ESB Traineeship for People with Disabilities

People with disabilities are two and a half times less likely to have a job than able bodied people, according to a recent National Disability Authority report. Many highly qualified people with disabilities find it very difficult to get into the workplace as employers are often afraid to take a risk in hiring them.

ESB introduced an initiative to help a number of people with disabilities obtain six months work experience in the various Business Units within ESB. This initiative called the 'Traineeship for People with Disabilities' was designed to help get people used to the modern working environment and all that goes with that - for example working in teams, IT systems, e-mails, dealing with deadlines and participation at meetings etc. The traineeship programme commenced last year and will run for three years in total. Approximately 30 people will get valuable work experience with ESB during this period.

11 people took part in the first year of the programme, which started in March 2006. Many of the participants had been out of work for some time and others had never been in a job. Some of them found it a challenge getting used to the rigors of commuting to and from work and working a full day. Two of the participants had guide dogs that also had to get used to the nine-to-five regime.

All participants agreed that it was an excellent initiative and that the on-the-job training, along with the CV preparation and interview techniques training included in the programme, helped them to gain confidence and will be of great value in seeking work elsewhere. This confidence has helped five of the trainees from last years programme to secure full time positions.

Nine people commenced the 2007 Traineeship which started in May and are working in various locations throughout ESB. One of the nine is Clare Louise Creedon, who is based in the Chief Information Organisation in Head Office. She said, "I absolutely love being a Trainee in ESB, as it has been a great insight into the job world. The people have been so friendly and helpful it has made a big difference to me being here. Even though I have a disability, they see me and my ability, and not my disability, which is great".

The Traineeship will run again in 2008. For more information on the Traineeship contact the Equal Opportunities Office on 26705.