“IF YOU like a change and a challenge, in a job where
no two days are the same and not a day goes by that
you don’t learn something new – then it really is the job
for you.” This is the advice of Liam Holt, a current ESB
Networks apprentice.
The ESB Networks apprenticeship programme is currently
open and seeking applications to it’s next phase
of recruitment for apprentices. In 2015, ESB Networks
announced a five-year plan to recruit 300 new apprentices
as part of a large-scale recruitment and
development programme. To date over 200 apprentices
have been recruited, this year ESB Networks are seeking
to further recruit up to 70 new apprentices.
Classroom and on-the-job training
As an Apprentice Network Technician, recruits receive
on the job training, working as part of front-line teams,
as well as classroom-based learning. Apprentices benefit
from varied work experience, working indoors and outdoors,
and learning about technology, customer service,
and delivering results under pressure. They learn a variety
of electrical and practical skills and, upon completion
of the programme obtain a QQI Advanced Level 6
Electrical Trade Certificate.
The ESB Networks Electrical Apprenticeship is SOLAS
standards-based, consisting of 208 weeks over four
years. During this time, there are seven SOLAS phases
and ESB Networks off job training, including phases 1,
3, 5 and 7 are on the job, working closely with a qualified
Network Technician on varied sites across ESB Networks.
The SOLAS phases 2, 4 and 6 consist of off the job training
modules, with phases in a SOLAS Training Centre
and one of the IT Colleges around the country. Finally,
there are 24 weeks of ESB Networks off the job training which takes place in the ESB Networks Training Centre,
Portlaoise.
Having completed the four-year programme, apprentices
will have gained experience working with a leading
utility company. ESB Networks serves 2.3 million customers
in Ireland, providing a safe and reliable electricity
supply to homes, businesses and communities throughout
the country – ESB Networks apprentices play an
important part in delivering this service.
The apprenticeship journey at ESB Networks is hugely
rewarding and challenging one. For Liam, “It’s a job that
carries great satisfaction, whether it’s putting electricity
into a new house or restoring power to 100 houses in
the middle of a storm, there is always a good sense of
achievement in the work that you do an ESB Networks
apprentice.”
The ESB Networks Apprenticeship Programme is open
to individuals over 16 years of age on 1st June 2018.
The closing date for applications is March 14th 2018,
with training commencing in September 2018.
Application criteria
At the time of application, candidates must have
obtained the following minimum educational qualifications:
Junior Certificate (Ordinary Level): Grade C or higher
at Ordinary Level (or Grade D or higher at Higher Level)
in the Junior Certificate (or equivalent) in the following
subjects: 1) Irish or English 2) Mathematics 3) Science*
4) Any 2 other subjects
* If you have not obtained the required grade in Science, Grade C or
higher at Ordinary Level in any one of the following subjects is acceptable:
Technology, Art Craft and Design, Technical Graphics, Materials
Technology (Wood), Home Economics or Metalwork
OR
Leaving Certificate: Grade D / O6 or higher at Ordinary
Level in the Leaving Certificate (or equivalent) in the
following subjects: 1) Irish or English 2) Mathematics
3) Science Subject (Agricultural Science, Biology,
Chemistry, Physics, Physics & Chemistry) 4) Any 2 other
subjects
*If you have not obtained the required grade in any of the above
Science subjects, the following is acceptable at Leaving Certificate Level
(Grade D/O6 or higher at Ordinary Level) : Art, Construction Studies,
Design and Communication, Graphics, Engineering, Home Economics,
Technical Drawing and Technology.
For further information on the ESB Networks
Apprentice programme and entry requirements,
visit www.esbnetworks.ie/careers. You can also
follow us on Twitter @ESBNetworks and
Facebook at facebook.com/esbnetworks, here
you’ll find updates on the ESB Networks
Apprentice programme and share stories of our
current ESB Networks Apprentices.
Pat Naughton ESB Executive Director Human Resources & People & Sustainability,
Avril Kennedy, Laura Hanrahan, Chloe Doyle, Natalie O’Reilly All 1st Year
Apprentices. Keith Kavanagh Competence Development Manager ESB Networks
