ESB to recruit 300 apprentices

The ESB it is to recruit 300 apprentices over the next five years, as part of a large scale development programme. The company has a long history of involvement in offering apprenticeships resulting in qualifications mainly in electrical and mechanical trades.

The announcement took place at the ESB Networks Training Centre in Portlaoise, where network technician apprentices complete 23 weeks of training during their four-year electrical apprenticeship. This is in addition to 42 weeks spent in Solas and the IT colleges, and significant on-the-job training segments.

There has traditionally been keen interest in the apprenticeship programme, which is open to candidates who have successfully completed their Junior certificate. This recruitment of apprentices will help fill a skills gap predicted in ESB and the energy sector over the coming years.

Speaking at the announcement, ESB chief executive, Pat O’Doherty said, “We want to continue to renew and develop this workforce, for our company and our economy. I am very pleased to announce that we will be recruiting 300 new apprentices on a phased basis over the next five years. This represents a €40m investment in the training and development of our future workforce.”