Pfizer offering school leavers and career changers apprenticeships in Cork

4 year paid pathway to careers in science, engingeering and manufacturing

PACKAGING SILDENAFIL CITRATE,THE ACTIVE INGREDIENT FOR VIAGRA, AT PFIZER PHARMACEUTICALS IN RINGASKIDDY CO. CORK.PIC FROM PROVISION.

It was always a sought-after place to work, going right back to the years after the first Pfizer plant in Ringaskiddy opened way back in 1969.

Now they are offering the next generation of young Cork people the chance to join apprenticeship programmes that could lead to a very rewarding career in a range of trades and disciplines, from science and engineering to manufacturing and electronics.

Pfizer has announced the launch of its 2026 Apprenticeship Programme with 22 opportunities available in Ireland, including a number at its Ringaskiddy site. The programme is open to people of all ages and is suitable for both school leavers or any individual seeking a change of career or education programme.

But if you or someone you know is interested, there’s a deadline. Applications for apprenticeships at Pfizer’s Ringaskiddy facility are now open online until March 17th.

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.

At the Ringaskiddy site, Pfizer is recruiting for:

Mechanical Automation & Maintenance Fitter Apprenticeship: A four-year craft apprenticeship.Electrical Instrumentation Apprenticeship: A four-year craft apprenticeship.

Pfizer say recruits will play a big role in their central purpose of “delivering breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Apprentices contribute to the manufacture and supply of innovative medicines that help treat and prevent disease, both in Ireland and globally. Through continued investment in training and development, Pfizer aims to build the skilled workforce needed to advance scientific innovation and improve the lives of up to a billion patients each year.”

Speaking about the programme, Beatrice Colombo, Site Lead at Pfizer Ringaskiddy, said: “Our Ringaskiddy site has a proud history of manufacturing excellence and innovation, and our apprentices are a vital part of that future. This programme offers people in Cork and across the country the opportunity to earn while they learn, develop highly sought-after technical skills, and build meaningful careers contributing to medicines that make a real difference to patients’ lives. We are committed to investing in local talent and strengthening the skills base here in Ringaskiddy for years to come.”

One current apprentice already forging that path is Sofia Kahwaji (21) from Cork City, now in the fourth year of her Electrical Instrumentation apprenticeship at the Ringaskiddy site. With a strong academic background, achieving 601 Leaving Certificate points, she chose the apprenticeship route, determined to combine academic study with hands-on industry experience.

Sharing her experience, Sofia said: “My interest in electronics really started when I was a child. My uncle once gave me an electronics kit for Christmas and I was fascinated by it, even though I didn’t fully understand how everything worked at the time. That curiosity stayed with me.

“I chose this apprenticeship because I wanted practical, hands-on experience I couldn’t get at university. This pathway isn’t about how many points you get, it’s about being willing to learn and it’s open to anyone who wants to develop real skills. That is exactly what I get to do every day, working alongside highly skilled craftsmen and building invaluable practical experience in everything from instrument calibration to electrical maintenance. I have completed a Higher Certificate in Industrial Measurement and Control and I’m currently finishing my degree part-time. Being able to earn, gain real industry experience and progress academically at the same time has been incredibly rewarding.”

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.

Applications for Pfizer’s 2026 Apprenticeship Programme are now open. Those interested in launching a career in science, engineering, manufacturing, or supply chain are encouraged to apply at www.pfizer.ie/career/apprentice-programme before the closing date of March 17th.