
ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING APPRENTICESHIP
Combilift is part of the Original Equipment Manufacturers consortium that developed the new OEM apprenticeship. This apprenticeship, launched in 2019, was developed to meet the needs of Irish companies involved in the manufacture of machinery. It is a three year Level 6 apprenticeship with a focus on the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) are a group of Irish companies, mostly in the Engineering Sector, that provides innovative and practical solutions to a broad range of customer’s needs. Many are market leaders in their field including Dairymaster, McHale Engineering, and Combilift. Their products are for use in the agricultural, transportation, materials handling, quarry, construction equipment, food processing, recycling handling, and allied industries.
A new and exciting way to study engineering while earning a salary.
DURATION OF THE APPRENTICEHSIP
YEAR ONE
YEAR ONE
16 weeks of off-the-job training
at Cavan Monaghan ETB or
Limerick Clare ETB
+
Rest of the year on-the-job,
applying these skills in the
work place.
YEAR TWO
YEAR TWO
16 weeks of off-the-job training
at Cavan Monaghan ETB or
Limerick Clare ETB
+
Rest of the year on-the-job,
applying these skills in the
work place.
YEAR THREE
YEAR THREE
14 weeks of off-the-job training
at Cavan Monaghan ETB or
Limerick Clare ETB
+
Rest of the year on-the-job,
applying these skills in the
work place.
COURSE CONTENT
The modules delivered on this apprenticeship are:
- Health and Safety
- Engineering Drawings
- OEM Practices
- Electrical and Electronic Technology
- Mechatronics
- Testing and Measurement of Electronic Systems
- OEM Operations
- Analytics and Problem Solving
- Industrial Robotics and PLC’s
- Team Leadership
- Communications
- Applied Engineering
- Capstone Work-based Project
QUALIFICATION
Advanced Certificate in Original Equipment Manufacturing at NFQ Level 6, awarded by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).


STUDY, WORK AND LIVE LOCALLY
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements;
Leaving Certificate (pre-2017) with grade D3 or higher in five subjects which must include Mathematics. Post 2017 applicants must have achieved five O6 in the Leaving Certificate which must include Mathematics.OR
A full award placed at Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications (EQF 4) which includes proficiency in Mathematics similar to O6 in Leaving Certificate.
OR
Must have successfully completed an approved pre-apprenticeship training course in an engineering discipline and demonstrate proficiency in Mathematics similar to O6 in Leaving Certificate.
OR
In the case where an applicant is 23 years or over (or employed in the OEM sector for 3 years) and does not meet the educational requirements specified above, they may apply through the Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) process.
All applicants must pass the Ishihara Colour Vision test (24 Plate addition) prior to registering on the programme.
The programme is delivered in English. In the event that an applicant has English as a second language, a CEFR Level C1 of proficiency in the English language is required. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide official evidence demonstrating English language competence at C1 level.
WHAT DOES THE COURSE COST?
There are no fees for this course.
CAREER PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
On successful completion of this apprenticeship you will have the opportunity to progress into supervisory and management roles with the OEM companies including Combilift.
You will also be eligible to apply to a range of degree programmes in the third level sector including a number of Institutes of Technology. Advanced entry (Year 2 or Year 3) to Engineering related degrees may be possible in some cases. Further details will be available from the OEM Programme Manager.
LAUNCH OF
APPRENTICESHIP
The Advanced Certificate in Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) was launched by Joe McHugh TD Minister for Education and Skills and Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Business, Innovation and Enterprise at Combilift’s Global Headquarters in Monaghan.
