Talent to Thrive: The Newsletter for Ireland's Medtech Sector - November 2024

Welcome to the Irish Medtech Skillnet newsletter!

Welcome to the latest newsletter from Irish Medtech Skillnet, your premier source for transformative training in Ireland's medtech and manufacturing sectors. Let's dive in!

In this issue
1. Upcoming Courses: Driving Innovation, Transformation and Quality Standards
2. Industry News in Ireland
1. New Health Innovation Hub in Galway
2. Great Places to Work in 2024: Our Network Members Make the Cut
3. Foreshadowing our upcoming Gender Representation Report: A Workplace Equality Report from Matrix Recruitment
4. From the Business Post: The Outlook for Manufacturing in Ireland
3. Irish Medtech Skillnet in the Spotlight
1. #Skillnet Ireland25 Awards: Honouring our Steering Committee Chair, Annette Costello
2. On the Road: Site Visits to our Industry Partners
4. Meet the Team features Siobhán Hennessy, Programme Co-Ordinator


Upcoming Courses: Driving Innovation, Transformation and Quality Standards


1. Strategic Innovation for Senior Executives

In collaboration with BioInnovate Ireland, this intensive 3-day programme equips senior leaders with strategic innovation tools to capitalise on healthcare opportunities.

Delivered by experts, including those affiliated with Stanford BioDesign, this is your chance to implement a model that has already helped 33 companies secure €270M in funding. Don't miss this opportunity to drive innovation and growth in your organization. Increased subsidised funding is available for SMEs participating in this programme. Learn more here.

Key Features:
Expert Delivery: Delivered by BioInnovate Ireland, a renowned health technology innovation programme affiliated with Stanford BioDesign. Utilising the proven Identify, Invent, Implement Model. By implementing the model, to-date BioInnovate Ireland has helped 33 companies secure €270M in funding.
Programme Schedule: 2 - 4 December 2024




2. Last chance to apply for Digitalisation of Manufacturing, and future-proof your organisation through digitalisation skills

In today’s rapidly evolving medtech sector, digitalisation is a necessity. According to the ‘Talent to Thrive: Future Skills Report for the Medtech Sector’, 55% of medtech companies identified digitalisation as a top priority, with an additional 31% marking it as a medium priority. These numbers reveal an undeniable demand for skilled professionals ready to drive transformation in a digital-first world.

If your company has a need to boost digital competencies, the recently re-launched Masters in Digitalisation of Manufacturing, developed in collaboration with Technological University of the Shannon and Irish Medtech, could be the solution you’re seeking. The programme is flexibly delivered to support diverse needs and catalyse digital transformation across roles and functions.

The two-year, practice-based Master’s in Digitalisation of Manufacturing offers a robust curriculum tailored to address the sector’s most pressing challenges. Core modules include Data Analytics & Machine Learning and Manufacturing Automation & Robotics, all structured around real-world applications. The program also features an applied research project, allowing participants to translate theory into actionable initiatives they can apply directly within their organisations.

For those seeking a more targeted approach, the program will also offer stand-alone, accredited modules, or micro-credentials that deliver flexible learning in specific areas. Starting in 2024, participants can enroll in individual modules such as Database Design & Data Visualisation and Cyber-Physical Systems & IoT, offering a flexible solution to build niche skills without the commitment of a full degree.

Key Dates and Enrollment

The full Master’s programme and the first two stand-alone modules kick off in mid November, and are still open for enrollment here. Secure your place today!





3. End-to-End Sterility Assurance programmes return in January 2025

Responding to the growing regulatory demands, the Postgraduate Certificate and Masters programmes in Sterility Assurance, developed in collaboration with Atlantic Technological University and Irish Medtech, are the first of their kind in Europe. These programmes aim to shape the future of sterility assurance roles in medtech to meet the growing demands for sterility assurance scientists and quality assurance operational professionals:

Details:
● Both programmes are delivered by Atlantic Technological University, Galway (ATU)
Postgraduate Certificate in End-to-End Sterility Assurance (L9): Learn more here.
Master of Science in End-to-End Sterility Assurance: Learn more here.

Enrolment is now open for these programmes and many more on our website!



Accessing Our Subsidised Training Programmes

At Irish Medtech Skillnet, we prioritise inclusivity and access with minimal barriers. Whether you are a start-up or a multinational, all Irish companies can access our funded training programmes with no paid membership required. Participants benefit from up to 35% discount on standard course fees, making professional development more accessible and affordable than ever.

Discover all upcoming courses on our website.





Industry News in Ireland: The Global Medtech Hub

New health innovation institute will make Galway a ‘Medtech Hub’

The University of Galway has launched the Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation, set to become a central pillar of Ireland's growing global medtech hub. Bringing together over 200 researchers, the institute will focus on biomedical science, cancer research, regenerative medicine, and more. It aims to transform cutting-edge scientific discoveries into clinical solutions, driving advancements in healthcare. Collaboration with the Institute for Clinical Trials and Cúram Research Centre will further enhance its impact on global medtech innovation. Read more here.

The new institute will also foster close collaborations with BioInnovate Ireland. Learn more about our Strategic Leadership programme developed in collaboration with BioInnovate Ireland and Irish Medtech, specifically designed to drive innovation and growth in your organization here.




Great Places to Work 2024: Congratulations to our Network Members and Collaborators

We proudly celebrate our network members and collaborators who have been recognised as leaders and ‘Great Places to Work’ in 2024. Their commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and employee engagement drives success and ensures a thriving workforce. Congratulations to all honorees, including these Medtech and Healthcare companies setting the standard!


Alcon Ireland, a member of Irish Medtech Skillnet Steering Committee
Serosep, Ltd., a member of Irish Medtech Skillnet Steering Committee
Agilent Technologies Ireland
Braun Medical, Ltd.
Inizio Engage, Ireland
UL Student Life, at University of Limerick
Ipsen
PEI Healthcare and Medical Supplies
Carelon
Mason Technology
Abbvie Ireland


Gender Equality, Glass Ceilings and Pay Disparities: The Latest Workplace Equality Report from Matrix Recruitment

The Matrix Recruitment ‘2024 Workplace Equality Report’ sheds light on the current state of workplace equality in Ireland, highlighting concerns around discrimination, ageism, and a rise in far-right sentiment, from a survey of 1,283 workers across the country. Gender pay disparities also persist, with 37% reporting wage gaps and 72% of workers believe a glass ceiling still exists for women.

Irish Medtech Skillnet’s upcoming Gender Representation Report aims to quantify and address these challenges in the medtech sector. Read the Matrix recruitment report here, and stay tuned for actionable insights in our Gender Representation Report to be published in January, 2025.




From The Business Post: Bank of Ireland’s Outlook for Manufacturing in Ireland

“Manufacturing is the cornerstone of our economic future - only complacency can cost us”
Says Bank of Ireland’s head of manufacturing, Conor Magee.

In the month that Eli Lilly announced their investment of over €1.6bn as part of major expansion creating 150 jobs for skilled workers in Ireland, Conor Magee, Bank of Ireland’s Head of Manufacturing, highlights the sector’s critical role in Ireland’s economic growth. Magee reminds us that the essence of manufacturing is doing more with less, and finding innovative ways of creating more value with fewer resources for the ultimate benefit of its customers. He stresses the need for innovation, talent development, and infrastructure as key to sustaining Ireland’s competitive edge.

Read the full Business Post article here.





Irish Medtech Skillnet in the Spotlight

#SkillnetIreland25: Honouring Steering Committee Chair, Annette Costello

Sincere congratulations to Annette Costello, Program Manager, Technical Training at Stryker Ireland, and Chair of Irish Medtech Skillnet who has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to Skillnet Ireland at their 25th Anniversary celebration.

Presenting the award, Tracey Donnery, Paul Healy and Brendan McGinty recognised Annette's ability to engage and mobilise her diverse industry network, to drive energetic collaboration and engagement amongst Medtech companies in Ireland, developing groundbreaking new training programmes, robust career pathways and higher industry standards overall.

As our long-time Steering Committee member and current Chair, Annette has helped us to develop and implement a strategy to support learning and talent development in the Medtech sector, which will continue to drive competitiveness in the global market into the future.

Commenting on the award, Dr. Ann O'Connell, Head of Funded Projects for Medtech and Engineering at Ibec and Network Manager for the Irish Medtech Skillnet thanked Annette for her outstanding contribution to the work of Irish Medtech Skillnet:

"Annette has been a stalwart supporter and an advocate for talent development throughout her career. She embodies the best of our industry, selflessly contributing to initiatives and "putting in the work", for the good of the Medtech sector overall. Nobody is more deserving of this recognition! Congratulations from our entire team!”.


Irish Medtech Skillnet on the Road

Promoting our transformative training solutions “on the road” is all in a day’s work for our team! In recent weeks, we’ve been invited to showcase our programmes at various events and network member sites around the country. Thank you to our hosts for inviting us, and for all they do to support continuing professional development and drive awareness of our programmes within their organisations!

Skillnet Ireland Skills First: Developing your future workforce, 7th October, Limerick
ATIM Gala Dinner, 11th October, Mullingar
World Manufacturing Forum, 14th & 15th October, Milan
IDA NIBRT Skills event, 21st October, Dublin
Global Access, 23rd & 24th October, Galway
Skillnet Ireland 25th Anniversary Gala and Awards - 24th October, Dublin

If you are planning an industry or employee event that you would like us to attend, please get in touch! We welcome these opportunities to spread the word of our programmes to new audiences!



Meet the Team: Siobhán Hennessy, Programme Coordinator

Programme Coordinator with Irish Medtech Skillnet for almost two years, Siobhán is no stranger to the Skillnet family, having also worked with the BioPharmaChem Skillnet for 7+ years before joining our team. Siobhán has extensive experience in project management, life assurance underwriting and claims management. She is a BSc graduate of UCC, with a Lean Green Belt and Certified Project Management Diploma.

Siobhán enjoys the varied nature of her role which includes programme management, procurement and liaision with Medtech companies on their training requirements. She works closely with Universities and students on several Irish Medtech Skillnet accredited programmes. Siobhán was also actively involved in the projects to launch the Certificate in Sterility Assurance and Masters in Sterility Assurance programmes, both developed by Irish Medtech working groups and Atlantic Technological University.

“The Network accomplishment that stands out for me was the development, launch and expansion of our Sterility Assurance training programmes in 2022 and 2023, which were the first of their kind in Europe! Sterility Assurance is a regulatory requirement, and a critical component of the manufacturing process to ensure that products are free from harmful microorganisms, which poses a risk to patient safety. Ireland broke new ground when we developed the Certificate programme and subsequently the Masters programme, to meet growing demands for sterility assurance professionals. We also did our bit to support ‘Team Green’ and maintain our competitive edge globally. I was extremely proud to be on the pioneering team that made it happen!”.

Contact Siobhán if she can be of assistance to you in your professional development, or that of your team!

Siobhán Hennessy
Programme Coordinator
Irish Medtech Skillnet
siobhan.Hennessy@ibec.ie
+353 061 431 803

W: www.IrishMedtechSkillnet.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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