ESB apprenticeship

greenranger · 16-02-2011 9:04pm

I went for ESB last year and didnt get it after interview and second aptitude test,I then was lucky enough to get an apprenticeship elsewhere but my preference would really be to work for the ESB,What i would like to Know is am i eligable this year if I am already registered with Fás but hav'nt yet gone on to phase 2 or if i have completed phase 2 by that time would I have to start over from year one? I know took a long and roundabout way to ask but if anyone could help id appreciate it.

sparcocars · 16-02-2011 10:13pm

greenranger wrote: »

I went for ESB last year and didnt get it after interview and second aptitude test,I then was lucky enough to get an apprenticeship elsewhere but my preference would really be to work for the ESB,What i would like to Know is am i eligable this year if I am already registered with Fás but hav'nt yet gone on to phase 2 or if i have completed phase 2 by that time would I have to start over from year one? I know took a long and roundabout way to ask but if anyone could help id appreciate it.

Yes no problem in you applying and going through the processes again but if you got a job you would be starting from scratch again as far as i know. A lad that started with me in 2009 had done phase 2 and all before the company he was with went bust. He just had to start the apprenticeship again.

evosteo · 25-02-2011 3:44pm

hi all just wanna see what other people think.
i see the esb apprentiship process has started again this year.

am i crazy for thinking to apply for an apprentiship with the esb.

im a quilified electrician since 2008, served with patrick lynch elec. which i feel was a good apprentiship.

was let go in 2009 due to lack of work,

i recently recieved my degree in electrical services engineering in 2010,

iv been unable to get a start full time as an electrician or in a graduate position.

if i managed to get in with the esb would i not at least be guarenteed 4 years work???????

what would your chances be of been kept on full time after its served????

is all the appprentiship based on work on the "national grid"??????

i really dont know what to be doing except i want to get back working.

feel like im wasting away not working.

bassey · 25-02-2011 6:30pm

Tbh I highly doubt they would already take on an already qualified sparks as an apprentice, mainly because you'd be taking the oppertunity away from someone else to gain a qualification and you might be no more use to them than some young fella just out of 6th year.

The work done is quite varied depending on where you're based. It could me HV lines/cables. HV stations. MV/LV lines. Metering. Operations. The list goes on

evosteo · 25-02-2011 6:34pm

the experience working on the grid is what has me seriously thinking about it , plus the job security and im fairly sure id have a slight advantage over a 6th year just out of school

bassey · 25-02-2011 7:58pm

Have you ever climbed poles/pylons? Jointed HV cables? Assembled pylons? Built spans and spans of overhead lines? Done maintanence work on a transformer?

You would definatley know more about electricity and the industry then someone straight out of school. But the ESB don't employ all the apprentices they take on at the end of the 4 years.

Look at it this way, you have you're qualification, why deny the chance for some other youngfella to get his? Also you could dog them enough with applications to take you on as an electrician

stephenk123 · 02-03-2011 2:37am

i applyed the other day when can i expect to hear something back, thanks

osullic · 02-03-2011 4:55pm

How difficult is this apprenticeship to get?
I'm thinking a lot of people will apply given the amount of people on the dole queue.
Good luck to everyone going for it

bassey · 02-03-2011 6:53pm

In my year there was over 5000 applicants and only 100 places, I'd imagine there'll be even more applications these days and I dunno how many places there are. As far as I remember if you're succesfull with the initial application the next step is an aptitude test, you'd probably hear about this in maybe a month or two.

gmekit · 02-03-2011 8:59pm

Can anyone tell me what type of aptitude tests they use for the ESB:D

sparcocars · 02-03-2011 9:05pm

gmekit wrote: »

Can anyone tell me what type of aptitude tests they use for the ESB:D

From what i can remember when i did mine, its things like basic maths, mechanical reasoning and a few other things like that. Can't really remember the rest. Time limit for each section of it but its ok if all questions aren't answered. I didn't answer them all and got in. There only really to see if you would have the head for a technical type of apprenticeship. This filters down the amount that they interview then.

quantity771 · 11-03-2011 1:22am

I've sent off my application too. I don't have any previous experience,does anybody know if there are any short courses like in FAS or that I could do? Was thinking if I got past aptitude test,it would look good to have it for the interview? as I'm sure there will be plenty others with more experience than I have? I checked FAS website but it just confused me all the more? Any help would be really appreciated lads!

bassey · 11-03-2011 6:03pm

It's an apprenticeship, you don't need previous experience.

sparcocars · 11-03-2011 7:12pm

quantity771 wrote: »

I've sent off my application too. I don't have any previous experience,does anybody know if there are any short courses like in FAS or that I could do? Was thinking if I got past aptitude test,it would look good to have it for the interview? as I'm sure there will be plenty others with more experience than I have? I checked FAS website but it just confused me all the more? Any help would be really appreciated lads!

As bassey said, its an apprenticeship and they take on differant people with a variety of backrounds. Some people go in straight from junior/leaving cert, others with previous work experience. Its all about how you present yourself in the interview if you get to that stage after the aptitude test. Just prepare for the interview well. You get sent out a letter about what you should prepare also.

TheBully · 14-03-2011 9:34pm

HoggyRS wrote: »

Sorry to be bumping this but are the ESB taking on the usual 100 apprenticeships this year? If so when will they begin taking applications?

Its not usually 100, they took on that number last year but its normally around the 40 -50 mark! Rumour has it that this year is 40! Im a 1st year apprentice, thats how i know!

TheBully · 14-03-2011 9:44pm

evosteo wrote: »

hi all just wanna see what other people think.
i see the esb apprentiship process has started again this year.

am i crazy for thinking to apply for an apprentiship with the esb.

im a quilified electrician since 2008, served with patrick lynch elec. which i feel was a good apprentiship.

was let go in 2009 due to lack of work,

i recently recieved my degree in electrical services engineering in 2010,

iv been unable to get a start full time as an electrician or in a graduate position.

if i managed to get in with the esb would i not at least be guarenteed 4 years work???????

what would your chances be of been kept on full time after its served????

is all the appprentiship based on work on the "national grid"??????

i really dont know what to be doing except i want to get back working.

feel like im wasting away not working.

Ok, You would be guarnteed 4 years work but to be honest thay prob wont take on anyone who is already qualified, They like to train their own from scratch so they do things the ESB way. Ur aswell to try anyway lad, I got in last year after doing mechanical work for years! its worth a try!
The work involved is on the ESB networks, Customer supply, installing meters, Maintance work on LV and MV lines, Installing Traffos and putting up new works! u spend ur time doing station work throughout the apprenticeship too!

Its a great apprenticeship and ur normally somewhere different everyday, and most of the lads are spot on!
Chances are slim of getting a job after, about 1 in 5 get taken on but worry about that after the 4 years!

Im currently a 1st yr apprentice so ya can mail me if u need any advice!

Good luck applying!

evosteo · 14-03-2011 10:19pm

are you a 1st year app in the ESB????

just wondering how do they decide who stays on and who moves on??????

is it a case of who gets the best results in exams or something

and also what do the esb apprentices that dont get kept on end up doing????

bassey · 15-03-2011 12:06am

I remember the yea I started they where saying that they were planning on taking on 100 each year because they wanted approx. 50 people to pursue the options for engineering, but with the way things have gone I have heard they might be taking on less

stephenk123 · 19-03-2011 1:54am

Johnny Blue wrote: »

were would you get an application form? or do you just ring them up and ask?

if its for the apprenticeship you apply online but the closing date was the 14th of march

Sparky2011 · 22-03-2011 8:26pm

evosteo wrote: »

hi all just wanna see what other people think.
i see the esb apprentiship process has started again this year.

am i crazy for thinking to apply for an apprentiship with the esb.

im a quilified electrician since 2008, served with patrick lynch elec. which i feel was a good apprentiship.

was let go in 2009 due to lack of work,

i recently recieved my degree in electrical services engineering in 2010,

iv been unable to get a start full time as an electrician or in a graduate position.

if i managed to get in with the esb would i not at least be guarenteed 4 years work???????

what would your chances be of been kept on full time after its served????

is all the appprentiship based on work on the "national grid"??????

i really dont know what to be doing except i want to get back working.

feel like im wasting away not working.

To be honest with you I do believe that if you have already completed your apprenticeship and are qualified FAS wont let you do it again.. Could be worth checking this out before you go applying!

.G. · 22-03-2011 8:33pm

Sparky2011 wrote: »

To be honest with you I do believe that if you have already completed your apprenticeship and are qualified FAS wont let you do it again.. Could be worth checking this out before you go applying!

+1

You can't serve time and study for a qualification that you already hold

dolittle · 22-03-2011 8:35pm

if you have served you time and got a degree in electrical services engineering
then why dont you try the facilities management route
with your degree and the electrical background it could be a good move

f_deasy · 28-03-2011 8:19pm

Has anyone heard anything from the esb since the closing date of applications?

HoggyRS · 29-03-2011 9:03pm

f_deasy wrote: »

Has anyone heard anything from the esb since the closing date of applications?

Heard nothing myself. I think the exam yoke is usually around May so i'd say there will be emails mid april.

Sparky2011 · 30-03-2011 11:34pm

f_deasy wrote: »

Has anyone heard anything from the esb since the closing date of applications?

Last year the aptitude test was the week after easter. You should get a letter telling you a date and time for this about two-three weeks before it. It will probably be same time this year because of lads applying who are doing leaving cert! It will also have a little booklet with a few example questions of the four sections in the test.

All of this is assumin your application was good enough for them!

There was in or around 4500 applicants last year with 1200 being called for the aptitutde test and a further 450 for interview with 100 apprentices taken on!

evosteo · 31-03-2011 2:43am

just found this it may be of interest to you all..........

The ESB Apprenticeship 2011 Competition

This year the ESB plan to hold an online aptitude test as part of the selection process. Candidates who are successful in the aptitude test will then be called for interview. Career Services will be holding tailor made 1- Day ESB Aptitude Test and Interview preparation courses for the 2011 competition.

http://www.careerservices.ie/ESB/index.php

TheBully · 10-04-2011 4:08pm

HoggyRS wrote: »

Heard nothing myself. I think the exam yoke is usually around May so i'd say there will be emails mid april.

All the best with it! Its a great apprenticeship

stephenk123 · 12-04-2011 5:57pm

anybody hear anything

ChriisM · 13-04-2011 6:00pm

Just got a letter today from them saying ill be doing the Aptitude test this friday. Any of you genius's help me out on whats on the aptitute test?

bassey · 13-04-2011 6:13pm

From what I remember it's the usual, spacial awareness, logical reasoning, mechanical reasoning, numerical reasoning and the likes, did they not send ya out sample questions?

osullic · 13-04-2011 7:08pm

ChriisM wrote: »

Just got a letter today from them saying ill be doing the Aptitude test this friday. Any of you genius's help me out on whats on the aptitute test?

You got a letter?I still haven't heard anything since the initial email.I'm starting to worry a bit now.:(

meercat · 13-04-2011 8:18pm

ChriisM wrote: »

Just got a letter today from them saying ill be doing the Aptitude test this friday. Any of you genius's help me out on whats on the aptitute test?

yes .letters received by family members saying online aptitude test to be completed by the 21st.
starting this friday
dont think there is anything to worry about in the tests
just take your time and do your best
good luck

ChriisM · 13-04-2011 8:20pm

bassey wrote: »

From what I remember it's the usual, spacial awareness, logical reasoning, mechanical reasoning, numerical reasoning and the likes, did they not send ya out sample questions?

So nothing id need to study for ?

River Boy1986 · 13-04-2011 11:08pm

Got a letter today also...if successful with the appitude test does anyone when interviews might take place?Going to work in the U.S for a few weeks so just wondering?

yew_tree · 14-04-2011 10:29am

Got the letter today. Will probably give it a go tomorrow. im sure the tests are timed?

osullic · 14-04-2011 12:35pm

Got my letter this morning anyway.:)

osullic · 14-04-2011 12:55pm

Did anyone get the e-mail from the partners regarding the test?
I'm assuming they won't send it out until tomorrow.

stephenk123 · 14-04-2011 5:45pm

got the letter yesterday hopefully all goes well

HoggyRS · 14-04-2011 9:45pm

Got the letter this morning, gonna have a bash on saturday off the exams

yew_tree · 15-04-2011 10:24am

anybody get an email yet? - I assumed they would be sent out this morning?

secure_watch · 15-04-2011 12:58pm

Got my letter there yesterday too but no e-mail either.. is this online assesment a new way of shorlisting or is there only a certain number of people doing it ??

osullic · 15-04-2011 7:53pm

Got my e-mail at half four or so.I think I'll do the test tomorrow.

Grannie Annie · 16-04-2011 6:26pm

Hi, I'm new to this so need encouragement!
My son has been offered the aptitude test for ESB on line. Has anyone completed it yet? Ne idea what it is going to entail?

Thanks in advance

Daniel S · 17-04-2011 7:56pm

Grannie Annie wrote: »

Hi, I'm new to this so need encouragement!
My son has been offered the aptitude test for ESB on line. Has anyone completed it yet? Ne idea what it is going to entail?

Thanks in advance

Hi,
I just did it, it's exactly as its supposed to be. An aptitude test. I'm 17, I did it, but I timed myself pretty badly. Took too long on certain things and took me a while to figure out I could skip questions. Just let him have a go and see. As it says on the letter, there's no point in helping him, he'll have to do it again if he gets futher.

Also, does anyone know if you can skip the apprenticeship and go straight to engineering in college. Does it have to be Electrical Engineering and does it have to be in CIT/DIT? I'd rather be do Mechanical Engineering as I want to become an Formula One engineer sooooo badly!!!

Young Friel · 18-04-2011 10:56am

How good is the training of the ESB apprentices???

Grannie Annie · 18-04-2011 1:12pm

Hi, thanks for reply.
My son completed the aptitude test on Sun night. It was difficult to complete the assignments in the time allowed & the section on your personal preferences was very repetitive.

Hope he gets to the next stage.
If you are interested in mechanical engineering I think you are completly off track applying to the ESB!

J.R. Ewing · 18-04-2011 2:10pm

Hi, got email to do aptitude test by 21st. It's been quite a while since I sat the leaving cert, does anyone know what level of maths required for engineering aptitude test? Will need to cram revise a years syllabus in next few days before taking test??

evosteo · 18-04-2011 3:32pm

just recieved this email a short time ago, just as i suspected they would not accept qualified lads or lads nearly through their apprentiship. unfortunate but worth the try.

Thank you for your application for the ESB Apprenticeship Programme 2011.

I very much regret to inform you that as you are currently in or have completed an Electrical Apprenticeship programme we cannot consider you for this role.

This news will no doubt be disappointing to you, but may I sincerely thank you for your interest in ESB.

It is ESB Policy to retain all information submitted to us for 2 years, for recording purposes only. Please advise us if you are unwilling to allow ESB to hold your information for this period. ESB will not use this information for any future vacancies.

May I also take this opportunity to wish you all the very best for the future.

Mod edit.

Name and number removed. Thanks for the report. I took the name and number off the thread as it was given to the person / people the message was sent to only. Thank you for the post though.

osullic · 18-04-2011 6:47pm

J.R. Ewing wrote: »

Hi, got email to do aptitude test by 21st. It's been quite a while since I sat the leaving cert, does anyone know what level of maths required for engineering aptitude test? Will need to cram revise a years syllabus in next few days before taking test??

No just have a calculator handy.Its just basic multiplication and addition for most of it.
I did it on Saturday and found the maths and verbal handy but was a bit caught for time on some of the other stuff.
All the best with it anyway J.R.

bassey · 18-04-2011 6:51pm

mtb_kng wrote: »

Hi,
I just did it, it's exactly as its supposed to be. An aptitude test. I'm 17, I did it, but I timed myself pretty badly. Took too long on certain things and took me a while to figure out I could skip questions. Just let him have a go and see. As it says on the letter, there's no point in helping him, he'll have to do it again if he gets futher.

Also, does anyone know if you can skip the apprenticeship and go straight to engineering in college. Does it have to be Electrical Engineering and does it have to be in CIT/DIT? I'd rather be do Mechanical Engineering as I want to become an Formula One engineer sooooo badly!!!

No you can't skip straight to college, you wouldn't have a clue what was going on. Yes it does have to be in DIT or CIT and why on earth would the ESB bother sending you off to do mechanical engineering??

ESB apprenticeship

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