5 minute read
See your career going places with the ESB Networks Apprenticeship Programme
DO you want to be part of the team connecting our communities to clean electricity? If so ESB Networks Apprenticeship Programme might be for you.
At ESB Networks, we build and maintain Ireland’s electricity network, connecting over 2.3 million homes, farms and businesses to a clean electric future.
We have recruited over 300 apprentices in the last five years and we will be recruiting up to 60 apprentices across the country again in March 2022 for our programme starting in September 2022.
Recruitment for Our 2022 Apprenticeship Programme will be open for applicants from Mid March 2022 at www.esbnetworks.ie/careers/apprenticeships. There are a number of interesting Apprentice Videos on our website that will give you an idea of the type of work our Apprentice Electricians/Networks Technician are involved in on a day to day basis.
High level of interest
The 2021 ESB Networks Apprenticeship Programme recruitment campaign received over 4,500 applications, highlighting the level of interest in the programme and in a career that is diverse, challenging and rewarding.
As an Apprentice Electrician/Network Technician, you will receive on-the-job training and working as part of front-line teams, as well as classroom-based learning, Apprentices benefit, from varied work experience, working both indoors and outdoors, and learning about technology, customer service, and delivering results under pressure. 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/Network Technician Apprenticeship is SOLAS standards-based, consisting of 208 weeks over four years. During this time, there are seven SOLAS phases which include on 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.
The SOLAS phases 2, 4 and 6 consist of off-the-job training modules, with phase two in a SOLAS Training Centre, while Phase 4 and 6 are in 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.
At ESB Networks, we’ve been connecting customers to Ireland’s power network for years. 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 2.3 million homes, farms and businesses to a clean electric future and ESB Networks’ apprentices play an important role in delivering this.
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.
through their on-the-job experience, ESB Networks’ apprentices will be at the fore front in delivering and providing a world class service to our 2.3 million customers.
Although the job requires an element of physicality, there is much more to the programme than climbing poles and heavy lifting, this role 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 faults and fault finding to maintain a reliable supply of electricity for our customers, 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 Apprentices Electrician/Network Technician, the programme will open to applicants in March 2022.
All Interviews will take place during the month 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 September 2022. The programme is open to individuals over 16 years of age on 1st June of the year they are applying.
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 sub-jects: 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 ac-ceptable 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.
