Ireland's growing medtech industry is creating exciting new opportunities for jobseekers. With over 29,000 people already working in this sector, Ireland is the highest medtech employer, per capita, in Europe. [caption id="attachment_35016" align="alignright" width="300"]Medtech2 Seven out of ten previous graduates have started new careers in the medtech industry[/caption] Many medtech companies are finding it difficult to find suitably qualified quality engineers. The Government-funded Irish Medtech Springboard Certificate in Quality Engineering (QQI Level 8) can give you the skills you need to cross over into newer realms of engineering in this thriving sector. The programme, now in its sixth year, has successfully upskilled over 300 engineers, scientists and technicians, with 78% of those who fully completed the course securing valuable work experience or employment in the industry. Over 15 weeks, the programme will equip you with two qualifications [Certificate in Quality Engineering (QQI Level 8 30 ECTS) and a Diploma in Professional Competence (QQI Level 6 20 ECTS)] as well as the chance of a work placement in a top medical technology company. This programme is specifically aimed at unemployed engineers, scientists and technicians, and is designed to cover all modules of the American Society for Quality (ASQ) in preparation for the Certified Quality Engineer’s (CQE) examination. Dominic Devereux, quality inspector, Vitalograph (Ireland) Ltd [caption id="attachment_35014" align="alignright" width="300"]medtech-springboard-certificate-quality-engineering Dominc Devereux[/caption] Dominic Devereux, a previous course participant, is now a quality inspector with Co Clare-based Vitalograph (Ireland) Ltd, a world-leading provider of outstanding quality cardio-respiratory diagnostic devices, clinical trials and medical equipment servicing. Prior to joining the Irish Medtech Springboard programme, Devereux had accumulated 18 years of practical experience in computer manufacturing but had no experience in the medtech sector. Speaking about Irish Medtech Springboard, he said, “The programme gave me experience in the medical technology field and I was able to show that I could adapt to a new area. The work experience was key and during the programme, you really start to appreciate how the experience you have can be applied to other areas.” Seven out of ten of our previous graduates have started new careers in the medtech industry. Edward Seery, quality engineer, Nypro Healthcare [caption id="attachment_35015" align="alignright" width="274"]medtech-springboard-certificate-quality-engineering Edward Seery[/caption] After completing his primary degree in chemical engineering and spending a number of years travelling, Seery felt he needed to give himself the competitive edge to differentiate himself from other candidates in the jobs market. “The course provided me with the opportunity to develop my technical experience in quality engineering and gain an insight into the healthcare industry”. Seery told us that the Irish Medtech Springboard Quality Engineering conversion course really broadened his horizons and employment opportunities. The day after completing his exams, Nypro Healthcare interviewed him for a quality validation engineer position, which he started one week later. The course commences Monday 27 March in Galway and is free to successful candidates but places are limited. Interested applicants can apply online (www.irishmedtechspringboard.ie) or contact Jennifer on 01 6051537 / jennifer.mccormack@ibec.ie for more information. Irish Medtech Springboard is fully funded by SPRINGBOARD+ and is an initiative of the Irish Medtech Association, the Ibec group that represents the medical technology sector in Ireland.