GLOBAL medical technologies (medtech) firm Stryker has announced a new three-year training programme for its Irish sites to upskill its employees and build a 'future-ready workforce'.
The US firm plans to roll out its Training Centre of Excellence model to its eight sites nationwide by the end of this year, beginning with its Limerick facility.
It is hoped the initiative will ensure employees are ready to lead through change and continue delivering life-changing healthcare solutions as global trends reshape the skills landscape.
"Making the Training Centre of Excellence model available to our sites around Ireland is a significant milestone on our journey to build a future-focused, agile workforce," said Conor Tolan, Vice-President of Manufacturing for Joint Replacement at Stryker.
"These initiatives ensure that our teams are equipped with the tools and skills needed to help us succeed in a rapidly changing industry.
"The upskilling of teams across our sites reflects Stryker's long-standing focus on investing in people and continuous learning.
"By building a future-ready workforce, we can remain at the forefront of innovation and manufacturing excellence.
"With the support of IDA Ireland, we're proud to lead the way in workforce transformation and to provide unique opportunities for growth, leadership and to make a difference."
Agility and skills
The three-year training initiative has been developed with the support of the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.
The Training Centre of Excellence provides technical and functional training, including modules on lean manufacturing, digitalisation and sustainability practices.
It also focuses on the practical application of technologies such as AI in product development and operations.
As well as supporting the company, the programme is designed to equip employees with the agility and skills needed to thrive in a rapidly-evolving work environment characterised by digital innovation, advanced automation and sustainability.
It will also give employees development opportunities that support career progression, high performance and innovation.
'Forward-thinking approach'
"IDA Ireland is thrilled to support the rollout of Stryker's Training Centre of Excellence model to additional sites in Ireland," said Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland.
"The initiative highlights Stryker's forward-thinking approach to talent development and is a strong example of how medtech companies are embracing workforce transformation to stay ahead of industry change.
"The extension of the model demonstrates the strength of Ireland's innovative ecosystem and we are proud to partner with Stryker once again on this transformative initiative, which will have lasting benefits for employees, the communities within which they operate and the global healthcare ecosystem."
Stryker first established a presence in Ireland in 1998 with an initial team of 20 employees.
Over the past 26 years, its operations in the country have evolved and now include five manufacturing facilities and three innovation centres across sites in Cork and Limerick.
Acquired in 1998, Stryker's Limerick facility manufactures devices for joint replacements, CMF, Spine and T&E across knees, oncology and bone cement portfolios.
