ESB announces 300 new apprenticeships

The ESB is recruiting 300 apprentices over the next five years, as part of a €40m investment in the utility's training and development programme.

Network Technician apprentices will get 23 weeks of training at the ESB training centre in Portlaoise as part of their four year electrical apprenticeship.

The deadline for application is March 13.

Speaking about the announcement, the Tánaiste said nothing gives her greater pleasure than seeing apprenticeships coming back into favour.

"Nothing has given me greater pleasure than the announcement by companies like Aer Lingus, Eircom, Irish Rail, CIE and other companies that they are beginning and renewing the development of apprenticeship in Ireland," she said.

ESB Chief Executive, Pat O’Doherty, who made the announcement in Portlaoise this morning said: "We recognise that we must be able to attract, and retain, the best talent and we must continue to invest in their training and development.

"In this context, I am very pleased to announce today that we will be recruiting 300 new apprentices on a phased basis over the next five years.

"This represents an investment of €40m in the training and development of our future workforce."