Combilift Launches Future Engineers Award to Recognise Young Engineering Talent
Combilift has launched a new initiative designed to encourage young people to pursue careers in engineering, technology and modern manufacturing. The Future Engineers Award will recognise outstanding Leaving Certificate students in County Monaghan while helping to highlight the wide range of career opportunities available throughout the manufacturing industry.
The award was announced by Martin McVicar, CEO and Co-Founder of Combilift, during a Manufacturing Day event at the company’s Global Headquarters in Monaghan. More than 100 fifth-year students, accompanied by their Engineering and Technology teachers, attended the event to experience modern manufacturing first-hand.
Recognising Achievement in Engineering and Technology
The Future Engineers Award is open to Leaving Certificate students in County Monaghan sitting their examinations in 2027. Any eligible student who achieves a H1, the highest Leaving Certificate grade, in either Engineering or Technology will receive a €500 award and a special recognition trophy.
An awards ceremony is planned for August 2027 at Combilift’s Global Headquarters, following the publication of the Leaving Certificate results. The initiative is intended not only to celebrate academic achievement but also to encourage more students to select technical subjects and consider how these skills could support their future careers
By recognising students at this important stage in their education, Combilift aims to strengthen the connection between classroom learning and the opportunities available within industry.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Engineers
Speaking during the Manufacturing Day event, Martin McVicar emphasised the importance of presenting engineering as an exciting and rewarding career choice.
“If we want to have great engineers in manufacturing in the future, we have to encourage young people to see engineering as an exciting career choice.”
Modern engineering extends well beyond traditional mechanical disciplines. Today’s manufacturing environment brings together mechanical engineering, software development, coding, electronics, electrical engineering, automation and mechatronics.
The skills developed through Engineering and Technology subjects can therefore open the door to numerous roles across manufacturing and related industries. These subjects help students develop practical problem-solving abilities while providing experience in designing, building, testing and improving technical solutions.
Martin McVicar also explained that Monaghan was the natural location in which to begin the initiative, as it is where Combilift was established and where the company continues to operate its Global Headquarters. As the business grows, it remains focused on identifying and developing the skilled people who will contribute to the future of manufacturing.
Bringing Modern Manufacturing to Life
Manufacturing Day gave students an opportunity to see how the subjects they study at school are applied within an international manufacturing business.
The event combined a tour of Combilift’s manufacturing facilities with practical activities covering mechatronics, electrical engineering, electronics, technical engineering and lean management. Students were also introduced to technologies such as automation and driverless material handling.
These activities demonstrated the variety of people, technologies and specialist skills required to design and manufacture modern material-handling equipment. They also offered students a clearer understanding of the different routes available to them, including university education, apprenticeships and practical industry-based training.
Shane Beirne, Head of Public Sector at Ibec, the Irish Business and Employers Confederation, attended the event. He highlighted the importance of opening manufacturing facilities to young people, allowing them to see the technology, processes and people behind the sector at first hand.
Highlighting Apprenticeship Opportunities
Students also learned about the opportunities available through the OEM Engineering Apprenticeship, a three-year Level 6 programme that combines college-based education with practical experience in industry.
AnnaMarie Woods, OEM Engineering Apprenticeship Programme Manager, outlined how the programme provides participants with a combination of technical knowledge and hands-on learning. One of its college phases is delivered at Monaghan Institute, while students can also gain practical experience at Combilift’s manufacturing facility.
This combination gives apprentices an opportunity to develop relevant industry skills while working towards a recognised qualification. It also presents students with an alternative educational route that allows them to learn in both classroom and workplace environments.
A Long-Term Commitment to Developing Talent
The Future Engineers Award builds on Combilift’s established involvement in supporting engineering education and skills development.
Since the company was founded 28 years ago, it has supported initiatives that encourage young people to engage with engineering and manufacturing. This has included initiating the development of the OEM Engineering Apprenticeship and participating in programmes such as LEGO League, STEM activities and VEX Robotics in secondary schools.
With more than 850 people employed at its Monaghan operation, Combilift continues to recruit across a broad range of engineering and manufacturing disciplines. Developing a strong future talent pipeline is therefore important for both the company and the wider manufacturing sector.
Supporting the Future of Manufacturing
Although the Future Engineers Award is currently limited to students in County Monaghan, Combilift hopes the initiative will encourage other manufacturers in Ireland and internationally to introduce similar programmes within their communities.
By recognising educational achievement, opening its facilities to students and promoting the different career paths available, Combilift is demonstrating how manufacturers can play a direct role in developing future skills.
The company intends for the Future Engineers Award to become an annual celebration of Engineering and Technology achievement in County Monaghan. Through the initiative, the next generation will be encouraged to explore technical subjects, develop valuable practical skills and discover the opportunities offered by an increasingly advanced global manufacturing industry.
