ESB Networks Electrical Apprenticeship Programme

Energise your future

The ESB Networks Electrical Apprenticeship Programme is your gateway to a rewarding career in the energy sector, where you can energise your future and perhaps make a big difference for generations to come.

Why join our electrical apprenticeship program

We offer a 4-year paid programme leading to QQI advanced level 6 Electrical trade certificate (minimum age 17).

• Operate in a team environment
• Class room based learning combined with practical experience
• Combines college and on-the-job training
• Work indoors and outdoors
• Internationally recognised qualification QQI advanced level 6 Electrical trade certificate

Through hands-on training and classroom learning, apprentices will earn while they learn, while gaining valuable experience in a dynamic and innovative industry. As part of ESB Networks, apprentices play a crucial role in delivering Ireland’s clean electric future.

As an ESB Networks Electrician/Network Technician Apprentice, you can look forward to:

• World-class training with competitive pay and excellent rewards
• Staff electricity discount
• Membership of ESB’s non-profit Medical Provident Fund

Your safety, health and wellbeing as an Apprentice are important to us and vital to your success.

We offer a diverse, inclusive working environment and healthy work-life balance. You can also access one-to-one confidential support from a trained colleague from our Employee Assistance Programme at any time.

We also offer

• Medical Screening
• Flu Vaccines
• Personal advice

ESB Networks Electrical Apprenticeship Programme 2026

ESB Networks DAC serves 2.3 million domestic and business customers in Ireland providing a safe and reliable electricity supply.

The ESB Networks Electrical Apprenticeship Programme provides you with:

• Both on-the-job and classroom-based learning
• Dynamic work experience, working both indoors and outdoors
• You will learn a variety of electrical and practical skills and
• A QQI Advanced Level 6 Electrical Trade Certificate with a world-class Utility Company

What an ESB Networks Electrical Apprenticeship consists of:

The Electrical Apprenticeship is SOLAS standards-based, consisting of 208 weeks / 4-year duration.

During the 4 years, there are 7 SOLAS Phases and ESB Networks Off Job Training:

• Phases 1, 3, 5 and 7 are on-the-job, gaining experience while working closely with a qualified Network Technician on site.
• SOLAS Phases 2, 4 and 6 are off-the-job training modules. These phases take place in a SOLAS Training Centre and TU (former IT) Colleges.
• 24 weeks of ESB Networks off-the-job training takes place in the ESB Networks Training Centre (Portlaoise).

Educational Requirements:

Candidates must be 17 years of age or older before the 1st June 2026 and have obtained the following minimum standards at the time of applying:

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

The 2026 Electrical Apprenticeship Programme application form will be available online from Monday 2nd March until Tuesday 31st March.

To find out more about what the programme involves, how to apply, and whether it’s the right one for you click the APPLY NOW button