Combilift launches engineering award to encourage young manufacturing talent

Irish material-handling equipment manufacturer Combilift has launched a new award programme to encourage secondary school students to pursue careers in engineering and manufacturing. The initiative was announced during a Manufacturing Day event at the company's headquarters in Monaghan, Ireland.

More than 100 students aged around 17, accompanied by engineering and technology teachers from schools across County Monaghan, attended the event, which provided an introduction to modern manufacturing processes and career opportunities.

The new Future Engineers Award will recognise students in County Monaghan who achieve the highest grade, H1, in Engineering or Technology in Ireland's 2027 Leaving Certificate examinations. Each qualifying student will receive €500 and a recognition trophy, with an award ceremony scheduled for August 2027.

Combilift CEO and co-founder Martin McVicar said the initiative was intended to raise awareness of the increasingly diverse skills required in manufacturing.

“When you look at the technology being developed today, engineering is about much more than traditional mechanical engineering. There is software, coding, electrical engineering and mechatronics,” McVicar said.

During the Manufacturing Day event, students toured Combilift's production facilities and participated in practical activities covering mechatronics, electrical engineering, electronics and lean management. The programme also introduced technologies such as automation and driverless material handling.

Combilift, which employs more than 850 people at its Monaghan operation, manufactures specialist material-handling equipment and has been involved in several educational and training initiatives. These include the development of an OEM Engineering Apprenticeship programme, which combines college-based education with practical industrial training over three years.

The apprenticeship programme includes teaching at Monaghan Institute and opportunities for practical experience at Combilift's manufacturing facility.

According to the company, the Future Engineers Award is intended to become an annual programme in County Monaghan. Combilift also hopes other manufacturers will introduce similar initiatives to support technical education and address future skills requirements in industry.

Source and Photo: Combilift