DUBLIN: Gas Networks Ireland has launched its first apprenticeship programme time in 30 years.
The company said more than 50 opportunities will be created in apprenticeship and graduate programmes between now and 2017. Gas Networks Ireland is partnering with Solas to deliver the programme.
On completion of the four-year programme the apprentices will be awarded a Fetac Level 6 Advanced Craft Certificate. They will have the option to develop one of three crafts over the four years of the programme: electrical instrumentation; pipefitting; and mechanical automation and maintenance fitting.
Apprentices will undertake offsite training with Solas, as well as training at Gas Networks Ireland’s state-of-the-art training facility in Dublin. Gas Networks Ireland said it has invested substantially in all aspects of its technical training centre, including purpose built gas leak management and high-pressure training facilities that allow for realistic scenario based training.
Today’s announcement of over 50 opportunities in Gas Networks Ireland brings to almost 1,000 the number of new apprenticeship places announced this year. Quality jobs and apprenticeships are at the centre of our employment growth.”The technicians who will emerge from this programme will play an important role in developing and maintaining the gas network,” said Minister for Energy, Alex White. “By working with new technologies like biogas and compressed natural gas, they will also help deliver on Ireland’s commitment to clean energy.”
Our new apprenticeship programme will help ensure we continue to have the appropriate skills to deliver our operational and strategic objectives,” said Gas Networks Ireland managing director, Liam O’Sullivan. “It is a great way for us to invest in the future of our business, while offering successful applicants a great start to their career.”
Gas Networks Ireland will initially hire 14 apprentices to commence training in September 2015. The apprenticeship programme is open to people who are over 16 on 1 September 2015 and who have attained a minimum grade D in at least five Leaving Certificate subjects.
