Barry McGrane
President, Truck Mounted Forklifts, Hiab
Ernest Roklicer
Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice
Nadjib Heddane
Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) has expanded its industry-focused programmes with the launch of the Manufacturing Technician and Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeships.
Developed by Irish Medtech, the Ibec trade association for the sector, with ATU Galway, these programmes address Ireland’s evolving manufacturing skills needs and have enrolled over 600 apprentices nationwide since 2017. The apprenticeships blend on-the-job learning with academic study, producing graduates who make an immediate workplace impact.
Championing internal talent
Hiab Ireland Ltd, a global leader in load handling with a major Dundalk base, supports the initiative as part of its strategy to develop local engineering talent. President Barry McGrane, a DkIT Mechanical Engineering graduate, says the apprenticeships reflect Hiab’s culture of continuous improvement.
“At Hiab, we’ve initiated a transformation programme called ‘Model Factory’ to bring our global production facilities up to world-class standards. This will bring a whole new level of efficiencies and flexibility,” McGrane explained. “Rather than hiring expertise from outside, which can be costly and short-term, we prefer to develop talent from within. It’s the Hiab way.”
“For most, it’s a route to upskill and progress within the company. They’re our rising stars,” said McGrane. “We value the applied, real-world learning these apprenticeships offer.”
Rather than hiring expertise from outside, which can be costly and short-term, we prefer to develop talent from within.
Apprentices share their journey
Two of those rising stars are Ernest Roklicer and Nadjib Heddane. Croatian native Ernest, a long-time forklift driver, says the apprenticeship offers “a great balance between classroom knowledge and practical application. Hiab has really stepped up — giving us mentors who are experts in the field.”
Nadjib, from Dublin, brings over 26 years’ experience in construction and manufacturing. “I put my best foot forward for this opportunity. I’m not the most academic, but I’m committed and wanted a new challenge.”
Both say the experience has opened new doors. Ernest is progressing toward a quality role, while Nadjib aims to move into production operations.“There’s definitely scope to climb the ladder — even into management,” Nadjib added.
DkIT’s expanded apprenticeships highlight the power of collaboration between academia and industry — nurturing talent, creating career pathways and strengthening Ireland’s world-class manufacturing ecosystem.
