Pfizer Opens Midlands Applications For Apprenticeship Programme

The closing date is March 17th

Young people and career changers across Laois are being encouraged to consider applying for Pfizer’s newly launched 2026 Apprenticeship Programme, which offers aspiring apprentices a unique pathway to enter a rewarding career in science, engineering and manufacturing. 22 apprenticeships will be available in total across Ireland, including 14 at Pfizer’s state-of-the-art Grange Castle facility, with applications now open online until March 17th, 2026.

Delivered as part of Ireland’s National Apprenticeship Programme in partnership with SOLAS, the national further education and training authority, the apprenticeships combine paid, on-the-job learning with academic study, enabling participants to gain practical experience while achieving nationally recognised QQI qualifications.

Depending on the discipline, apprenticeships range from two to four years and provide structured pathways into careers in science, engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain. 

Pfizer is recruiting across a number of key areas:

• QC Laboratory Apprenticeship (Grange Castle & Newbridge): 3 years, leading to a QQI Level 7 science qualification.
• Logistics Apprenticeship (Grange Castle): 2 years, leading to a QQI Level 6 qualification in supply chain and logistics.
• Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeships (Grange Castle): 3 years, leading to QQI Level 7 qualifications in Maintenance or Core Engineering.
• Mechanical Automation & Maintenance Fitter Apprenticeship (Ringaskiddy & Newbridge): 4-year craft apprenticeship.
• Electrical Instrumentation Apprenticeship (Ringaskiddy & Newbridge): 4-year craft apprenticeship.

Speaking about the programme, John Sourke, VP, Global Biotech Operations, Pfizer, said:“At Pfizer, our purpose is breakthroughs that change patients’ lives and a career here provides the opportunity to contribute to medicines that impact millions of people around the world. We are passionate about supporting the next generation to pursue careers in STEM and life sciences, which is essential to our future. Our National Apprenticeship Programme here in Ireland gives apprentices the opportunity to earn and learn while developing the skills needed to build rewarding careers and contribute to life-changing medicines.”

The programme plays an important role in supporting Pfizer’s purpose of delivering breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Apprentices will contribute to the manufacture and supply of innovative medicines that help treat and prevent disease for patients in Ireland and around the world. Through continued investment in training and development, Pfizer is committed to building the highly skilled workforce needed to advance scientific innovation and improve the lives of up to a billion patients each year.

One apprentice who has already forged this path is Abbie Jago (22), from Mountmellick, who graduated from a QC Lab apprenticeship and is now full-time employee with Pfizer.

Sharing her experience Abbie said “While I was in 6^th year, I wasn’t sure what to put down on my CAO but knew I wanted to do something to do with science. Then I heard through a family member about the Lab Apprenticeship and realised just how great an opportunity it could be.

“The chance to earn a degree while working in one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies felt almost too good to be true. What really appealed to me was the balance: spending time in college while also gaining real, hands-on experience in the workplace. Instead of studying for four years without industry exposure, I was able to build practical skills from day one.”

Also commenting, Con Ferry, Director of Apprenticeships Capacity and Integration at SOLAS, said: “At SOLAS, we are proud to partner with Pfizer Ireland and our education stakeholders to deliver apprenticeships that combine real-world experience with nationally recognised qualifications. Apprenticeships are a major route to skills development in Ireland, providing dynamic and practical career pathways for people of all ages. Programmes like this highlight how apprenticeships not only meet the needs of our economy but can also open doors to rewarding long-term careers in sectors such as science, engineering, and advanced manufacturing, providing individuals with valuable opportunities for growth and long-term success.”

 Entry requirements

Requirements are designed to be inclusive and flexible, with Leaving Certificate results, relevant QQI qualifications and Recognition of Prior Learning all creating eligibility. Candidates brought forward to next stages will complete an online assessment, and those who are successful undergo a group assessment and interviews before selection.

Pfizer’s apprenticeship programme aims to develop Ireland’s future talent in science, engineering and supply chain operations while offering meaningful career pathways in a world-leading biopharmaceutical company.

Applications for Pfizer’s 2026 Apprenticeship Programme in Ireland are now open. Those interested in launching a career in science, engineering, manufacturing, or supply chain are encouraged to apply before the closing date of March 17^th.