Job prospects soar for people with STEM skills, says Thermo Fisher expert
Declan Carroll, lead craftsperson and apprentice programme coordinator at Thermo Fisher Scientific, with Jack Sheehan, 1st year Mechanical apprentice, Thermo Fisher Scientific. Picture: Clare Keogh
Fulfilling career opportunities for people with strengths in maths and science are soaring, says Declan Carroll of Thermo Fisher Scientific in Cork.
As the lead craftsperson and apprentice programme coordinator at Thermo Fisher Scientific, Declan Carroll plays a key role in promoting these skills, not least in leading the medtech company’s apprenticeship programme.
Thermo Fisher is to formally launch its 2024 Apprenticeship Programme on Monday, March 4, coinciding with World Engineering Day. The four-year, earn-and-learn paid programme is delivered in partnership with further education and training agency, Solas. Options include the Electrical and Instrumentation Apprenticeship; the Mechanical Apprenticeship; or the Analytical Development Apprenticeship.
“We’ve never been so busy, and we are only getting busier,” says Declan Carroll. “If you look at our website, we are permanently looking to recruit a range of scientists, chemists, lab people and engineers.
“It is a competitive recruitment market. If you are qualified and are able to move, this is a career that can take you anywhere in the world. The world really is your oyster.”Â
Of course, there is also significant competition for those seeking a much sought-after place on the Thermo Fisher Scientific apprenticeship programme, which has been running on the site since 2015, then hosted by GSK, acquired by Thermo Fisher in 2019. Literally, hundreds apply. Just two people were selected for the latest programme.
Thermo Fisher is a world leader in serving science, with annual revenue of over $40bn. Thermo Fisher supports life science companies and their research, supporting companies who are focused on solving complex analytical challenges, increasing productivity in their laboratories and improving patient health through diagnostics or life-changing therapies.
Apprentices get to learn on the job, working closely with experienced professionals at Thermo Fisher. The learning is supported at every step.
“On this programme, you really hit the ground running,” says Declan. “We conduct an extensive search for the people we eventually recruit. We receive hundreds of CVs, which we whittle down to a dozen or 16 applicants.
“This group attends the recruitment open day, which is an intensive day of interviews and practical exams. You meet a lot of people from our teams, who talk to you about their roles.”Â
Those looking to find out more about Thermo Fisher can also meet representatives of the company at the Apprenticeship Expo hosted by Solas, from 2pm to 7pm on Wednesday, March 13, in Cork College of FET, Bishopstown Campus. Last year, several first-year apprentices attended the Solas Expo.
“You can chat with staff from Thermo Fisher at the Apprenticeship Expo. You can also talk to some of our apprentices,” Declan notes. “They will tell you how they work with people from all our departments, with scientists and lab workers, people doing testing.”Â
Several previous apprentices came to the company from local schools including from Carrigaline, Passage and Coachford. The word would quickly filter through the school and the applications for the next programme would soar as a consequence.
The team at Thermo Fisher take particular pleasure when they source talent from Cork. Good relations with the local community are very important to the company.
“We try to minimise waste at the plant and we’re very conscious of reducing emissions and of our impact on local biodiversity. We have a great relationship with the local community, so we’re also keep any noise to a minimum.
“A lot of local people have sought and found work with the company. We’ve had a lot of success recruiting talent locally. I’d say we’re around 50:50 in terms of local people in our team.”Â
As for the apprenticeship, the participants get to level six in their third-level education. Some have taken on full-time roles with the company, while others have gone back into full-time education.
The apprentices get to explore many aspects of the company’s work. They work closely with full-time staff and are fully supported at every step of their learning.
“By year four, they’re sent out on projects and given a lot of freedom,” says Declan. “We always want them to stay with us, of course, but some want to continue their education.
“For instance, we had one girl who was excellent in all areas of our production, and then she wanted to get deeper into automation. She could see both sides of the operation. She has returned to full-time education and has become more involved in software.”
 Thermo Fisher encourages apprentices to explore a range of areas over the course of the four-year programme, which suits anyone interested in STEM subjects in school. The programme is ideally suited for someone who is curious and has a flair for engineering, science and machinery, someone who likes to solve problems. Â
Delivered in partnership with further education and training agency, Solas, applications for the 2024 Thermo Fisher Scientific Engineering Apprenticeship Programme are open until Sunday, March 24.Â
Information on the programme is available at:Â Â www.thermofisher.comÂ
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with Caoimhe Ryan, 2nd year electrical and instrumentation apprentice, with Thermo Fisher Scientific.Â
I started out on this four-year salaried apprenticeship programme with Thermo Fisher Scientific in September 2022. So far, my time has been divided between the Cork site where I am getting on-the-job training and college where I am learning the theory. What drew me to the programme was the ability to earn and learn at the same time. As an apprentice, you really feel like you’re part of the team here in Cork. I work with a team of qualified craftspeople to ensure site preventative maintenance is carried out, while learning new skills every day. The team works closely together to support each other and to provide the very best training for the apprentices. I'm really enjoying this programme and would recommend it to anyone looking for a hands-on route into a practical career.
For me, on-the-job learning is best, I’ve always had a keen interest in trying to understand how things work and I’m learning every day. I’m getting hands-on experience from a welcoming high-performing team, that is invested in helping me build a strong career. At the end of the apprentice programme I’ll be a fully qualified craftsperson with loads of opportunities to advance my career in a growing and dynamic industry.
Working in a world-class active pharmaceutical development and manufacturing campus, no two days are the same. The Engineering team partners with colleagues working in the labs and production buildings and there is huge satisfaction when you apply your problem-solving skills as a team to resolve challenges. Chemists, Engineers, Operators, Craftspeople, Experts in Quality, Safety and Environment, Accountants, HR professionals, there are so many roles in STEM, I had no idea how diverse working in STEM is before joining Thermo Fisher. At the end of the day, knowing we are making medicines to improve the lives of millions of people all over the world is hugely rewarding.
Information on the 2024 Thermo Fisher Scientific Engineering Apprenticeship Programme is available at:Â Â www.thermofisher.comÂ
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