ESB Networks - Apprenticeship program

stevie.enright

Hello all,


To give a bit of background on myself for some context - I am a 39 year old guy, healthy and relatively fit for my age. I graduated from college with a Bachelors degree in Business in 2004. From then up until April of last year I have being working broadly in Fund Administration (open office environment). Absolutely nothing wrong with the job but the role was changing considerably for me over my last couple of years in the job. Moving very much away from finance and moving to a much more techy type function - working ever more so with developers and programmers attempting to automate processes. I was getting very stressed also due to this and due in part to lack of management visibility and also because my role was changing so much week to week and to an extent only finding out after. Probably a fine job with good room for progression for the right person but just not for me.

Something I had being thinking with a while was moving into the area of Financial Advisor. I started my QFA course and made the move in April of last year. To be fair it was a good deal different to what I expected. At the start it was very much selling life assurance, mortgage protection and critical illness by telesales and over the last couple of months I am out on the road meeting Clients much more so and also working on pensions which there is a bit more meat to.
I do like the job and it does give a good buzz if somebody is appreciate of good advice you give and you make a sale. However, end of the day its very much about being a good salesperson rather than giving good advice, which an excellent salesperson I am not in fairness. Some of the conniving that goes on in the industry is spectacular. My problem is I'm possibly too honest and it is at times tough to give good advice on the phone when people seem to only have an attention span of 5 seconds and not much better at times in person. The job is very much commission based with a really small salary and to be honest I am struggling to make an anyway decent living at it and am now looking for other options. In a sense I am somewhat disgruntled with the whole industry and open to considering something new entirely.

I have in the past considered trades but at the same time have never delved too much into it. I'm strongly considering putting my name in the running for the ESB Apprenticeship program and would like some constructive guidance please.

I do like working outdoors and by no means afraid of a more physically demanding type job. I would have a pretty keen interest in DIY too and to see the results of my good work in that sense (if that is of any relevance).
The main thing I am conscious of is would I be viewed by the hirers as too old to embark on an apprenticeship?
Would anyone know the paygrades as you commence and through till end of the program when you have your qualification? I am lucky in that I am not paying a mortgage or rent, have fairly good savings and no other big financial commitments.

Any constructive guidance would be much appreciated here and thanks in advance.

Larryduff2018

My opinion nothing ventured nothing gained. Go for it. There's aptitude tests involved and closing date is March 13th. Pay rates are around roughly €255 per week to €600+ in year 4. Never too old. You'll get more info in their brochure on there website. Best of luck

Metal man 40

Hi Steve. I’m in the same boat as you. I’m 40,
In a pharmaceutical company but only going through the motions not feeling fulfilled career wise. I’m married, no kids and my wife has a good job. She’s very supportive and feels that it could be the best thing for me. I think you should go for it. I know at our age it can be a bit scary but we’re only half way through our working age. Look, there’s no harm going through the application process.

HoggyRS

Started last september with them at 29, 30 now. Prob 10 apprentices over 30 this year out of 80 odd overall. Most fellas/girls would be 18 starting though so its an experience being back with the young fellas. Money is shocking as with all apprenticeships so just something to consider if you have mortgages or loans. You'll spend 12 weeks in first years in portlaoise in the esb training centre so can be a hassle if youre from the west. No guarantee of a job at the end of the apprenticeship should be noted too.

Good company though, all the gear, training etc. The work is interesting for sure

huggy15

I'm going to apply this year, I'm 29 but turning 30 in april. I'm in a decent enough job at the minute working for an American company making medical devices. Current job is fine money is decent but feel I'm capable of a lot more and tbh dont have much job satisfaction where I'm at and dont find my job very mentally challenging.

I've done the career services course last week to try get a head start with the aptitude tests as I know they are crucial to getting an interview. Slightly apprehensive though if I was to get offered a job with regards the classroom based part of the apprenticeship what I'd do about digs etc as I know the money is dire the first few years.

Also if you weren't to be kept come the end of it what are the options after that? Youd have no experience with electrical in a commercial or industrial environment so I'm assuming options would be limited securing a job with another electrical company?

stevie.enright

Hi all, thanks so much for your replies, you are all very good. I completed the on-line psychometric tests yesterday. You need to be playing your A game with that one. Its being a while since I done an aptitude test to be fair. Generally not bad overall but I found the 3D spatial awareness test in particular bloody tough. Out of curiosity how did any others that completed the tests find them?

Larryduff2018 wrote: »

Pay rates are around roughly €255 per week to €600+ in year 4. Never too old. You'll get more info in their brochure on there website. Best of luck

Many thanks. Is the pay rate €255 per week for the first four years or are there incremental pay rises as you progress through the 4 year apprenticeship program?

@Metal man 40 have you applied?

HoggyRS wrote: »

Started last september with them at 29, 30 now. Prob 10 apprentices over 30 this year out of 80 odd overall. Most fellas/girls would be 18 starting though so its an experience being back with the young fellas. Money is shocking as with all apprenticeships so just something to consider if you have mortgages or loans. You'll spend 12 weeks in first years in portlaoise in the esb training centre so can be a hassle if youre from the west. No guarantee of a job at the end of the apprenticeship should be noted too.

Good company though, all the gear, training etc. The work is interesting for sure

Overall not where I would have expected or hoped to have being at this stage in my life HoggyRS. On the plus side thankfully I am pretty financially secure at the moment, have savings, no kids, mortgage free, no loans etc. Can take a fall in income if its a means to a half decent end.
I am circa 1.5 hours drive away from Portlaoise. Could most likely commute if only for 12 weeks but if I need to get accommodation up there so be it. Are the 12 weeks all in the one block HoggyRS?

huggy15 did you apply? I can't say I identify with you as I've never being in a situation where I didn't find a job I was working on mentally challenging - if anything the opposite for me perhaps for the most part (I'm ignoring weekend and Summer jobs I had to get me through college). Although not ideal I always thought there is a lot to be said for a job you just get on with as long as its secure and pays relatively well and you can just forget about it when you leave for the day.... I would have always thought if that was the case for someone they could take up a new hobby or reading on something of interest. Granted though I have never being in a situation where I came home from work frustrated because I didn't find my work mentally challenging and don't want to come across and patronising or condescending if that's the way it seems.

HoggyRS

stevie.enright wrote: »

Overall not where I would have expected or hoped to have being at this stage in my life HoggyRS. On the plus side thankfully I am pretty financially secure at the moment, have savings, no kids, mortgage free, no loans etc. Can take a fall in income if its a means to a half decent end.
I am circa 1.5 hours drive away from Portlaoise. Could most likely commute if only for 12 weeks but if I need to get accommodation up there so be it. Are the 12 weeks all in the one block HoggyRS?

im nearer to 2 hours from portlaoise and drove up and down everyday so 1.5 hours very doable. You get an extra 191euro a week when youre in portlaoise.

You do 2 initial weeks up there for your induction, then a few weeks back on site, followed by a 3 week block of technical training back in portlaoise. Then another 5 week block of technical training after xmas in portlaoise. I now realise this is 10 weeks not 12 weeks as I previously stated!

huggy15

huggy15 did you apply? I can't say I identify with you as I've never being in a situation where I didn't find a job I was working on mentally challenging - if anything the opposite for me perhaps for the most part (I'm ignoring weekend and Summer jobs I had to get me through college). Although not ideal I always thought there is a lot to be said for a job you just get on with as long as its secure and pays relatively well and you can just forget about it when you leave for the day.... I would have always thought if that was the case for someone they could take up a new hobby or reading on something of interest. Granted though I have never being in a situation where I came home from work frustrated because I didn't find my work mentally challenging and don't want to come across and patronising or condescending if that's the way it seems.[/quote]

Yeah I have applied I just need to do the aptitudes now. I want to do a bit more practice before going at the actual ones. The job I am in at the minute is grand but I feel I am well capable of doing more and also once qualified the salary of a network technician would be pretty decent and slightly more than I'm on now. I'll give it a go and if it goes my way happy days but if not ill not lose any sleep.

huggy15

Just done the aptitude test. Mechanical reasoning was handy enough, definitely thought verbal one was tight on time. The rest I thought I done ok on. When will we hear if we get through to the next stage?

Larryduff2018

huggy15 wrote: »

Just done the aptitude test. Mechanical reasoning was handy enough, definitely thought verbal one was tight on time. The rest I thought I done ok on. When will we hear if we get through to the next stage?

From what I remember it was around end of April early May last year when my son got word back. Saying that with covid 19 hard to know but aptitudes are all Computerised so should give results then. I wonder if he's successful when will interviews be . I've my son in leaving cert so up in a heap at minute don't know when he's sitting the state exams and waiting on this also.
Best of luck everyone anyways and stay safe.

huggy15

Larryduff2018 wrote: »

From what I remember it was around end of April early May last year when my son got word back. Saying that with covid 19 hard to know but aptitudes are all Computerised so should give results then. I wonder if he's successful when will interviews be . I've my son in leaving cert so up in a heap at minute don't know when he's sitting the state exams and waiting on this also.
Best of luck everyone anyways and stay safe.

Yeah got an email saying end of April but I've a feeling that will change given the current global situation. I can feel a recession coming so if I was to get to interview stage or offered the job I'd be a bit apprehensive about leaving my current job. Only time will tell. Good luck!

Bazzers

Hi guys,just wondering has anyone received anything regarding being called for an interview?probably a week or two early yet tho,not as much word about it this year compared to other years

Larryduff2018

Bazzers wrote: »

Hi guys,just wondering has anyone received anything regarding being called for an interview?probably a week or two early yet tho,not as much word about it this year compared to other years

Yes it's very quiet this year whether that's a good or bad thing. Hopefully we'll get word soon. My son waiting to hear back also

huggy15

Got an email today saying I've made it through to the next stage of the application process which means I will be included in the shortlisting process but it does not mean I am guaranteed an interview.

They said the shortlisting will be completed over the next 3 weeks and they will contact applicants with updates. Interviews will also be delayed due to covid 19.

whampiri

huggy15 wrote: »

Got an email today saying I've made it through to the next stage of the application process which means I will be included in the shortlisting process but it does not mean I am guaranteed an interview.

They said the shortlisting will be completed over the next 3 weeks and they will contact applicants with updates. Interviews will also be delayed due to covid 19.

Likewise, though I will be withdrawing from the competition as I've secured work elsewhere. Best of luck to you who make it through this stage.

Larryduff2018

My son got through to next phase also. Fingers crossed.

huggy15

I wonder how they decide who off the shortlist gets an interview? Aptitude score? Or is the aptitude just a pass or fail. Personal statement?

How many apprentices usually get kept on and offered a job after the 4 years?

EmmaFitz16

Hi, just wondering if anyone got word back on an interview yet, its been 4 weeks since they sent email about shortlisting for interviews

Thanks

huggy15

EmmaFitz16 wrote: »

Hi, just wondering if anyone got word back on an interview yet, its been 4 weeks since they sent email about shortlisting for interviews

Thanks

Got word yesterday. Thanks but no thanks!

EmmaFitz16

Ah thats a pity, its such a difficult job to get, my son is still waiting to hear, maybe tomorrow, hate waiting

whampiri

huggy15 wrote: »

Got word yesterday. Thanks but no thanks!

Likewise.

huggy15

EmmaFitz16 wrote: »

Ah thats a pity, its such a difficult job to get, my son is still waiting to hear, maybe tomorrow, hate waiting

Yeah it definitely isn't easy to get in or even get an interview, but what's for you won't pass you so I'm not gna beat myself up over it. Best of luck to your son and anyone else who's applied!

Larryduff2018

We got email through to interview stage no dates set yet due to covid 19.

torbie

My Daughter got an email that shes through to Interview stage - Im delighted for her.

Larryduff2018

torbie wrote: »

My Daughter got an email that shes through to Interview stage - Im delighted for her.

That's great my son also. Best of luck

Larryduff2018

Is it true interviews are not until September. That's crazy if that's the case alot of leaving cert students applied and will have had to of accepted or rejected a college place just weeks earlier. Bad timing. Did anyone else hear likewise.

torbie

Yes my daughter got an email today saying they were in sept. I figure she will have enrolled in a course by then. Theres nothing we can do about it so have to go with it.

Larryduff2018

Anyone get through to interview stage and now told there not progressing with application and have to wait until 2021 campaign. Really disappointing. A year is a long time. Waiting for a date and got email saying no interview anymore. So deflated and frustrated. Due to covid 19 less apprentice been taken on

torbie

That is so crap. It's like they handed you a chance and took it away.. so sorry to hear that. My daughter got through to the interview stage too but got a phone call last week & picked her time & date for the interview.
I think they agreed to a certain amount of apprenticeships over a few years so hopefully they'll make up the numbers. Do you have a plan B?

torbie

I was just wondering- was your son told they would get an interview next year or do they have to start again?
It's a crappy thing to do to the applicants...

Kiki1

Hello,

Has anyone sat the interview? Just wondering what kind of questions were asked and if you would have any pointers.

Thanks

Kate.r

hello,
just got a call from them today, opening spot for an Interview tomorrow has anyone went through their interview yet?

Larryduff2018

torbie wrote: »

I was just wondering- was your son told they would get an interview next year or do they have to start again?
It's a crappy thing to do to the applicants...

We were basically told if the apprenticeship is run again next year and there are positions in his areas he selected he will be called for interview. Presuming straight to interview and not having to go through it all again. There's alot of ifs and buts. He was devasted as this was his 2nd time to apply.

Larryduff2018

torbie wrote: »

That is so crap. It's like they handed you a chance and took it away.. so sorry to hear that. My daughter got through to the interview stage too but got a phone call last week & picked her time & date for the interview.
I think they agreed to a certain amount of apprenticeships over a few years so hopefully they'll make up the numbers. Do you have a plan B?

Best of luck to your daughter. Plan B in our house is in progress took him a good 2 weeks to get over the disappointment of all this. Looking for apprenticeship elsewhere a year to wait, and possibly nothing at the end of it is a long time. If he does get called next year he will still go ahead it's where he wants to work since he was in 3rd year at school and that was a few years back now. 😂😂Best of luck and well done to all who did get called.

Past30Now

Folks

Has there been any update on this. My 18yr old did an interview, did reasonably well (according to him!) and has heard little since. I understood that the results were to have been issued in October, with a potential start date in February. Anybody hear anything further.

torbie

Past30Now wrote: »

Folks

Has there been any update on this. My 18yr old did an interview, did reasonably well (according to him!) and has heard little since. I understood that the results were to have been issued in October, with a potential start date in February. Anybody hear anything further.

We still waiting too. And have been told the same feb start. I think that will change. I cant see them starting till maybe sept.
Fingers crossed for our kids!

Biffinator

Waiting here too , I did have to retake an assessment there last week not sure If it makes a difference I think that's only for some .im kinda hoping that no news is good news if it's taking this long but it's only speculation . It'd be rotten to have to wait this long for a no .best of luck to them I hope we get to meet

torbie

Biffinator wrote: »

Waiting here too , I did have to retake an assessment there last week not sure If it makes a difference I think that's only for some .im kinda hoping that no news is good news if it's taking this long but it's only speculation . It'd be rotten to have to wait this long for a no .best of luck to them I hope we get to meet

So you went to Portlaoise to re-do the aptitude tests? I would think that is a good thing. My daughter hasnt heard anything in ages. She felt real good after the interview tho.

Biffinator

No just on-line, it was the ones we did back at the application stage ,could be anything really could of done bad on the two I took who knows. hoping it is good news but I wouldn't fret if they weren't called for a retake I think they just test a sample of applicants , most just get called for the medical from what iv been reading. Like they would of probably said to those who didn't make it and then moved to the next stage if that makes sence. Have to say I'm 28 and it's been the most difficult application IV taken for any job .again keep the fingers crossed and hopefully we'll know soon. I think the lockdown is what's holding it all up cause the medical seems to be in Dublin

torbie

Biff, thanks for letting me know that. I still think it's good news for you. I'll let you know if my daughter hears anything. She & me will be gutted if she doesnt get it.
I think they kinda making it up as they go along - nobody knows what going to happen over the next few months.

2011

stevie.enright wrote: »

The main thing I am conscious of is would I be viewed by the hirers as too old to embark on an apprenticeship?

In my opinion 39 is too old.

I was considered "old" starting my electrical apprenticeship at 22. I spent around 15 years working on my tools. It is a great trade and it opened a lot of doors for me. I made good money, worked in many different sectors, worked abroad and most importantly was never out of work. However the work can be very physical and it became very clear to me that once an electrician turns 40 an exit plan should be strongly considered. At 50 it is a must. In my own case I made the decision to transition from electrician to electrical engineer when in my late thirties.

You would qualify at 43, that means that your career as an electrician will be a very short one. This does not mean that you need to exit the electrical industry, but for me it would question the logic of committing to a 4 year apprenticeship programme. Having said that it is a very good apprenticeship, I have worked with a some that have completed it.

I have been working or studying full time in the electrical industry for almost 30 years now (yes I am old). If you would like to talk to me about this please feel free to send me a PM and I will send you my mobile phone number. I will then tell you the good, the bad and the ugly of going through this process as well as what it feels like to make a major career change when in your late thirties.

I wish you the very best of luck with whatever you decide, I admire your drive and enthusiasm.

torbie

my daughters Dad is an electrician - and he worked his way up and teaches in one of the TECH colleges now. :-)

2011

torbie wrote: »

my daughters Dad is an electrician - and he worked his way up and teaches in one of the TECH colleges now. :-)

Yes, many electricians use their training to transition to other related roles myself included.

Danny552

You shouldn't wait to get into ESB go start an electrician apprenticeship and if you dont hear back or you didnt get through at least you have started a apprenticeship,
Friend of mine went through ESB apprenticeship.

more options to move into different sections to get into
after electrician apprenticeship, option to start your own business aswell not for everyone.
Pay is better aswell.

torbie

My daughter has been asked to redo some of the online tests. So that's good news

Biffinator

torbie wrote: »

My daughter has been asked to redo some of the online tests. So that's good news

Great to hear , god it's taking a while but we'll hopefully know soon. Biggest thing I found with em was the panic caught me off guard. Got an assessment job prep pack for 30 quid was doing pretty well but when it came to it my mind went blank, still did relatively okay but not the 80%+ I was averaging in the practice 🀣 biggest thing I think they're looking for is if there's a major difference in initial results Vs the retake hence having to have a webcam to do it . Fingers crossed 🀞

IrishPaddyMan7

Hi folks, I'm just wondering has anyone heard anything since they sat the aptitude retest?

torbie

IrishPaddyMan7 wrote: »

Hi folks, I'm just wondering has anyone heard anything since they sat the aptitude retest?

No news here but my heart did stop when I saw a new post on the board!

I kinda think we wont hear anything till after level 5.. things so up on the air.

IrishPaddyMan7

torbie wrote: »

No news here but my heart did stop when I saw a new post on the board!

I kinda think we wont hear anything till after level 5.. things so up on the air.

Thanks for the reply, yeah I was thinking that aswell but thought they might have started to contact people and have the dates for the next stage set for when level 5 restrictions are over. I guess it's a sit and wait as we have being doing.

Tkmin

Best of luck to all the candidates who have progressed past the interview stage and hard luck to those who received a rejection letter.
It's been a long process, 9 months so far.
Plan B has been activated in our house.

torbie

Sorry you didnt get the news you hoped for TKmin. It is a very long process this year. Glad you have a plan B. We dont need a plan B yet so keep going onwards.