Stryker's Apprenticeship Programme achieves national recognition

Stryker is delighted to announce that we have been recognised by the Irish Medtech Association for the Best Company Implementation of an Apprenticeship Model. The award was presented at the Manufacturing the Future conference, which was held virtually earlier this month. The annual conference brings together leaders in manufacturing, engineering and digitalisation sectors.

The award is a significant recognition for the Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeship Programme developed by Stryker to provide apprentices with a combination of practical and third-level experience in supporting their career development. Stryker is committed to investing in our teams and giving them the support they need to grow and develop in the business. The apprenticeships provide exciting opportunities and experiences to participants.

The apprenticeship programme, which runs for three years, was launched in 2017 with the support of HEA (Higher Education Authority), SOLAS (Ireland’s Further Education and Training Authority) and the Irish Medtech Association. It was developed in partnership with Munster Technological University (MTU) and Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT). The programme ran across the six Stryker sites in the Republic of Ireland – Springhill, Anngrove, Innovation Centre, Limerick, Model Farm Road-NV and Tullagreen.

Last November Stryker held a virtual graduation ceremony of the inaugural class of apprentices. All seven apprentices who commenced the programme in 2017 successfully graduated in November 2020. Speaking about the recent successful graduates and the apprenticeship programme MTU’s Head of Faculty of Engineering & Science Tim Horgan said, “We are delighted to be working with Stryker on delivering this apprenticeship programme. It is positive to see an employer making such a significant commitment to employee development. Apprenticeship programmes offer a great opportunity for people to learn and upskill while remaining in employment.”

The graduation ceremony allowed Stryker to highlight a standout apprentice, Aidan O’Connor, who was recognised by his peers and mentors for demonstrating the core Stryker values throughout the programme. Aidan was also recognised by MTU for outstanding academic performance from the 2020 class. Speaking about the programme Aidan O’Connor said, “This apprenticeship opens doors as I’m getting experience and a professional qualification but with the significant additional bonus of remaining in the workforce. The blend of academic studies and industry experience really affords me the opportunity to apply learnings to essential workplace activities and reinforce the learnings. The team at Stryker share their expert knowledge and help us to progress in our careers. It has been a great experience and I’m excited about my future at Stryker.”

Stryker is committed to investing in the ongoing development of our people. The Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeship Programme allows the apprentices to attain a professional qualification while also gaining hands-on, technical experience and expert mentoring. It ensures that Stryker can hire and retain the best people and can continue to be an innovative leader now and in the future. Stryker looks forward to celebrating the success of the apprentices who are currently in the programme and welcoming a new intake this year.