CM: ESB Generation & Trading Apprenticeship 2026 - Cork

Electrical and Instrumentation Apprentice

(Lee Stations)

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

Join Our Team at Lee Stations!  

This is an opportunity to work as part of a team in hydro power stations on the River Lee located at Inniscarra and Carrigadrohid, Co. Cork.

Built between 1952 and 1957, Lee Generating Stations joined the other schemes on the rivers Shannon, Erne and Liffey to become ESB’s fourth major hydroelectric development. This involved creating two reservoirs in the Lee Valley, which: 

• cover an area of 14km² and 
• have a storage capacity of 45 million cubic metres. 

Overall, the stations have a combined capacity of 27 MW.  Inniscarra has two generating units producing 15 MW and 4 MW.  Both units use Voith turbines with Brown Boveri generators, which operate under an average head of 30m.  Carrigadrohid has one generating unit (Voith turbine/Siemens generator) with a capacity of 8 MW, operating under an average head of 13m.  Lee Stations are a high efficiency producer of renewable energy and are part of ESB’s goal of Net Zero by 2040. 

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 (Electrical and Instrumentation) 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 Electrical & Instrumentation apprentice role includes, but is not limited to learning:

• to safely work on and test high voltage and low voltage switchgear, generators, power circuits, work on large and small motors, motor control circuits, variable speed drives, cabling and containment systems, various valve types and actuators.
• to calibrate and scale instrumentation devices such as pressure, level, temperature and flow transmitters along with various other transducers such as speed, vibration and position systems
• how it all works together in automatic control using PLC’s and control systems.
• to fault find and fix complex systems and perform corrective and preventative maintenance while working as part of a supportive 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 technical aptitude, are curious to understand how electrical things work, 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.