Over 200 apprentices have been recruited, since 2016. We will be recruiting apprentices across the country again in February, 2021. Applications will be accepted via the ESB Networks website from the middle of February.
Since then, over 200 apprentices have been recruited, with 84 new recruits; 13 females and 61 males starting in our Networks Training Centre in September 2019. We will be recruiting up to 60 apprentices across the country again in 2020. Applications will be accepted via the ESB Networks website from the middle of February.
High level of interest
The 2020 ESB Networks Apprenticeship Programme recruitment campaign received over 6000 applications, highlighting the level of interest in the programme and a career that is diverse and challenging.
As an Apprentice Network Technician (Electrician), 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.
Seven phases
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.
Role combines both physical and logical
Customer service is at the heart of ESB Networks, through their experience, ESB Networks apprentices will be at the fore in delivering and providing services to our customers. Though the job requires an element of physicality, there is much more to the programme than climbing poles and heavy lifting, the role combines both physical and logical activity.
True to the fact that no two days are the same in the programme, apprentices will be assisting and dealing with a wide range of customer’s needs.
In their day-to-day work activities they can be responding to faults and fault finding to maintain customer supply, connecting new customers, both residential and commercial to the electricity network, replacing and maintaining electrical assets and installing new elements to the electricity network like overhead wires and unground cable technologies.
Peer support
A critical part of the ESB Networks Apprenticeship Programme is the training and peer support given to the apprentices.
Throughout the programme, apprentices work alongside and closely with experienced Network Technicians.
While the job may be challenging, the apprentice is always part of a team who will be there to assist and support throughout the programme. ESB Networks greatly fosters and encourages the idea of creating a team and peer support network.
How to apply
For those, who are interested in becoming an ESB Networks Apprenticeship, the programme will open to applicants on the February, 2020.
All Interviews will take place from the middle of April to the Middle of May. With offers been made the last week in July/ first week in August. All new recruits will start their apprentices with ESB Network in late August / early September, 2020. The programme is open to individuals over 16 years of age on 1st June 2020.
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.
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.
