Combilift and CMETB Celebrate 10 Years of Pioneering Engineering Traineeship

2025-05-12 -

This week saw a landmark celebration at Combilift?s global headquarters in Monaghan, marking the 10th anniversary of the highly 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 programme?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. Today, with over 150 trainees having passed through its doors to achieve a QQI level 5 qualification, and with job placement rates above 80%, the programme stands as a model for how industry and education can collaborate to mutual benefit.

Combilift, a global leader in materials handling solutions, has been central to this success. As the primary industry partner, Combilift has not only provided cutting-edge workplace experience but also ensured the course content remains aligned with real world demands. We wanted to create more than just a training programme,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 programme blends 26 weeks of classroom-based learning at Monaghan Institute with 12 weeks of hands-on work experience in 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.

CMETB has played a vital role in coordinating and delivering the educational aspect of the programme. Their ongoing commitment to adapting the curriculum, securing government funding, and expanding the scheme to include other regional employers from 2025 reflects their strategic approach to workforce development. It?s about staying ahead of the curve, said Sinead McKenna of CMETB. We?ve created a flexible, forward-looking course that equips learners with in-demand skills and supports local industry at the same time.

One of the most compelling aspects of the programme is its accessibility. Fully funded through government and EU support, it removes financial barriers for participants and trainees are offered a ?300 bursary per week during practical placements within Combilift. Trainees also benefit from additional qualifications, including City & Guilds module in Hydraulics and a Lean Six Sigma White Belt.

The 10-year milestone was marked not only by reflection but by ambition for the future. 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, both Combilift and CMETB are doubling down on their commitment to the next generation. As Martin McVicar put it, The demand for talent in this sector is only growing, and we?re proud to continue building that talent right here in Monaghan.

IT MAY INTEREST YOU

Germany | The forest industry guides Ligna 2025 visitors for new paths towards greater efficiency of resources

Wood supply as raw material is essential for the world carpentry industry and wood processing, which will meet in Ligna 2025 in Hannover from May 26 to 30. As a reflection of this, the Forest Section of the world leading fair will show all aspects of the optimized methods for the use of wood. Modern -scale modern forest machinery, mobile sawmills, smart logistics and safe transport - such as technical pioneers in the use of wood as material and energy - will be the protagonists, together with the crucial efforts to preserve forests as a sustainable source of raw materials for future generations and prepare them for the challenges of the future.

Read news »

APICOFOM: 1947 al 2025

The 78th Anniversary of Apicofom finds us as a reference institution of the forest national industry, the result of a constant, coherent and responsible work. Almost 8 decades are reflected today in a solid present, with the legitimacy that supports us when promoting, proposing and implementing sectoral actions in all levels where public policies are decided.

Read news »

Wawona tree: the tourist attraction of the United States that disappeared in 1969

It was created in 1881 and became a very popular place during the following decades. However, when the tree fell at the close of the 1960s, everything changed. Wawona tree was the name that had a tourist attraction from the United States, which remained standing from 1881 to 1969 in Mariposa Grove, Yosemite National Park, California.

Read news »

COOP.DE TRABAJO HERRAMIENTAS UNION LTDA.