Press release

ESB announces programme to enable 50 percent of redundant electrical apprentices complete training

10th February 2009: Four hundred redundant electrical apprentices who have been unable to complete their craft qualification because of the economic downturn are to be offered an opportunity by ESB to finish their training.

ESB today (Tue, Feb 10th) announced that, from next month, the company's Networks Division will begin training a total of 400 apprentices who lost their jobs before they were able to complete their electrical apprenticeships.

ESB has agreed a programme with FAS to begin offering on-the-job training opportunities to redundant apprentices from March. FAS will write to all redundant electrical apprentices on its register, inviting them to apply for places and it is expected that the first 100 apprentices will have commenced the programme by mid April.

It is estimated that a total of 800 electrical apprentices have lost their jobs while training. As a result they are unable to complete the necessary on-the-job training aspect of their apprenticeship and therefore cannot achieve national craft accreditation.

Announcing the initiative, ESB Chief Executive, Padraig McManus, said the chance for apprentices to complete their training is critical for their future careers.

"Without full qualifications, apprentices will not be able to work as electricians and their career opportunities will be far more limited. ESB Networks has the expertise and resources to enable the apprentices to complete their training and ESB staff are delighted to be able to assist in this very important initiative", he said.

Note to applicants

Please do not contact ESB direct as FAS will write to all redundant electrical apprentices on its register, inviting them to apply for places. It is expected that the first 100 apprentices will have commenced the programme by mid-April.

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