As we continue our journey towards a net zero energy future, our apprenticeship programmes are the cornerstone of our talent strategy. These programmes are not just about training individuals – they are designed to build the workforce of tomorrow, and deliver on our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.
Building and supporting a pipeline of future talent
Historically focused on electrical roles, we have broadened our apprenticeship offering into IT, HR, Finance, Legal, Procurement, data analytics and accountancy. This expansion reflects the organisation’s need for multi-disciplinary skills to enable innovation and business transformation – all critical areas to support our transition to net zero emissions.
Every year, we receive up to 4,000 applications for our apprenticeship programmes, demonstrating strong demand and giving us the opportunity to attract top talent early on in their career.
ESB Networks Apprenticeship Programme
Our Network Technicians (NTs) are the backbone of ESB Networks. More than 1,600 skilled NTs keep Ireland’s electricity flowing – building, operating, and maintaining the network while responding to customer needs every day. These frontline teams are essential to delivering safe, reliable power.
For decades, ESB’s Electrical Apprenticeship Programme has been the gateway to these critical roles. Apprentices complete the SOLAS Electrical Apprenticeship and then spend 23 weeks at our Networks Training Centre (NTC) in Portlaoise, mastering the skills needed to work safely and effectively on the network.
ESB has increased first-year apprentice intake year-on-year. In 2025, we welcomed a record 156 new apprentices, including 40 women. Gender diversity in intake has grown from 18% to 26% in four years with 132 women having completed the programme over the last five years.
ESB Networks recently launched a €6.5 million upgrade of the NTC, designed to accelerate technical and craft skills development. This investment supports the major network enhancements required to meet Ireland’s energy transition goals. Please see the press release for more information on the investment in the centre.
Strengthening STEM engagement
Our investment in early career support starts at primary and secondary level where we actively participate in the promotion of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects through both sponsorship and support of STEM events.
ESB Science Blast, delivered by the RDS, supports over 16,500 children to develop STEM skills each year. This free, non-competitive educational programme for primary schools is all about keeping children interested and engaged on STEM.
We support the World Skills programme which allow us to show young people the kind of work and careers they can enjoy by joining our apprenticeship programme, and we also engage with guidance counsellors and the teaching profession to this end.
Investing today for our future talent
Apprenticeships are not just a pathway to employment – they are a cornerstone for building Ireland’s future infrastructure and energy capability. By investing in skills development today, employers like ESB are ensuring a resilient talent pipeline for decades to come. Greater financial support for validated craft apprenticeship programmes through the National Training Fund would empower more candidates to ‘earn while they learn,’ creating opportunities for individuals and strengthening the workforce that will power Ireland’s sustainable future.
Please see below links to our various apprenticeship programmes.