The ESB is currently recruiting more than 60 new electrical apprentices for its Networks Apprenticeships Programme. Candidates must be over 16 years of age on 1 June 2020 and the deadline for applications it 13 March.
The four-year paid programme includes practical and theory learning (57 weeks in total). After four years, the apprentices will obtain a level 6 electrical trade certificate.
Applications are currently open. Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate or Leaving Certificate Applied certification results can be used to apply. Candidates select a first and second location preference when they apply initially online.
“In recent years the vast majority of apprentices go on to full-time employment with the company,” said competence development manager at ESB Keith Kavanagh.
To apply for the apprenticeship, visit their website.
Drew Wylie, ESB
networks technician
Drew Wylie did his first apprenticeship as a carpenter and his second apprenticeship with the ESB, qualifying with the level 6 electrical trade certificate. He is also farming sucklers at home with his father.
“I’m in the ESB eight years, stationed in Cavan and Monaghan. I can’t see myself moving anywhere else, there are plenty of opportunities here if you are willing to put the work in. It’s quite competitive to get into the ESB, it’s a fairly stringent process. You have to apply, then do aptitude tests and then an interview process.
“In the first year you’d be out straight at work. You have five or six weeks of an introduction that shows you the networks and transformers. I was appointed an apprentice mentor in Cavan.
“He has been there maybe 20-odd years and has a lot of experience. Your day-to-day work is with your mentor. It’s about gaining that trust with your crew member that you are willing to learn and put yourself forward.”
Routine
“On a normal day we start at 8am, load up the truck, get ready for the day and head out the job. You’d load up wire, transformers etc.
“We are given paperwork of what the job involves and a map. We might even go out the previous day to prep the job. The following day the network would be switched off so you could do the job.
“I’m in the construction side, working on jobs where someone is looking for a new connection for a house, farm or chicken shed.”
Storm season
“It’s fairly busy during storm times, it requires long hours. The weather might not be that pretty but there’s great satisfaction when you see customers relieved to see power returned. Coming from a farming background, I can relate to the farmers a lot.
“I remember a farm in Cork that had been using a generator for five days milking 100 cows during storm Darwin. The satisfaction on that man’s face was really rewarding, he gave us a box of biscuits.
“It’s tough during storms but it’s part of the job. We would never be put in a position where we’d have to go out when it’s dangerous when winds are still high. We can’t compromise safety.”
Career
“[Network technician] is a good job, every day has a new challenge and if you’re an outgoing person it’s good. You’d want to have good interest in wanting to learn, you get an all-round experience.
“When you come out of the apprenticeship you’re not guaranteed a job, you have to put in a CV and go through an interview process. Most of us got jobs in the ESB.”
Read more
Focus: A is for apprenticeship
The ESB is currently recruiting more than 60 new electrical apprentices for its Networks Apprenticeships Programme. Candidates must be over 16 years of age on 1 June 2020 and the deadline for applications it 13 March.
The four-year paid programme includes practical and theory learning (57 weeks in total). After four years, the apprentices will obtain a level 6 electrical trade certificate.
Applications are currently open. Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate or Leaving Certificate Applied certification results can be used to apply. Candidates select a first and second location preference when they apply initially online.
“In recent years the vast majority of apprentices go on to full-time employment with the company,” said competence development manager at ESB Keith Kavanagh.
To apply for the apprenticeship, visit their website.
Drew Wylie, ESB
networks technician
Drew Wylie did his first apprenticeship as a carpenter and his second apprenticeship with the ESB, qualifying with the level 6 electrical trade certificate. He is also farming sucklers at home with his father.
“I’m in the ESB eight years, stationed in Cavan and Monaghan. I can’t see myself moving anywhere else, there are plenty of opportunities here if you are willing to put the work in. It’s quite competitive to get into the ESB, it’s a fairly stringent process. You have to apply, then do aptitude tests and then an interview process.
“In the first year you’d be out straight at work. You have five or six weeks of an introduction that shows you the networks and transformers. I was appointed an apprentice mentor in Cavan.
“He has been there maybe 20-odd years and has a lot of experience. Your day-to-day work is with your mentor. It’s about gaining that trust with your crew member that you are willing to learn and put yourself forward.”
Routine
“On a normal day we start at 8am, load up the truck, get ready for the day and head out the job. You’d load up wire, transformers etc.
“We are given paperwork of what the job involves and a map. We might even go out the previous day to prep the job. The following day the network would be switched off so you could do the job.
“I’m in the construction side, working on jobs where someone is looking for a new connection for a house, farm or chicken shed.”
Storm season
“It’s fairly busy during storm times, it requires long hours. The weather might not be that pretty but there’s great satisfaction when you see customers relieved to see power returned. Coming from a farming background, I can relate to the farmers a lot.
“I remember a farm in Cork that had been using a generator for five days milking 100 cows during storm Darwin. The satisfaction on that man’s face was really rewarding, he gave us a box of biscuits.
“It’s tough during storms but it’s part of the job. We would never be put in a position where we’d have to go out when it’s dangerous when winds are still high. We can’t compromise safety.”
Career
“[Network technician] is a good job, every day has a new challenge and if you’re an outgoing person it’s good. You’d want to have good interest in wanting to learn, you get an all-round experience.
“When you come out of the apprenticeship you’re not guaranteed a job, you have to put in a CV and go through an interview process. Most of us got jobs in the ESB.”
Read more
Focus: A is for apprenticeship
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