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Looking for Apprenticeship (help)

  • 09-03-2011 1:00am
    #1
    Registered Users Posts: 68 ✭✭


    Hi im really new to this i hope i posted this in the right place lol.
    i am currently in college but i hate it and am dropping out before the years out i generally hate the college and the course and just dont think college is for me i would rather do something more hands on so i am looking for an apprenticeship which i wanted to do in the first place, only went to college 2 make the parents happy but cant stand it anymore. Anyway i am looking for an apprenticeship as an electrician so if anyone has any advise for me about this or would be able to set me up with an apprenticeship or knows someone that could PLEASE reply to this . Thanks for reading
    looking foreward to feedback:D


Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 527 ✭✭✭yew_tree


    ESB are currently taking applications for apprentices. check out their website. I hear they give great training.


  • Registered Users Posts: 68 ✭✭HoopsLad1888


    Thanks Yew Tree i hav already applied for that hopefully i get a posative reply off them but i wont be holding my breath.
    i would really love to get an electrical apprenticeship
    someone HELP lol


  • Registered Users Posts: 432 ✭✭eire2009



    Finish college, no work for sparkies at home. All the apprentices I know are struggling for the past 3 years to even get their final 6 months experience done.

    ESB will be extremely hard to get into and they`ll let you go when you finish, with zero training for the domestic, commercial and Industrial markets. It’s mostly work in sub-stations which will only give you limited experience. You wont be insured or allowed to do anything by yourself there till your qualified..

    Australia is changing the requirements for skilled migration and trades are the going to be the first to be axed. Other countries will follow as construction comes to a halt in many countries.

    Don’t be expecting a reliable job out of it as there is so many highly experienced trades men out of work it will be near impossible to get chance of a good job in the future..

    Working in all conditions as well is hard, if you go abroad when qualified some of the projects don’t come to a halt until -40C and 50C depending on the country,

    There a lot of just pulling cable some the thickness of your leg on large scale projects…

    Good money but its not an easy life and there’s nothing back home..

    Id suggest doing Quantity Surveying, Project Management if you want to get into the construction business not a trade, I know some QS`s earning 1000Euro a day..

    To be honest you`ll be bored to death in the college part as well, its Junior Cert pass maths and a few motors, really boring and that’s a year of the 4..


  • Registered Users Posts: 68 ✭✭HoopsLad1888


    Thanks but im dropping out next week and the course im doing is quantity surveying and its sh*te and i hate it and everything about it.
    i think i hav something sorted there in a feww weeks so hopefully it works out for me...
    also i would be happy working abrad as i plan to leave anyway its something i really want to do and i dont wan2 do anything else


  • Registered Users Posts: 432 ✭✭eire2009


    Your mental boy, if you want something hands on go the gym.. You`ll spend the first year getting lunches and carrying tools and getting shouted at..

    Some people have to learn the hard way.. I did, ended up going back to college after a qualifying from a trade..

    Go onto constructionjobs.ie and do a search for QS jobs and one for sparks.

    Type electrician into jobs.ie or Fas.ie

    Good luck either way ..


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  • Registered Users Posts: 68 ✭✭HoopsLad1888


    Thanks lol


  • Registered Users Posts: 936 ✭✭✭bassey


    eire2009 wrote: »
    ESB will be extremely hard to get into and they`ll let you go when you finish, with zero training for the domestic, commercial and Industrial markets. It’s mostly work in sub-stations which will only give you limited experience. You wont be insured or allowed to do anything by yourself there till your qualified.

    Sorry I just had to highlight this. It's bullshìt.

    Yes it is very hard to get into but it's a great apprenticeship if you do get it.

    Saying he'd have zero training in domestic is wrong, he'll have done phase 2 and a fair bit of wiring. Same goes for industrial.

    And no it's not all work in sub-stations. It's probably the most varied electrical apprenticeship you can do in the country just some of the things you'll do are:

    Lines work at HV, MV and LV
    Cables work at the same
    Operations
    Metering
    HV station work
    Sub station work

    And withing all these there's so much more.

    Also he won't definatly be let go at the end of his time, they keep on their best apprentices.

    OP you'd be mad not to apply for the ESB apprenticeship, you have as much chance of getting it as everyone else who applies


  • Registered Users Posts: 68 ✭✭HoopsLad1888


    bassey wrote: »
    Sorry I just had to highlight this. It's bullshìt.

    Yes it is very hard to get into but it's a great apprenticeship if you do get it.

    Saying he'd have zero training in domestic is wrong, he'll have done phase 2 and a fair bit of wiring. Same goes for industrial.

    And no it's not all work in sub-stations. It's probably the most varied electrical apprenticeship you can do in the country just some of the things you'll do are:

    Lines work at HV, MV and LV
    Cables work at the same
    Operations
    Metering
    HV station work
    Sub station work

    And withing all these there's so much more.

    Also he won't definatly be let go at the end of his time, they keep on their best apprentices.

    OP you'd be mad not to apply for the ESB apprenticeship, you have as much chance of getting it as everyone else who applies
    Thanks man feels good to finally hav someone tell me its a good idea :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 936 ✭✭✭bassey


    Look if you were to get it it's 4 years solid employment. But alot of what eire2009 said is true, there's an awful lot of unemployed electricians out there and apprentice's that can't get a job to finish their time


  • Registered Users Posts: 68 ✭✭HoopsLad1888


    i no but sure what can ya do like its something i hav wanted 2 do so im doin it ya no


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  • Registered Users Posts: 432 ✭✭eire2009


    bassey wrote: »
    Sorry I just had to highlight this. It's bullshìt.

    Yes it is very hard to get into but it's a great apprenticeship if you do get it.

    Saying he'd have zero training in domestic is wrong, he'll have done phase 2 and a fair bit of wiring. Same goes for industrial.

    And no it's not all work in sub-stations. It's probably the most varied electrical apprenticeship you can do in the country just some of the things you'll do are:

    Lines work at HV, MV and LV
    Cables work at the same
    Operations
    Metering
    HV station work
    Sub station work

    And withing all these there's so much more.

    Also he won't definatly be let go at the end of his time, they keep on their best apprentices.

    OP you'd be mad not to apply for the ESB apprenticeship, you have as much chance of getting it as everyone else who applies


    Like I said no experience in Domectic,Industrial or Commercial Industries..

    Most of the work will be maintenance just reading voltages any major work sub-contractors are brought in to do..

    Phase 2 isnt experience its training..

    In this climate they will let go their apprentices go and renew them with more..

    Dont get me wrong its money for 4 years + a trade ..

    But a QS Degree is worth so much more in the long run a lot of the bull**** in college isnt apart of the actual job as well..


  • Registered Users Posts: 936 ✭✭✭bassey


    eire2009 wrote: »

    Most of the work will be maintenance just reading voltages any major work sub-contractors are brought in to do..

    Wrong again, then how come as an apprentice I got to build cubicles in HV transformer stations? I got to build HV underground cable circuits?

    Also your missing out one of the best things about the ESB apprenticeship, the chance to do an electrical engineering degree.


  • Registered Users Posts: 68 ✭✭HoopsLad1888


    eire2009 i no ur tryna help but as i said i am already doing a quantity surveying course at the moment and i hate it thats why i am dropping out.

    Bassey you seem to knowwhat your talking about did you get into the ESB?


  • Registered Users Posts: 25,594 ✭✭✭✭Mrs OBumble


    eire2009 wrote: »
    Australia is changing the requirements for skilled migration and trades are the going to be the first to be axed. Other countries will follow as construction comes to a halt in many countries.

    NZ were looking for ways to fast-track the registration/conversion of many trades, because they needed lots of construction workers to fix damage caused by the September 10 earthquake. I suspect the demand will be even greater after the recent earthquake.


  • Registered Users Posts: 432 ✭✭eire2009


    bassey wrote: »
    Wrong again, then how come as an apprentice I got to build cubicles in HV transformer stations? I got to build HV underground cable circuits?

    Also your missing out one of the best things about the ESB apprenticeship, the chance to do an electrical engineering degree.

    If you are qualified I am bemused as to what you are taking about,
    you do not sound like a sparks maybe an ESB one :confused:

    a cubicle in HV transformer station, underground cable circuits whaaa???

    Well I can see you got great experience there,

    Anybody can do an electrical engineering degree its 2 years post apprenticeship..

    Any semi-state or state owned companies are not run like a business, they get state funds and are not concerned with making a profit this alone is bad experience..

    I’ve worked for a similar company with the same structure and left because I went to phase 2 and was laughed at by the other apprentices as I hadn’t got a clue, I copped on after a month but I still lacked their real life experience ..

    What would you know anyway the ESB is all you know..


  • Registered Users Posts: 432 ✭✭eire2009


    JustMary wrote: »
    NZ were looking for ways to fast-track the registration/conversion of many trades, because they needed lots of construction workers to fix damage caused by the September 10 earthquake. I suspect the demand will be even greater after the recent earthquake.


    Maybe so, Queensland might be the same in Auz and now Japan, but its still a big risk he`d be better off moving to Auz now and doing an Auz apprenticeship..


  • Registered Users Posts: 936 ✭✭✭bassey


    eire2009 wrote: »
    If you are qualified I am bemused as to what you are taking about,
    you do not sound like a sparks maybe an ESB one :confused:

    a cubicle in HV transformer station, underground cable circuits whaaa???

    Well I can see you got great experience there,

    Anybody can do an electrical engineering degree its 2 years post apprenticeship..

    Any semi-state or state owned companies are not run like a business, they get state funds and are not concerned with making a profit this alone is bad experience..

    I’ve worked for a similar company with the same structure and left because I went to phase 2 and was laughed at by the other apprentices as I hadn’t got a clue, I copped on after a month but I still lacked their real life experience ..

    What would you know anyway the ESB is all you know..

    So say that all the ESB's major work is contracted out then when I give you examples of work ESB apprentices get to do you say you don't even know what the work is?

    Yes anybody can do the electrical engineering degree with advanced entry into 2nd year after phase 4 but will they be paid to do it? Don't think so.

    Also you're talking out your arse about getting state funds because the ESB are a profit making company that pay a dividend to the government every year.

    I've made my points and I'm not arguing it further as you obviously have some sort of personal beef with the ESB.

    Best of luck OP.


  • Registered Users Posts: 106 ✭✭MightyDucks


    HoopsLad1888,

    If it's what you want to do you should do it no matter what anybody tells you to. Its always the same sh#te from people when there is no jobs in one sector, its always "stay away from it". Well i happen to listen to these people and was told to do an apprenticeship, which i did (carpentry). Now don't get me wrong i do like the job but as i'm sure you know this area is in the sh#ter. This was 6 years ago:eek: but who know what its going to be like in 4/5 years. In my opinion it won't be great, but listen there could be a big demand for construction workers(fingers+toes crossed).So many people are staying away from it that there could be a shortage but i would be flabbergasted if there was.

    In my opinion go hell for leather to get into the ESB they give a great apprenticeship or so i've been told from a good friend. As for letting you go at the end, nobody knows whats going to happen 4+ years down the road. If you don't get in with them look at every other avenue. Have you thought about doing electrical engineering? The key is research. I intend on doing what I want to do and i'm going to get there......eventually.
    Just my two cents and best of luck.

    Oh and in my entire apprenticeship I was never shouted at or told to make tea once, thats old school horse sh#t


  • Registered Users Posts: 68 ✭✭HoopsLad1888


    HoopsLad1888,

    If it's what you want to do you should do it no matter what anybody tells you to. Its always the same sh#te from people when there is no jobs in one sector, its always "stay away from it". Well i happen to listen to these people and was told to do an apprenticeship, which i did (carpentry). Now don't get me wrong i do like the job but as i'm sure you know this area is in the sh#ter. This was 6 years ago:eek: but who know what its going to be like in 4/5 years. In my opinion it won't be great, but listen there could be a big demand for construction workers(fingers+toes crossed).So many people are staying away from it that there could be a shortage but i would be flabbergasted if there was.

    In my opinion go hell for leather to get into the ESB they give a great apprenticeship or so i've been told from a good friend. As for letting you go at the end, nobody knows whats going to happen 4+ years down the road. If you don't get in with them look at every other avenue. Have you thought about doing electrical engineering? The key is research. I intend on doing what I want to do and i'm going to get there......eventually.
    Just my two cents and best of luck.

    Oh and in my entire apprenticeship I was never shouted at or told to make tea once, thats old school horse sh#t
    Thanks Mighty Ducks i am going to do it no matter what anyone says coz its somethin i really want to do thanks again finally someone that is telling me propper to do what i want im sick of looking on my thread to find ppl (eire2009) talking about what he/she dosnt know about and argueing with someone that does (bassey)
    so thanks again Mighty Ducks :D


  • Registered Users Posts: 432 ✭✭eire2009


    Thanks Mighty Ducks i am going to do it no matter what anyone says coz its somethin i really want to do thanks again finally someone that is telling me propper to do what i want im sick of looking on my thread to find ppl (eire2009) talking about what he/she dosnt know about and argueing with someone that does (bassey)
    so thanks again Mighty Ducks :D

    Opinion is what you asked, apart from working at the trade and on numerious large scale projects where the only cubicle is a toilet, I guess I dont know what bassey is talking about ..

    If your lucky enough to get an apprenticeship suppose its not the worse thing to have in your pocket..


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 301 ✭✭pieface_ie


    Anybody can do an electrical engineering degree its 2 years post apprenticeship..

    Not exactly right lads.

    Its 2 years post phase 6 not phase 4. And that gets you a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Services Engineering.

    To get a Bachelor of Engineering you must stay on a extra two years after you have completed the Electrical Services Engineering making it 4 years in total even with the trade.

    Electrical apprenticeship is a good path to take do difficult at the moment with the way things are.

    And theres alot more to it than just "putting up lights" :D


  • Registered Users Posts: 432 ✭✭eire2009


    For a second there I thought I said post apprenticeship ..

    When I think about it more when I did mine it was boom times I had the option to work with who I wanted and get the experience that I wanted..

    People today don’t have that option and a secure apprenticeship anywhere like the ESB,OPW(office of public works), Irish Rail is actually the best option regardless of the specialised work..


  • Registered Users Posts: 876 ✭✭✭TheBully


    Eire ur talking through ur hole...

    Firstly, The ESB is semi state... They are all about making a profit! The State have NEVER given them a penny, its always been the other way around and they are actually the only semi state to never to get state money.

    Your saying the apprenticeship is worthless but its anything but that, I know plent of normal sparks who are currently out of work, In fact 90% of them are! So doing that apprenticeship is pointless! The ESB is specialised and only a handful get through every year so there is always work afterwards, Even if its not with the ESB! Linesmen are in demand all over the world and the Option of joining ESBI is always going to be there! Look at this link for Australia, http://www.careerjet.com.au/linesman-jobs.html Thats just 1 example.
    Its the best apprenticeship going, You get the best training possible with one of the best companies in the world! Ul be paid more than any other apprentice too becauses u actually get the going rates. You will be more specialised than a spark as the ESB train u as an electrician/Linesman/Station Operator, And i think Eire will agree ul be well able to wire any house when u finish, and a couple of months work u can actually get ur certs for domestic/industrial wiring!
    Im Only a 1st year apprentice but iv already learnt so much and met great people, If you want it then go for it!
    After 4 years you may end up with the ESB, You may end up with a Electrical engineering degree, You more or less have a choice of either of them! You may get a job with Airtricity, You could end up with a Contractor, You could end up working around the world with ESBI or you may end up around the world with contractors or other semi states!
    Dont listen to eire, He is obviously bitter about something!


    Go for it lad, You wont regret it!


  • Registered Users Posts: 68 ✭✭HoopsLad1888


    TheBully wrote: »
    Eire ur talking through ur hole...

    Firstly, The ESB is semi state... They are all about making a profit! The State have NEVER given them a penny, its always been the other way around and they are actually the only semi state to never to get state money.

    Your saying the apprenticeship is worthless but its anything but that, I know plent of normal sparks who are currently out of work, In fact 90% of them are! So doing that apprenticeship is pointless! The ESB is specialised and only a handful get through every year so there is always work afterwards, Even if its not with the ESB! Linesmen are in demand all over the world and the Option of joining ESBI is always going to be there! Look at this link for Australia, http://www.careerjet.com.au/linesman-jobs.html Thats just 1 example.
    Its the best apprenticeship going, You get the best training possible with one of the best companies in the world! Ul be paid more than any other apprentice too becauses u actually get the going rates. You will be more specialised than a spark as the ESB train u as an electrician/Linesman/Station Operator, And i think Eire will agree ul be well able to wire any house when u finish, and a couple of months work u can actually get ur certs for domestic/industrial wiring!
    Im Only a 1st year apprentice but iv already learnt so much and met great people, If you want it then go for it!
    After 4 years you may end up with the ESB, You may end up with a Electrical engineering degree, You more or less have a choice of either of them! You may get a job with Airtricity, You could end up with a Contractor, You could end up working around the world with ESBI or you may end up around the world with contractors or other semi states!
    Dont listen to eire, He is obviously bitter about something!


    Go for it lad, You wont regret it!
    Thanks man i jus got a letter in the post off the esb the other day saying i made it through to the next round so now i have 2 do some online assessment things the said they will send then to me via e-mail i think it could be like the aptitude tests i doe online for the aerlingus apprenticeship i applied 4 so hopefully i do well in that :) it would be great to get into the esb
    Thanks again TheBully eire has been meltin my head 4 ages about this lol u the man MR BULLY~:D


  • Registered Users Posts: 432 ✭✭eire2009


    Thanks man i jus got a letter in the post off the esb the other day saying i made it through to the next round so now i have 2 do some online assessment things the said they will send then to me via e-mail i think it could be like the aptitude tests i doe online for the aerlingus apprenticeship i applied 4 so hopefully i do well in that :) it would be great to get into the esb
    Thanks again TheBully eire has been meltin my head 4 ages about this lol u the man MR BULLY~:D

    I’m the one being bullied on this thread ha,

    fair play on getting through if you had the aptitude to get into a QS degree I don’t think you’re going to have much of a problem with the aptitude needed for the JC maths in sparking.

    Do yourself a favour and don’t quit college till you’ve gotten an apprenticeship. As pointless as it may seem you might want to hedge against not getting in and having neither.


  • Registered Users Posts: 68 ✭✭HoopsLad1888


    I know this has been gone for a while but just to let everyone know I ended up leaving college and looking for work it was quite tough for 5 to 6 months but I finally got my apprenticeship and I love it I am doing it the last few months but just wanted to thank everyone for their opinions and input in my conundrum lol thanks :D


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