MTU first Irish university to sign Technician Commitment

The signing of the Technician Commitment at the MTU Bishopstown campus, was attended by MTU’s President, staff members and MTU representatives from the Unite and SIPTU trade unions.

Munster Technological University (MTU) has become the first university in Ireland to sign the Technician Commitment, a transformative initiative dedicated to enhancing the visibility, recognition, career progression and sustainability of technical staff.

The Commitment will raise the visibility of technical staff and their contributions to university life at MTU. It also commits to creating better opportunities for technical staff in the areas of professional development, long term technical skills and expertise and recognition through professional recognition and awards.

Originally a UK-based initiative, the Technician Commitment has garnered support from over 115 universities and research institutes across the United Kingdom, along with endorsements from research funders, learned societies, and professional bodies. Responding to increasing global interest, the commitment opened its doors to international signatories in 2023. MTU joins the ranks as the third international signatory, following the University of Sydney and the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Programme.

The Technician Commitment was officially signed at a ceremony attended by MTU’s President, staff members and MTU representatives from the Unite and SIPTU trade unions on 23rd of January at the MTU Bishopstown campus.

‘SHARED VISION’

MTU President, Professor Maggie Cusack commented: “As part of our strategic plan, Our Shared Vision, we are committed to providing our technical staff with opportunities for professional development and growth. 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.”

Munster Technological University is the southwest’s newest technological university consisting of six campuses across Cork and Kerry, with a student body of 18,000.