Recently, a landmark celebration was held at Combilift’s global headquarters in Monaghan, Ireland, marking the 10th anniversary of its successful OEM Engineering Traineeship—a collaborative initiative between Combilift and the Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB). The event, which welcomed past graduates, current trainees and local educators, underscored the program’s evolution from a local skills initiative to a cornerstone of regional industrial development.
Launched in 2015, the OEM Engineering Traineeship was born from a shared vision to tackle the skills gap in engineering and manufacturing with an industry-led approach, officials said. With more than 150 trainees achieving a QQI Level 5 qualification, and with job placement rates above 80%, the program “stands as a model for how industry and education can collaborate to mutual benefit,” they said.
As the primary industry partner, Combilift has not only provided workplace experience but has also ensured the course content remains aligned with real-world demands.
“We wanted to create more than just a training program—we wanted to build a pathway into meaningful careers,” said Combilift managing director, Martin McVicar. “This traineeship has delivered exactly that, time and time again.”
The nine-month program blends 26 weeks of classroom-based learning at Monaghan Institute with 12 weeks of hands-on work experience at Combilift. Over the years, the course content has evolved to reflect changes in the manufacturing landscape, now including modules in hydraulics, lean manufacturing, and, more recently, mathematics to prepare students for greater work or educational opportunities.
The 10-year milestone was marked not only by reflection but by ambition for the future, officials said. Attendees at the celebration event heard first-hand from past graduates who have gone on to build thriving careers—many still with Combilift, some even progressing to degree-level study or engineering apprenticeships.
With enrolment now open for the September 2025 intake, “The demand for talent in this sector is only growing, and we’re proud to continue building that talent right here in Monaghan,” McVicar said.