Celebrating a decade of success: CMETB and Combilift’s OEM Engineering Technology Traineeship
The Original Engineering Manufacturing (OEM) Technology Traineeship, established in 2015 by Cavan and Monaghan ETB (CMETB) in partnership with Combilift, is celebrating a decade of success.
Designed to address the urgent need for skilled professionals in the Monaghan area, the traineeship has successfully graduated over 150 individuals, many of whom continue to contribute to Combilift’s success.
Over the years, the programme has evolved and grown to meet the dynamic needs of the industry.
It now includes modules on Hydraulics and Lean Manufacturing, 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.
What sets this traineeship apart is its delivery model. It combines 26 weeks of classroom-based learning at Monaghan Institute with a minimum of 30% work-based training with the employer. In 2025, the programme will expand further, welcoming other engineering and manufacturing companies across Cavan and Monaghan to offer the 12-week work placement, an exciting development that promises to broaden opportunities for trainees.
Michelle Tilson, Recruitment Officer for CMETB, highlights the accessibility and support provided by the course: “This traineeship is co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Union so there are no course fees.”
Additionally, trainees receive financial supports including Training, Meal, and Travel allowances, and access to the National Childcare Scheme.
“Applications are welcome from individuals seeking employment or those in existing jobs looking to upskill or reskill.
“School leavers with no prior work experience are also encouraged to apply,” urged Ms Tilson.
The traineeship is an excellent way for individuals to gain practical skills and relevant experience, while gaining both QQI and professional qualifications, with local employers in less than a year.
Information event
To learn more about the industry and the traineeship, Combilift will host an information event at its headquarters in Monaghan on Wednesday, May 7, at 6pm.
Interested individuals are invited to attend and explore the opportunities this programme offers.