ESB Networks - Apprenticeship program

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 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.