Gas Networks Ireland has launched its highly regarded Apprenticeship Programme which begins this October.

The four-year programme provides mentor-led apprenticeships working on Ireland's €2.8 billion, 14,725 kilometres national gas network, considered one of the safest and most modern gas networks in Europe.

The organisation is looking for apprentices who share a commitment to safety, building upon the team’s two million accident-free work hours, a milestone which was surpassed last year. Newly appointed apprentices will play a vital role in sustaining and managing Ireland's national gas infrastructure, relied upon by 720,000 Irish customers for dependable energy solutions catering to heating, cooking, transportation, and manufacturing. Their responsibilities will include the installation, inspection, and testing of various systems, including pipework, gas metres and pressure regulators.

Apprentices will also contribute to a cleaner energy future for Ireland, as Gas Networks Ireland transitions to providing more renewable gases, including biomethane and hydrogen. They will discover and learn all about these renewable gases initially at our Network Innovation Centre in Dublin ensuring the gas network is able to transport these renewable gases safely.

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During this transition, apprentices will become part of an organisation with a very strong legacy and culture founded on pride in its purpose, to keep Ireland's energy moving and a commitment to realise its vision, which is to be at the heart of Ireland's energy future.

During the mechanical course, apprentices will develop proficiency in various industrial skills, including welding, turning and fabrication. Electrical apprentices, on the other hand, will focus on tasks such as installing and maintaining wiring systems, as well as calibrating sensors. In the plumbing program, apprentices undergo extensive training in pipework systems, welding, soldering and the installation and maintenance of gas meters.

In collaboration with SOLAS, apprentices undergo on-site training with Gas Networks Ireland's technical training coaches. Additionally, they attend formal classes at Educational Training Boards and affiliated Technological Universities, benefiting from mentoring and coaching provided by our experienced employees in the gas industry.

On completion of the Apprenticeship Programme, successful trainees will be awarded a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft - the national and international requirement for craftsperson status.

Gas Networks Ireland's Director of People, Nicola McSweeney said: "At Gas Networks Ireland, we are very proud of our Apprenticeship Programme, and I am delighted to open our application process for our 2024 intake.

"As an apprentice, you will be joining Gas Network Ireland at an exciting, and transitional, time for our company, and the energy sector. You will join an organisation with a culture that supports and develops you through your career and you will receive fantastic mentoring and training as you embark on your career in your chosen technical field.

"Our Apprenticeship programme brings to life our organisational values by bringing energy and talent into our business to prepare for the future, through learning via years of valuable experience. In doing so, we are building and sharing our experience across our teams, and we are doing the right thing in supporting all our apprentices in their development and learning."