Management.

In general, I have always worked in technical or operational-type roles. Continuous professional development through a healthy mix of training, education and taking on targeted work experiences and assignments were key to my development in my own personal career journey.

Alcon is a global leader in eye care innovation. As Head of Engineering, how does your team contribute to advancing ophthalmic technologies? What are some of the most exciting engineering challenges you’re currently working on, and what would make these challenges more manageable?

My team’s contribution to advancing ophthalmic technologies lies in constantly striving for improvement in all aspects of the manufacturing process. Harnessing existing and emerging technologies that enable the advancement and progression of products and processes is always at the forefront of what we do.

To prepare us to adequately tackle these challenges, we need to have people with the requisite skillsets, training and capabilities to take full advantage of these opportunities and optimise value for the business. This is where the Irish Medtech Skillnet comes in. They provide a vast array of standard and bespoke training offerings tailored to Medtech industry requirements. This creates a win-win scenario where both our employees and the business will both benefit.

Manufacturing excellence is a hallmark of Alcon’s operations. Can you discuss the role of advanced manufacturing techniques in medical device production, specifically the role of emerging technologies such as AI and digitalisation? How is Alcon leveraging these innovations in engineering to enhance patient outcomes and drive efficiencies and where do you see challenges in implementing these technologies from the Medtech sector perspective?

It's hard to turn these days without hearing about the importance of things like automation, digitalisation, data analytics, machine learning and AI. Everybody wants to get on board, and for good reason. It’s broadly recognised, not only in industry but in many aspects of modern life, that these technological advancements can be true game changers. Their potential is so powerful that it’s not really an option for organisations to opt out.

The need for improved productivity and efficiency has never been greater but it can be difficult for organisations to understand where to start and how to get on the road towards automation, digitalisation and AI. In Alcon, we know that you can’t go too far wrong if you start with knowledge and training, so we set out to equip our teams with the necessary skills, knowledge and training to start to build capabilities. We have already had two of our Process Engineers complete the Master of Science in Digitalisation of Manufacturing in conjunction with Irish Medtech Skillnet and the Technical University of the Shannon. Specialist training programmes like this help us to build a robust talent base and enhance the specialised skill set that already exists within Medtech companies. We get to build the next generation of Medtech industry talent to face and capitalise on these newly emerging developments.

As a committed member of our Steering Committee, you contribute to many key initiatives for our Network, Tony. Recently, you were a key driving force in the significant report released by Irish Medtech Skillnet: ‘Talent to Thrive: The Future Skills Report for the Medtech Sector’. What was your overall view on the report, and do you consider the development of this report important for the sector? How do you think you, as the Head of Engineering, can use the report findings to help develop and attract the talent you need for the factory of the future?

The Talent to Thrive report was a huge and vitally important undertaking by the Irish Medtech Skillnet. It is safe to say that it was the most in-depth and comprehensive analysis of the Irish Medtech Industry's current and future training needs ever conducted. The report itself is very well put together, easy to read and incredibly relevant to the entire Medtech industry, from the smallest SMEs to the largest multi-national organisations.

For me personally, it acts as a continual go-to source of valuable data, analysis and recommendations that I reference regularly when considering training and talent development. The report aims to map the future skills needs of the Irish Medtech sector across five strategic skills pillars, including Manufacturing, Research, Development and Innovation, Sustainability, Regulatory Affairs and Human Resources. It provides insightful benchmarks of other international Medtech hubs and peer industries around the world and keenly identifies current and emerging industry trends and developments. I would recommend it to anyone involved in leadership or talent development roles within the Medtech industry.

Considering your engagement in the network over the past 3-4 years, how can agencies like Irish Medtech Skillnet help you meet those future challenges?

Market-leading brands such as Alcon are committed to continued professional development because of the opportunity it presents. For a long time in Alcon, we have recognised that People are our most valuable asset, and they are the foundation for our success, therefore we place huge emphasis on attracting, recruiting and retaining the best talent. Specialist training programmes bolster these efforts and help us build a robust talent base and enhance the specialised skill sets that are so vital to our business success.

Alcon has utilised Irish Medtech Skillnet training programmes for years. It’s great that the courses and programmes are part-funded, so our training budgets go further. They are high quality, delivered by top educational institutions, and critically, they are industry-centred, so they are developed for industry and by industry.

Finally, Tony, what impact do you hope to have on the industry, and what legacy would you like to leave as a leader in Medtech engineering?

The Medtech industry, by its very nature, is focused on People. Improving and enhancing people’s lives through cutting-edge technology is at the core of its existence. I feel lucky to work for a company and in an industry that caters to such a noble cause, so making a contribution, knowing that I am helping to positively impact people's lives through sight-saving and sight-enhancing products, is really rewarding.

As a leader, I would like to think that in the future, I can look back and feel that I have played a part in helping people to see brilliantly but also in supporting and enabling some of the people I have worked with to flourish in their careers and to truly fulfil their potential.

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 be sponsoring Irish Medtech’s Sterility Forum on Wednesday 9 April 2025, in the Sheraton Hotel, Athlone
• We will exhibit at the Career Information Session in Merit Medical, Galway on Friday 11 April 2025.
• We will launch Empowering Women in STEM: A Gender Representation Study for the Health Technology Sector in Ireland on Tuesday, 29 April 2025, in Cork, in collaboration with First Polymer Training Skillnet and Connected Health Skillnet, kindly sponsored by Alcon.
• We will exhibit at the Tuition Assistance Programme in Cook Medical, Limerick on Wednesday 30 April 2025.
• 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 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.



Learn About Us: ESF+ Funding

The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) is the European Union (EU)’s main instrument for investing in people and supporting the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. The aim of the ESF+ is to achieve high employment levels, fair social protection, and a skilled and resilient workforce for the future world of work, in line with the principles set out in the European Pillar of Social Rights.

The European Social Fund Plus provides over €10 billion annually across the European Union. Each country in the European Union avails of this funding to improve job prospects for millions of people and create a more inclusive society. It co-funds local, regional and national employment-related projects throughout the European Union. By 2022 Ireland had received over €7 billion from the ESF+ since joining the EU in 1973, and Ireland will benefit from €1.4 billion in Cohesion Policy funding from the European Union for the 2021 to 2027 period.

Currently, ESF+ funding is utilised to subsidise these Irish Medtech Skillnet programmes, directly contributing to and supporting Irish medtech companies on their talent development initiatives.

The ESF+ Policy and Operations Unit within the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has the responsibility for overseeing all matters relating to the ESF+ in Ireland. The ESF+ supports a range of courses, schemes and projects across the country, but this assistance is channelled through a number of Government Departments and Agencies, which were selected following a comprehensive consultation exercise. These Bodies include the Department of Justice, the Department of Social Protection, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the Department of Rural and Community Development, the Department of Education, SOLAS, the Higher Education Authority, Sport Ireland and Skillnet Ireland - including Irish Medtech Skillnet. Learn more about ESF+ Funding here: www.eufunds.ie.

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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