ESB, Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) and Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see the progression of up to 200 electrical apprentices through to a third level engineering degree.

The first class of 35 will commence their formal four year college course in September 2011.

As part of a series of initiatives to increase the number of electrical engineering graduates, ESB has committed to fund up to 50 apprentices through the four year college course. There is currently a severe shortage of engineering graduates emerging from third level colleges.

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Speaking at the signing of the MoU at ESB Headquarters in Dublin, the Company's Chief Executive, Padraig McManus said: "In spite of the current economic recession, companies like ESB must continue to plan for the long term. We are witnessing a serious shortage of engineering graduates but this educational initiative will have a real and practical impact in terms of supplying the market with qualified personnel to build critical infrastructure and develop our economy. The programme also provides tremendous opportunities for those people on the course who will gain engineering degrees."

The apprentices embarking on the degree course were first recruited by ESB in September 2009.

President of DIT, Professor Brian Norton said: "We are delighted to work with our colleagues in ESB and with CIT on this initiative. DIT is committed to providing ladders of opportunity in all disciplines that allow students at all stages to progress to their highest achievable level of qualification and this is an excellent example."

(CD/GK)