ICML launches apprentice certification to tackle skills gap in lubrication

The International Council for Machinery Lubrication (ICML) has introduced a new entry-level certification designed to help employers assess and develop inexperienced technicians as the industry grapples with workforce turnover and the retirement of veteran specialists.

The Lubrication Apprentice Technician (LAT) credential has been created in response to requests from end users and training partners for a structured way to evaluate new recruits before they take on full responsibility for critical assets. Unlike ICML’s established qualifications, the LAT requires no prior experience or formal training and is not renewable, reflecting its role as a stepping stone into the profession.

ICML chief executive Bryan Coggins said the programme filled a crucial gap in preparing the next generation of maintenance and reliability practitioners. He noted that many organisations were struggling to replace experienced personnel from a limited pool of newcomers, creating demand for a globally accessible, foundational assessment tool.

Paul Dufresne, ICML board chairman, said apprentice training should be about shaping technicians who think like reliability professionals rather than simply teaching tasks. The LAT, he argued, would help cultivate that mindset at an early stage.

Reducing risk for employers

Supporters say the certification will help plants shorten learning curves and reduce the operational risks associated with inexperienced staff working on expensive lubricated equipment. Mike Gauthier, an ICML board member and director at Trico Corporation, said facilities could not afford prolonged onboarding periods and that the LAT focused on the essential knowledge needed to prevent avoidable errors.

Frontline supervisors often report that new hires struggle with basic lubrication practices, from selecting the correct lubricant to following established protocols. Loren Green of Des-Case, another ICML board member, said such gaps had become more pronounced with high turnover rates, leading to inconsistent performance across shifts. The apprentice model, he added, would build confidence and bring greater standardisation across departments, contractors and countries.

Industry-driven development

ICML has operated as a vendor-neutral, non-profit body since 2001 and is widely used to validate competence in lubrication and oil analysis. While its MLT I qualification remains the benchmark for trained technicians, the organisation said the LAT would widen access to the profession by giving aspiring entrants a clear pathway.

Marketing director Paul Hiller emphasised that the credential was not intended for every practitioner but would be valuable for companies seeking a differentiated, structured route into the sector. With demand for reliability skills rising worldwide, ICML believes the new certification will help expand the talent pipeline while protecting critical industrial assets.