CM: HR Graduate Development Programme 2026

 
Vacancy Number:  27155
Category:  Graduates - Business
Job Type:  Full-time
 

ESB HR Graduate Development Programme 2026

Your Brighter Future Awaits

 

About Us

Ready to make a real impact? At ESB, we’re all about sustainability. Our ‘Driven to Make a Difference: Net Zero by 2040’ strategy is paving the way for a greener future. Join us and be part of the change!

At ESB, we’re on a mission to create a sustainable future with reliable, affordable, and low-carbon energy. We power Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Great Britain, and offer international energy consulting.

With almost 8,000 employees, we invested €1bn in sustainable infrastructure last year, contributed over €2bn to local economies, and supported community initiatives with over €2m. We’re all about innovation and delivering solutions to help our customers live low-carbon lives.

Our HR Graduate Development Programme 

People are at the core of our success. Joining ESB’s HR team means becoming part of an innovative and skilled group. Our HR Graduate Development Programme is designed to support both personal and professional growth, equipping you for a successful career with ESB as an HR Professional while contributing to our ambitious Net Zero by 2040 strategy. Our CIPD-aligned HR Graduate Programme features structured rotations to build your HR skillset. For example: 

  • Talent Acquisitions  

  • Learning & Development 

  • Reward & Benefits 

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

  • Capability, Development & Resourcing 

  • HR Business Partner Support Role  

Graduate Learning & Development Programme: Continuous growth is key! Our Graduate Learning and Development Programme is designed to support you in developing your professional and personal skills including Teamwork, Personal Impact, Storytelling, Leadership, and Innovation. You’ll also become part of our vibrant Graduate Community, where you can connect, learn, and grow with fellow graduates! 

Supportive Work Environment: You’ll kickstart each rotation by setting goals with your manager which will be reviewed during regular one-to-ones. You’ll have a dedicated Mentor, alongside your Line Manager, Graduate Co-Ordinator, Buddy and Graduate Peers. Your Mentor will guide you through the programme, offering valuable advice and guidance.  

 Graduate Life at ESB 

Dive into sports and social activities including GAA, Football, Tag Rugby, Athletics, and Golf.  
Enjoy graduate social events, team-building challenges, and charity and volunteering opportunities. We also offer wellness initiatives to support your overall well-being. Our clubs, societies, and networks are perfect for making new connections! 

 What You’ll Receive  

We offer a competitive graduate salary and a comprehensive benefits package built on four pillars of Reward, Career, Community, and Well-being: 

  • Progressive, hybrid working model 

  • Career development through mentoring and training 

  • Corporate Social Responsibility opportunities 

  • Sports and Social Clubs 

  • Credit Union access 

  • Pension Scheme 

  • Employee well-being programmes 

  • Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion 

  • Great team environment with our Core Values: Courageous, Caring, Trusted, and Driven 

 Location 

At ESB, our HR teams are primarily based in our Head Office in Dublin 2. Depending on your rotation as part of the HR Graduate Development Programme, travel may be required. 

What You’ll Need 

  • 2.1 Honours Level 8 Degree (expected or attained) in HR, Business, Psychology, or a related field 

  • Strong leadership and teamwork skills 

  • Communication and interpersonal skills 

  • Flexibility to travel when required 

  • Previous relevant work experience is essential

In your CV (max 2 pages), please include: 

  • Degree and Masters (if applicable) Title 

  • Results to date 

  • Final Year Modules 

  • Final Year Project Title 

  • Relevant work experience 

  • Contact information (mobile phone number and email address, with voicemail activated) 

 

Closing Date 

19th October 2025

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

ESB is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all sections of society and ensure that no one is discriminated against on the grounds of race, religion or belief, ethnicity or nationality, disability, age, citizenship, marital status, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other basis as protected by law. 

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

About ESB

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.