CMETB Celebrate 10 Years of OEM Engineering Traineeship with Combilift

Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) marked the 10th anniversary of the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) Technology Traineeship with a special event at Combilift’s headquarters in Monaghan. The milestone celebration recognised a decade of collaboration to address skills shortages in engineering and manufacturing across the region.

Since its launch in 2015, the programme has seen over 150 trainees graduate, many of whom continue working with Combilift or progress to further studies. The nine-month course combines 26 weeks of classroom learning at Monaghan Institute with 12 weeks of on-the-job training. It now includes Hydraulics and Lean Manufacturing modules, along with academic enhancements such as Mathematics, introduced this year to support candidates in progressing to Degree and Apprenticeship programmes. This evolution ensures that trainees are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge required in the engineering and manufacturing sectors, whether they choose employment or further study on completion of the traineeship.

The 2025 intake also marked the expansion of the traineeship to include other local engineering and manufacturing employers, broadening placement opportunities for participants. Fully funded by the Irish Government and the EU, the course offers additional supports such as training allowances, travel and meal subsidies, and childcare access.

CMETB and Combilift hosted an information evening at its headquarters on May 7 to support prospective applicants, offering insights into the programme and the growing opportunities within the sector. The anniversary underscored the programme’s success in building a skilled local workforce and reaffirmed Combilift and CMETB’s shared commitment to shaping future talent in the section.