ESB plan to train redundant apprentices welcomed

Plans by ESB to give 400 apprentice electricians who had been made redundant by private sector employers the chance to complete their training have been broadly welcomed today.

Trade union Unite, which represents workers at the State-owned company, said the plan would help workers complete their training to the "highest standards".

The utility firm has agreed a programme with Fás to begin offering on-the-job training to redundant apprentices from March. Redundant electrical apprentices on the Fás register will be invited to apply for places.

The initiative was announced yesterday by ESB chief executive Padraig McManus.

“Without full qualifications, apprentices will not be able to work as electricians and their career opportunities will be far more limited. ESB Networks has the expertise and resources to enable the apprentices to complete their training and ESB staff are delighted to be able to assist in this very important initiative”, said Mr McManus.

The apprentices will complete their training on fixed term contracts over the next two years, at a cost of about €2 million.

The first apprentices are expected to begin their training programme by mid April.

“The apprentices, who had almost completed their seven-phase training programme, have been let go by private sector employers in difficulty, said Unite regional organiser, Brendan Ogle.

“This is the kind of initiative by ESB, with support from its unions, that does more to help workers in the current crisis than all of the hot air that has been expended in recent weeks by misinformed parliamentarians, and an often hysterical media unfairly attacking the best run public company in Ireland."

It is estimated that up to 800 apprentice electricians have been made redundant in the current economic crisis, leaving them unable to complete the apprenticeship and become fully qualified.