West Cork Native wins Apprentice Network Technician of the Year

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• Four finalists rigorously tested on a range of skills to simulate real life working conditions
• Prize-giving announced at prestigious ceremony in ESB Networks Training Centre in Portlaoise
• This year’s apprentice recruitment drive, which is still in process, saw further increase in applications. Successful candidates will start in Autumn, and the next apprenticeship campaign will commence in Spring 2019

Portlaoise, 31 May 2018

Joseph O’Sullivan from Dunmanway, Co Cork, has been announced as ESB Networks Apprentice Network Technician of the Year following successful completion of a series of tasks in a high-pressure setting today.

He won out against three other finalists shortlisted – Colm Brennan, Boyle, Co. Roscommon; Donal Shore, Coon, Co. Kilkenny, and Katie Hynes, Dunleer, Co. Louth.

The high-profile event took place at the ESB Networks Training Centre in Portlaoise this afternoon (Thursday 31 May) and saw the four apprentices engage in a range of exercises, which were assessed by a judging panel.

The tasks were selected to simulate real life conditions faced by ESB Networks technicians. They included sub-station wiring, cable commissioning, transformer tests and ATV driving and inspection.

ESB Networks Executive Director Paul Mulvaney, who presented the Shane Conlon Perpetual Award, said that the standard of this year’s competition was exceptionally high. “It is hugely satisfying to see first-hand the range of expertise on display by each of the four finalists. I warmly congratulate Joe for winning out on the day and also commend the other finalists - Donal, Katie and Colm - for their skill levels evident during a challenging day.”

Mr Mulvaney says that, such is the popularity of ESB Networks apprenticeship recruitment campaigns, they are generally over-subscribed many times over with as many as 90 applicants for each place. He adds: “The quality of our apprenticeship programme ensures that ESB has the skills and expertise necessary to maintain a world-leading electricity system, capable of meeting Ireland’s evolving energy needs into the future.”

Commenting on his achievement today, Joe says: “I am thrilled to have won the Apprentice Network Technician of the Year 2018 today. The tasks today reflect the varied work of a Network Technician so I am very proud to have won out in the face of very tough competition. I’ve found my apprenticeship journey so far at ESB Networks hugely rewarding and I would encourage anyone looking for a great career where they can make a difference to consider an apprenticeship for an exciting and rewarding training experience.”

Photos of this event are accessible via our Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/esb_group/albums/72157691687501570

Credit: Kevin Byrne (No Repro Fee).

ENDS/

About ESB Networks:
ESB Networks employs over 3,200 people from specialist network technicians on the front line connecting, maintaining and repairing the electricity system for Ireland’s homes and businesses to engineers, data scientists and IT professionals utilising emerging technologies to create one of the world’s smartest and most resilient energy networks.