Combilift marks 10 years of OEM engineering traineeship
Combilift has celebrated the 10th anniversary of its OEM Engineering Traineeship, a skills development initiative launched in partnership with the Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB). The programme, which blends classroom learning with hands-on industry experience, has helped over 150 trainees achieve QQI Level 5 qualifications since 2015.
The anniversary event, held at Combilift’s global headquarters in Monaghan, welcomed past graduates, current trainees and local educators. Originally developed to tackle regional skills shortages in engineering and manufacturing, the nine-month traineeship has become a recognised example of best practice in industry-led training. Participants complete 26 weeks of education at Monaghan Institute, followed by 12 weeks of practical experience at Combilift.
Combilift managing director Martin McVicar said: “We wanted to create more than just a training programme—we wanted to build a pathway into meaningful careers. This traineeship has delivered exactly that, time and time again.”
With a job placement rate exceeding 80%, many trainees have gone on to long-term employment with Combilift or pursued further study. The curriculum has evolved to include modules in hydraulics, lean manufacturing and mathematics, while additional qualifications such as City & Guilds hydraulics certification and Lean Six Sigma White Belt are also offered.
CMETB’s involvement has been central to the programme’s success, supporting curriculum development, securing funding, and planning expansion to include other regional employers from 2025. “We’ve created a flexible, forward-looking course that equips learners with in-demand skills and supports local industry at the same time,” said Sinead McKenna of CMETB.
The course is fully funded through government and EU support, with a €300 weekly bursary provided during work placements. Recruitment is now open for the September 2025 intake.
Combilift, founded in Monaghan in 1998, is a global leader in customised material handling solutions, exporting to more than 85 countries. The company employs over 750 people and has long championed education and workforce development in the manufacturing sector.
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