The investment will support the onboarding of 156 new ESB Networks electrical apprentices.
State-owned Irish energy provider ESB Networks will invest €6.5m into its National Training Centre in Portlaoise, to accelerate the development of key technical and craft skills.
Having committed to delivering a net-zero ready electricity network by 2040, a €13.4bn capital investment programme is planned over the next five years to decarbonise electricity, deliver reliable, resilient infrastructure and empower consumers to take control of their energy use.
As part of its strategy for the future, ESB Networks is currently in the process of onboarding 156 new electrical apprentices, with plans to onboard a further 120 qualified electricians in early 2026.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, TD, visited the training centre in Portlaoise yesterday (30 October) and said, “This investment is a powerful signal of the continued growth of apprenticeships at the heart of Ireland’s skills strategy. With over €410m committed to apprenticeship delivery from 2026, the Government is building a system that delivers real opportunity, real careers and real impact.
“Whether it’s powering homes or driving climate action, ESB Networks apprentices are shaping Ireland’s future, developing the advanced skills that power a modern, sustainable and knowledge-driven economy.”
Nicholas Tarrant, the managing director of ESB Networks, added, “Today’s announcement is critical to ensuring that ESB Networks and our contractor partners have the necessary skills and capabilities to support a major capital investment programme in the electricity network that will enable housing, a growing economy and climate action.
“For generations, the ESB Networks national training centre has played a vital role in delivering technical, safety and electrical craft training to ESB Networks’ employees and our contractor partners. Through this investment in Portlaoise we will expand our training delivery capability, which in turn will support the continued growth in resources to enable investment delivery in the electricity network over the coming years.”
In April of this year, ESB Networks announced a partnership with South East Technological University (SETU) to bridge the gap between academia and industry. The collaboration will focus on enhancing Ireland’s energy sector through learning opportunities and innovation.
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