MTU becomes 1st Irish university to sign Technician Commitment
By Ellen O’Brien
A Cork institution has shown its impressive focus on STEM by becoming the first Irish university to sign an initiative that aims to boost the careers of technical staff.
Munster Technological University (MTU) has signed the Technician Commitment, which aims to enhance the visibility, recognition, career progression and sustainability of technical staff.
MTU intends to use this initiative to create increased visibility of technical staff and their contributions to the university. It also aims to create better opportunities for technical staff in the university by focusing on specific areas. These include professional development, long term technical skills and expertise and professional recognition and awards.
The Technician Commitment was officially signed at a ceremony held at MTU Bishopstown campus on 23 January. MTU’s President, staff members and university representatives from the SIPTU trade unions attended this event.
MTU President Professor Maggie Cusack stated: “As part of our strategic plan Our Shared Vision, we are committed to providing our technical staff with opportunities for professional development and growth.”
She also addressed the goals that the university hopes to achieve from signing this commitment. “Our technical staff play a vital role in delivering world class education and research, and the Technician Commitment will help increase support and recognition of their skills to help them thrive.”
Dermot Barry, a technical officer at MTU and Unite Workplace Representative addressed the significance of this initiative. “Technical staff tend to be something of a hidden workforce in higher education. Yet it is a highly skilled and qualified group. In a little over five years the Technician Commitment has revolutionised the UK higher education and research sectors, and even influenced the UK government’s R&D strategy.”
He added: “We are confident that it will have a similar impact here, and we are delighted that MTU is continuing to set the pace in Ireland by adopting such an inclusive and innovative framework.”
Dr Simon Breeden, Associate Lead, Technician Commitment expressed his delight at MTU joining this initiative. “I very much look forward to working with the MTU team and seeing the details of the transformative measures they are going to implement as part of their action plan.”
MTU becomes the third international signatory of this UK-based initiative since the Technician Commitment became open to international interest in 2023.