CM: ESB Generation & Trading Apprenticeship 2026 - Clare

Mechanical Automation and Maintenance Fitting Apprentice

(Ardnacrusha)

Launch your career working on some of the largest equipment that helps power the nation

Join Our Team at Ardnacrusha! 

This is an opportunity to work as part of a leading-edge team in Ireland’s Ardnacrusha hydropower generating station and on the Shannon Scheme.  We have been generating electricity on the Shannon since 1929. The station team plays a pivotal role in ensuring Ardnacrusha’s safety, commercial and technical performance is optimised.

ESB Ardnacrusha Station has 3 Francis turbines and 1 Kaplan Type Turbine, 4 generators (G1 – G4: rated at 21MW, 22MW, 19MW and 24MW respectively) and responsibility for all the associated dams, weirs, gates, and civil structures associated with the Shannon hydroelectric scheme.

ESB is committed to and promotes an open and inclusive culture where everybody has the opportunity to work to the best of their ability and feel part of the team. ESB is inviting those interested to apply for our Apprenticeship (Mechanical Automation and Maintenance Fitting) programme which will commence in September 2026. Our apprenticeship programme will provide you with:

• both on-the-job and classroom-based learning
• dynamic work experience
• the skills required to undertake routine power plant maintenance as well as diagnose and problem-solve complex power plant faults
• attain a recognised Level 6 Trade Advanced Certificate with a world-class Utility Company 

What an ESB Apprenticeship consists of:

The Apprenticeship is SOLAS standards-based, consisting of 208 weeks / 4-year duration. During the 4 years, there are 7 SOLAS Phases:

• Phases 1, 3, 5 and 7 are on-the-job training, gaining experience while working closely with qualified Crafts people on site. 
• SOLAS Phases 2, 4 and 6 are off-the-job training modules. These phases take place in regional Education & Training Boards centres, SOLAS approved training centres and in the Technical Universities.
• Additional plant required training is provided by ESB in your location and at various training centres in the region.
• Full PPE and tools are provided along with safety training.

Safety is a foundational capability of ESB and you will be expected at all times to work within and according to safe working practices and safety systems. You will be provided with safety training during your apprenticeship which is provided by ESB. You will also be required to complete safety training that is required under legislation while working in ESB.

The Mechanical Automation and Maintenance Fitting Apprentice role includes, but is not limited to:

• learning to maintain pumps, seals, bearings, actuators, turbines, piping and pumping systems.
• working with hydraulics, pneumatics, workshop equipment such as lathes, drilling machines, welders, milling machines, rotating plant and equipment. You will be involved in scheduled plant maintenance programs during shutdowns.
• learning to trouble shoot mechanical systems during breakdowns and work as part of an experienced team of qualified technicians.

An apprenticeship with ESB is an opportunity to earn while you learn to gain an internationally recognised advanced level six trade certificate. You will be supported throughout your On the Job and Off the Job phases during your training.

Educational Requirements:

To start your career in power generation, we are looking for candidates who have a mechanical aptitude, enjoy problem solving or technical subjects, or have an interest in working in industrial environments. Prior trade experience is not necessary, although candidates need to be safety focused, a team player, curious or technically minded and a willingness to learn are essential.

Candidates must be 17 years of age or older before the 1st June 2026 and have obtained the following minimum standards at the time of applying:

• Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement – 5 Achieved grades or higher in Maths, English or Irish, Science* and two other subjects.
• Junior Certificate – 5 grades D or higher Maths, English or Irish, Science* and two other subjects.
• Leaving Certificate Applied - 120 or more Credits.
• Vocational Leaving Certificate – 5 grades D’s or higher in Maths, English or Irish, Science* and two other subjects.
• Leaving Certificate – 5 grade O6 or higher (formerly 3 Leaving cert grade D or higher) in Maths, English or Irish, Science* and two other subjects (H7 is not accepted as equivalent to O3 for this Campaign, a candidate must have a minimum of 40% in required subject either in higher or ordinary level)
• FETAC/QQI Level 3 Major Awards – Minimum 6 modules which include
  • Communications,
  • Mathematics or Broader Application of Number and Functional Mathematics,
  • Personal Effectiveness or Personal and Interpersonal Skills.
• FETAC/QQI Level 4 Major Awards – Minimum 5 modules.
• FETAC/QQI Level 5 Major Awards – Minimum 5 modules.

Science* can be replaced by Technology, Art, Craft & Design, Technical Graphics, Metalwork, Material Technology (Wood) Design Communication Graphics, Construction, Engineering, Home Economics, Ag Science, Biology, Physics, Chemistry

Additional Requirements:

• Full driving license or evidence of working towards a full driving licence
• If successful at interview stage, the successful candidate will also be required to complete a medical assessment which must be passed.

Closing Date

Closing date for applications is no later than 18/05/2026

If you have any queries, please e-mail: apprentices@esb.ie

There is no commitment to a role in ESB upon completion of the apprenticeship.

Note: Applicants who anticipate requiring assistance or reasonable accommodations for any part of the application or interview process may contact, in confidence, apprentices@esb.ie

ESB is an equal opportunity employer

Join us in our mission to achieve a net-zero electricity system by 2040. ESB is Ireland’s leading energy utility, with activities spanning electricity generation, transmission and distribution, energy supply, energy services and international consultancy. Operating in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain, we invest over €1 billion each year to deliver a new energy future based on reliable, affordable zero-carbon electricity.

Our inclusive culture fosters innovation and connection among our 9,000 employees. At ESB, we support you to be your best so that you can truly make a difference.