Disability Traineeship Programme 2009

Earlier this year, Padraig McManus, Chief Executive, and Luke Shinnors, Executive Director Human Resources, gave their full support for ESB to continue with the Traineeship for People with Disabilities programme for the years 2009-2011. The Traineeship Programme, which has been running since 2006, was originally designed to give approximately 10 people with disabilities six-months work experience in a modern work environment on an annual basis. To date more than 45 people have taken part in the programme.

The 2009 programme is well underway and 12 trainees have completed a five-day induction course and have taken up their six-month placements in the company. The induction course was designed to give the trainees an opportunity to learn about ESB, the operation of the Business Lines and also a chance to get to know one another. During the week, the trainees attended presentations giving an overview on the work carried out in each of the ESB Business Units. The trainees also visited areas such as the Cúl Green Project in Croke Park, Number 29, Turlough Hill Power Station and ESB Networks Training School in Portlaoise.

Deputy Chief Executive John Shine and Worker Directors Tony Merriman and Bobby Yeates were among those who dropped in to meet the trainees and welcome them to ESB. The induction week proved to be very successful and gave the trainees a good overview and understanding of each of the business units in ESB.

A team of ‘disability champions’ and mentors will work closely with the Equality and Diversity Office to help all trainees settle into ESB as smoothly as possible and to support them throughout their six months in the company. The Equality and Diversity Office would like to thank all those who supported or participated in the Induction Course.