ESB Generation & Trading Apprenticeship 2025

This is an opportunity to work as part of a leading-edge team in Ireland’s Ardnacrusha hydropower generating station and on the Shannon Scheme. We have been generating electricity on the Shannon since 1929. The station team plays a pivotal role in ensuring Ardnacrusha’s safety, commercial and technical performance is optimised. 

ESB Ardnacrusha Station has 3 Francis turbines and 1 Kaplan Type Turbine, 4 generators (G1 – G4: rated at 21MW, 22MW, 19MW and 24MW respectively) and responsibility for all the associated dams, weirs, gates, and civil structures associated with the Shannon hydroelectric scheme. 

ESB is inviting those interested to apply for our Apprenticeship (Mechanical) programmes which will commence in September 2025. Our apprenticeship programme will provide you with:

• both on-the-job and classroom-based learning

• dynamic work experience working in one of the most technically advanced generating plants in Europe

• the skills required to undertake routine power plant maintenance as well as diagnose and problem-solve complex power plant faults

• attain a recognised Level 6 Trade Certificate with a world-class Utility Company

What an ESB Apprenticeship consists of:

The Apprenticeship is SOLAS standards-based, consisting of 208 weeks / 4-year duration. During the 4 years, there are 7 SOLAS Phases:

• Phases 1, 3, 5 and 7 are on-the-job training, gaining experience while working closely with qualified Crafts people on site.

• SOLAS Phases 2, 4 and 6 are off-the-job training modules. These phases take place in a SOLAS Training Centre and in and TU (former IT) Colleges. 

Educational Requirements: 

Candidates must be 17 years of age or older before the 1st June 2025 and have obtained the following minimum standards at the time of applying: 

• Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement – 5 Merit grades or higher in Maths, English or Irish, Science* and two other subjects. 

• Junior Certificate – 5 grades C or higher Maths, English or Irish, Science* and two other subjects. 

• Leaving Certificate Applied - 120 or more Credits. 

• Vocational Leaving Certificate – 5 grades D’s or higher in Maths, English or Irish, Science* and two other subjects. 

• Leaving Certificate – 5 grade O6 or higher (formerly 3 Leaving cert grade D or higher) in Maths, English or Irish, Science* and two other subjects (H7 is not accepted as equivalent to O3 for this Campaign, a candidate must have a minimum of 40% in required subject either in higher or ordinary level) 

• FETAC/QQI Level 3 Major Awards – Minimum 6 modules which include 

• Communications, 

• Mathematics or Broader Application of Number and Functional Mathematics, 

• Personal Effectiveness or Personal and Interpersonal Skills. 

• FETAC/QQI Level 4 Major Awards – Minimum 5 modules. 

• FETAC/QQI Level 5 Major Awards – Minimum 5 modules. 

Science* can be replaced by Technology, Art, Craft & Design, Technical Graphics, Metalwork, Material Technology (Wood) Design Communication Graphics, Construction, Engineering, Home Economics, Ag Science, Biology, Physics, Chemistry 

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