Technical Writing Skills

This training programme uses a structured six-step approach to creating high-quality professional technical documentation. It combines expert input with interactive writing exercises to help learners build confidence and improve their practical skills. 

Key topics include: 

• Analysing the audience 
• Determining the key message 
• Rules for good technical writing 
• Delivering a message clearly, not just reporting facts 
• Editing and proofreading techniques 
• Using MS Word to avoid formatting errors 
• Writing rationales using the Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) format 
• Applying examples of ‘what good looks like’ 
• Learner-led discussions and in-class group work 

During the training, learners create a list of improvement actions which they commit to implementing. Four weeks after the training learners complete a follow-up survey designed to reinforce progress and embed good writing practices into their daily work. 

This training is designed for professionals who need to write clear and accurate technical documents. These documents can range from procedures, validation protocols and deviation reports to technical reports and memos. The training is particularly beneficial for Engineers, Managers and Technical personnel involved in: 

• Quality and Regulatory Affairs 
• Validation and Technical Services 
• Research and Development 
• Scientific roles 
• Management and Supervisor Roles 
• Document Review 

A good standard of written and spoken English is important to engage effectively with this programme. 

On successful completion of the training programme, learners will be able to: 

• Analyse the audience to ensure that documents contain meaningful information 
• Identify and structure a clear message for each document 
• Apply simple rules to achieve clarity, conciseness, consistency and readability  
• Write and edit SOPs, reports and rationales that withstand audit scrutiny 
• Use data, evidence and graphics effectively to communicate technical findings 
• Edit and proofread with confidence to achieve document accuracy 
• Apply practical techniques to reduce errors and improve formatting 
• Produce professional, high-quality documents that engage the reader 

These outcomes ensure that learners return to the workplace with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to produce professional and compliant, high-quality documentation. 

The course is delivered by experienced industry professionals with expertise in communication, technical writing and training. Each tutor brings practical experience, sector-specific insights and a passion for practical training. Their focus is on building learner confidence through engagement, hands-on exercises and personalised support. 

Learners benefit from expert guidance, ongoing support and practical insight throughout the programme. 

Gerry Burke

Gerry is a self-motivated medical industry professional with knowledge and experience of remediation in the highly regulated medical device, pharmaceutical and biotechnology markets, in particular sterile products. Skilled in developing and implementing strategic remediation plans, for example those aimed at DHF completion and CAPA compliance, including completion of verification, validation and effectiveness actions. Gerry has an excellent track record in Quality Systems, Validation and Risk Management projects in Medical Industry projects. Recent projects have included; Design History File remediation, Risk Management according to ISO 14971, preparation and updating of pFMEA, dFMEA, Risk management Plans, Risk management reports, and change control optimisation for deviations. Gerry implements a hands on approach to problem solving, project development and remediation activities.

Ita Lafferty

Ita Lafferty is a Trainer and Consultant with over 25 years experience working with equipment and software suppliers in the Life Sciences industries. Her skills in Equipment Validation and Project Management are allied to a strong commitment to Customer Service. Ita brings her many years experience in writing and reviewing technical documentation for equipment and software to the TWS (Technical Writing Skills) course. Her ability to see situations from the viewpoint of both the end-user and the supplier, is invaluable in helping learners to write from the viewpoint of the reader, in order to ensure that the message is clear. Ita worked for an MS Word Template supplier for 11 years and has a wealth of tips and tricks to help take the frustration out of using MS Word. Ita’s 15 years of yoga teaching have made her very aware that people learn in different ways which informs her tutoring, ensuring all learners are catered for. She enjoys working with people who have different skill sets to her own, being aware that learning is always a two-way street.

John Lafferty

John Lafferty is a Quality professional with over 25 years experience in the medical device and pharmaceutical industry. John joined SQT as a tutor in 2007. Prior to that, John spent many years working in the Medical Devices/ Pharmaceutical sectors – the final six years of which were as a Senior Manager of a multinational Medical Devices plant where he managed the Quality and Regulatory Systems. John completed his Lean Six Sigma Black Belt training through SQT in 2009 and derives great benefit from applying the techniques that he learned to Risk Management and Validation in a Life Sciences setting. “It is great to be able to bring this knowledge, and the experience gained from ongoing involvement with Life Sciences companies, into the classroom,” he says.

John passionately believes that the key to success in Life Sciences Manufacturing is the relentless application of Risk Management, Variation Reduction and Good Validation Practices. As the SQT tutor for Technical Writing Skills, John believes that good written communication skills are vital for any Life Sciences professional.

John holds the following qualifications: a Bachelor of Technology in Manufacturing Technology, a Six Sigma Black Belt, a Certificate in Training & Continuing Education and a Certificate in Quality Management. John is a member of the following committees relating to Risk Management of Medical Devices; ISO TC 210 – Medical Devices Technical Committee and CEN/ISO JWG1 – Joint Working Group on Risk Management.

One of John’s greatest achievements, in recent years, has been the development of the MDSAP and MDSAP Internal Auditor courses in response to demand from SQT’s loyal client base.

• Practical, highly interactive, discussion-based training, with flexibility to meet specific organisational needs 
• Pre-training consultation for in-company courses to tailor content to organisational needs 
• Emphasis on industry specific application through practical exercises, case studies and group activities that reinforce key concepts and encourage active participation 
• Access to comprehensive course material that is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the latest industry standards and guidance. 
• Live training is available virtually or delivered on site to suit the needs of the team 
• Real-time support from expert tutors 

Class sizes are limited to 12 participants to support personalised learning and individual support. 

Learners who complete this course often continue to deepen their skills in: 

• Mastering CAPA in the Medical Device Industry 
• Mastering CAPA in the Pharmaceutical Industry 
• Process Validation & Equipment Validation 
• Process Validation for Medical Device Manufacturing (Certified - QQI Level 7) 
• Medical Device Risk Management and ISO 14971:2019 
• Pharmaceutical Quality Risk Management and ICH Q9 
• MDSAP Internal Quality Auditor