Do you want to be part of the team connecting our communities to a clean electric future? If so, ESB Networks Electrical Apprenticeship Programme might be for you.
At ESB Networks, we build and maintain Ireland’s electricity network, connecting over 2.4 million homes, farms and businesses to a clean electric future. We’ve been connecting customers to Ireland’s electricity network since the foundation of ESB in 1927.
We’ve also been making new connections, building a network that’s stronger than ever so we can all be kinder to the planet. We are connecting over 2.4 million homes, farms and businesses to a clean electric future and ESB Networks’ apprentices play an important role in delivering this.
We have recruited over 300 apprentices in the last four years. Our recruitment campaign runs each year in February/March.
The 2023 application process is now closed. The next round will open in February 2024. In the meantime, there are a number of interesting videos on our website that will give you an idea of the type of work our Apprentice Electricians/Network Technicians are involved in on a day-to-day basis.
As an Apprentice Electrician, you will receive on-the-job training and work as part of front-line teams. As well as classroom-based learning, our Apprentices benefit from varied work experience, working both indoors and outdoors, and learning about technology, customer service, and delivering results under pressure. Our Apprentices learn a variety of electrical and practical skills and, upon completion of the programme obtain a QQI Advanced Level 6 Electrical Trade Certificate which is recognised around the world.
Seven Phases
The ESB Networks Electrical Apprenticeship is SOLAS standards-based, consisting of 208 weeks (four years). During this time, there are seven SOLAS Phases which include on-the-job training during phases 1, 3, 5 and 7 where apprentices work closely with a qualified Network Technician constructing and maintaining the electricity network on varied sites across their assigned area of the country.
SOLAS Phase 2 is in one of the many SOLAS Training Centres while their Phase 4 and 6 are in the IT College 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.
The Role
Our Customers are at the heart of ESB Networks, through their on-the-job experience, ESB Networks’ apprentices will be at the forefront in delivering and providing a world class service to our 2.4 million customers.
Although the job requires an element of physicality there is much more to the programme than climbing poles, this apprenticeship combines both physical effort and logical thinking.
No two days are the same in the programme, apprentices will be assisting and dealing with a wide range of our customers’ needs.
In their day-to-day work activities they may be responding to electrical faults and fault finding to maintain a reliable supply of electricity for our customer, connecting new customers, both residential and commercial to the electricity network, replacing and maintaining electrical assets and installing new elements to the electricity network both overhead and underground 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.
For more information and to learn how to apply visit
www.esbnetworks.ie/apprenticeships
