Combilift wins 2020 Generation Apprenticeship Employer of the Year in the large company category

Press Release: 23rd December 2020

2020’s Combilift Apprenticeship group and Managing Director of Combilift Martin McVicar. 

Minister Simon Harris announced Combilift as winner of the Large Company Category in the 2020 Generation Apprenticeship Employer of the Year on Thursday 10th December.

There were 28 award nominees for 2020 Generation Apprenticeship representing more than 24,000 employees across so many vibrant industry sectors. Combilift currently have Apprentices across a range of Apprenticeship programmes such as Electrical, Metal Fabrication and The Original Engineering Manufacturing Apprenticeship (OEM).

Minister Harris commented on the winners as “being outstanding leaders in their industry field” and their involvement in developing new apprenticeship opportunities.

Martin O’Brien, CEO of LMETB and member of the Apprenticeship Council presented the Generation Apprenticeship Employer of the Year Award at Combilift on Tuesday 22nd December 2020.

Martin O’Brien, CEO of LMETB and member of the Apprenticeship Council said he “was very impressed with Combilifts’ facility and the environment in which the Apprentices are developing. I am extremely impressed with the progress made on the OEM Apprenticeship. Congratulations to Combilift on their award and on being an exemplary leader in Industry for their commitment to the OEM Apprenticeship”.

The Consortium Steering Committee (CSG) in collaboration with the Cavan Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) , Limerick Clare Education and Training Board (LMETB) and national stakeholders are delighted Combilift were successful and referenced Martin Mc Vicar, Managing Director, as one of the leading employers that contributed to the development of the new OEM Apprenticeship Programme.

Sinead Mc Kenna, CMETB Training Services Manager acknowledged such difficult times for employers with the impact of Covid and outlined that “Combilift showed continuous commitment and leadership to the Apprenticeship Programme placing emphasis on such a valuable and skilled route of education for apprentices”

Combilift is the Largest Global Manufacturer of multi-directional forklifts and an acknowledged leader in long load handling solutions. More than 50,000 units have been sold in over 85 countries since Combilift was established in 1998 and employs more than 600 employees locally.

Combilift’s Martin McVicar said “We are delighted to be recognised by Generation Apprenticeship for the work the team at Combilift have put into this industry led OEM Engineering Apprenticeship. The Apprenticeship was developed in collaboration with Cavan/Monaghan ETB and the OEM Consortium group. To receive this recognition after four years of commitment to this Apprenticeship is a great accomplishment. I would especially like to thank the Combilift Apprentices, their Mentors, Tutors, CMETB, LCETB, SOLAS and other Engineering companies throughout the country for their support and participation.

I encourage other companies to consider new apprenticeships as a way of upskilling and introducing new skills to the workplace.”

The OEM Apprenticeship is industry led from the initial concept and design stage, delivering modules such as Automation, Robotics, Mechatronics and Engineering Drawings that are crucial for the ever-changing demands in these high-tech Manufacturing, Installation and Service Sectors across Ireland.  It is critical for the growth of Engineering Companies, to increase the availability of skilled employees nationally and particularly in the rural communities.

Even during these challenging times, Combilift are recruiting for many roles to include 2021 apprentices. If you are interested in applying and would like to earn while you learn, then please email [email protected] for further information.

Generation Apprenticeship Employer of the Year 2020