Traineeship opportunities 2008

ESB, in line with its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and Equality & Diversity, commenced a three-year pilot programme where a total of 11 people with disabilities availed of six months work experience with 'on the job' training. The aim of the Traineeship Programme is to offer people with disabilities the chance to get real work experience, in a real and meaningful job. It is hoped that this will play an important part of their development and will facilitate and accelerate their chances in seeking full time employment.

The Traineeship is a programme supported by the Chief Executive, Padraig McManus and it commenced in 2006. The programme was successful in that four of the participants were offered positions within ESB and others have found employment externally.

The Equality & Diversity office are now planning to launch the traineeship for the final year of the pilot programme. The programme is expected to commence in May. As with previous years, the trainees will be offered positions across the Business Lines.

ESB staff have commented on how beneficial the programme has been, not jut to the trainees and ESB as a whole, but to the staff themselves, in terms of learning on all sides with such a positive outcome all round.

Joyce Farrell, the newly appointed Equality & Diversity Manager, told EM that in preparation for the launch, the Equality and Diversity office are currently meeting with Business Unit champions who support the programme and will roll it out along with mentors, Recruitment & Selection, EAP service and Occupation Health & Wellbeing. "This programme has proven to be an enriching and educational learning experience for the company and I am delighted that our 20 participants drew such positive experiences. It's my aim to ensure the 2008 programme is equally as successful," she said.

Nicholas Smith
"I began my six month traineeship in March 2006. I was attached to HR in ESB Networks. During that time I was assigned to a number of tasks for different people, mainly working on Excel, updating spreadsheets and collecting relevant data. I was also in charge of looking after the daily post. I was given the opportunity to work on different ESB programmes such as DWMS and PMIS. I inputted data which had previously been held on paper, to the computer system. I also worked on the staff survey.

When I completed my time in September 2006 I was lucky enough to get an interview and was successful in securing a job. In January 2007, I took up a position with ESB Networks once again, this time in Central Site at Osprey House. I enjoyed my time working in Clanwilliam and it gave me great confidence required to be successful in my later interview."

Robert Forde
"I had been trawling through the internet, sending out CV's and getting a few interviews but nothing was happening. I was thrilled when having spotted the ESB ad and applying, I was called for interview. I started work in ESB Power Generation in head office. I couldn't believe my luck. As well as working on computer systems, I got a chance to work on organising events and meetings as well as was my first proper job since leaving college in July 2005.

I was a bit nervous but received huge support from my colleagues in ESB. I was very interested in the ergonomics so when I was finished my traineeship I did a 'Start your own business in Ergonomics' course. It is something that I feel will always stand to me. However, I was over the moon when I got a call from ESB Independent Energy in Santry offering me a 12-month contract. I was just over five months into the job when they offered me a permanent contract so I must be doing something right!

I am the Health & Safety representative. and I am really happy in the job. With a steady income I can make plans for the future. I have even managed to convince Fingal Co. Council to improve the pedestrian crossing and make it safer to come and go to work!"

Denise O Loughran
"Having received a call to say I was accepted into the ESB Traineeship programme and offered a role as a Clerical officer, I can only say I was thrilled. It was like as if I had been given a second chance and a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. I had heard about the Traineeship through Roslyn Park College where I graduated with a qualification in Business Studies.

The Traineeship gave me a sense of purpose and proved I could work full time despite having a disability. It was great to meet so many wonderful and interesting people who always offered help when it was needed. ESB is a very friendly atmosphere to work in. For the first time, I felt here is a company that does not hold any stigmatism in relation to people with a disability and here I was, one of the lucky few to be chosen to work with a large organisation.

I worked hard at the traineeship programme and as a result I was lucky enough to be offered a further contract for a two-year duration as a Clerical officer in Billing and Payments Department within ESB Customer Supply. My job consists of processing returned bills and general administration work. I like working as part of a team. I would recommend this traineeship to any other graduates out there. It is a great opportunity and I am delighted to have had such an opportunity."

Ciaran Ferry
"I first heard about the programme in 2006, when I was doing research through the Career Service in DCU. It was difficult to get jobs in the IT end of the market at that point and many of the 2002 graduates had been unsuccessful even though they had completed a number of interviews. A lot of the grads went back to complete a Masters. I was delighted to be successful and took up a position in Web & eServices with the Web Applications team in ESB. It was pretty much 'hands on' straight away. I had no problems, however, as everyone was really helpful.

The experience was great and it meant I got a 'foot in the door'. Any extra time or training that I needed was provided without a problem and ESB had most of the speech software and different programmes already available. The staff would find ways around doing things if I had any difficulty and were always willing to help. They made it very easy for me to fit into the team and I was able to offer advice also on some aspects.

Just before the six month contract was up ESB was recruiting for graduate engineers and I was successful in getting one of the positions. I have a degree in Computer Applications from DCU and a Masters in e Commerce. The facilities here are excellent and I am delighted to have secured a permanent position with such a good company."

Work Life Balance Day winner

Last month we ran with a competition to win a family pass to any Heritage Island attraction. The lucky winner was Paul O'Brien, ESBI, Stephens Court. The prize was sponsored by ESB Equality & Diversity Office.