Combilift and the Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) celebrated a major milestone —the 10th anniversary of their successful OEM Engineering Traineeship. Held at Combilift’s global headquarters in Monaghan, the event brought together graduates, current trainees, and educators to reflect on a decade of impactful industry-education collaboration.
Launched in 2015, the nine-month traineeship was designed to tackle regional skills shortages in engineering and manufacturing. To date, over 150 participants have completed the programme, earning a QQI Level 5 qualification and achieving job placement rates above 80%.
The course combines 26 weeks of classroom learning at Monaghan Institute with 12 weeks of hands-on experience at Combilift. Modules include Hydraulics, Lean Manufacturing, and Mathematics—evolving in line with industry needs. “This isn’t just a training course—it’s a career pathway,” said Combilift Managing Director Martin McVicar.
CMETB has been instrumental in delivering and funding the programme, ensuring it remains accessible and relevant. From 2025, the scheme will expand to include other local employers, broadening its impact on workforce development. “We’re building a flexible, forward-looking course that meets the needs of both learners and industry,” said CMETB’s Sinead McKenna.
Fully government- and EU-funded, the programme removes financial barriers, offering trainees a €300 weekly bursary during placements. Additional certifications include City & Guilds Hydraulics and a Lean Six Sigma White Belt.
As enrolment opens for the September 2025 intake, Combilift and CMETB reaffirm their commitment to supporting the next generation of engineering talent. “We’re proud to continue building skills and opportunities here in Monaghan,” McVicar said.
