OEM Engineering Apprenticeship Employer Combilift scoop prestigious Workplace Champion award.
Claire Rushe (CMETB) Anna Marie Woods (CMETB) Martin McKenna (Combilift) Shauna McKenna (Combilift) Martin McVicar (Combilift) Mary Liz Trant (National Apprenticeship Office)
Combilift staff members Martin McKenna and Shauna McKenna scooped the Generation Apprenticeship Champions in the Workplace Award in the category for ‘Teams that enable and improve the quality of apprentices’ experience on the job’ on Thursday 5th December 2024. The annual awards ceremony hosted by the National Apprenticeship Office in partnership with the National Apprenticeship Alliance took place in the Radisson Blu St Helens Hotel, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin. Combilift are one of the largest employers of OEM Engineering Apprentices in the country.
The Champion in the Workplace ceremony showcases and celebrates all those apprenticeship champions who are passionate about the development and success of apprentices and the apprenticeship mode of learning. People who bring apprenticeship training alive in the workplace, through their mentoring skills, their listening skills, the many different ways in which they support apprentices as they embark on their careers and brilliant on-the-job learning and development experiences. Workplace champions may be in leadership or supporting roles. They may be mentors, assessors, team leaders, shift supervisors or anyone involved in the day-to-day training of an apprentice. People going above and beyond in supporting apprentices who may need extra assistance as they navigate the workplace.
Speaking at the event, Combilift CEO Martin McVicar said: “Combilift is honoured to be recognised as Generation Apprenticeship Workplace Champions with this team award. We have a strong reputation of training and employing apprentices including OEM and other apprentices. It’s a privilege to see our team, led by Martin and Shauna, rewarded for their commitment in nurturing the next generation of talent with the collaborative support from the CMETB.”
Both Martin and Shauna, who lead the apprenticeship team for Combilift were instrumental in the development of the OEM Engineering Apprenticeship, working tirelessly to ensure the programme would maximise opportunities for both the apprentice and the employer. Both continue to work resolutely to enhance the apprenticeship experience for learners on the programme. Martin is currently Chairperson of the OEM Engineering Apprenticeship Steering Group and along with Shauna, is always on hand to promote the programme in whatever capacity they can.
There are now 28,500 apprentices in training in Ireland, on 75+ diverse programmes across a broad range of areas. The OEM Engineering Apprenticeship is a three-year programme, with a 16-week college block each year. The apprentice qualifies as an OEM Engineering Technician and is highly trained with a much sought-after skillset across many sectors and industries.
Currently there are approximately 60 employers from all over the country hiring OEM Engineering apprentices. Employers are using this apprenticeship to upskill existing staff and new hires, specifically to their business needs and are finding it extremely beneficial in terms of staff retention and succession planning. The programme is increasingly seeing more females registering and making huge contributions in their respective companies. Graduates of the OEM Engineering Apprenticeship are qualified to work across many different disciplines in a wide variety of industries, allowing for greater flexibility and work-life balance which is cited as an extremely important factor especially for females entering the programme.
Click the link below for more information on the OEM Engineering Technician Apprenticeship.