Gas Networks Ireland is searching for a new cohort to join its highly regarded Apprenticeship Programme commencing this October. The four-year programme provides mentor-led apprenticeships working on Ireland’s €2.8bn, 14,725km 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. The newly appointed apprentices will help to maintain and operate Ireland’s national gas infrastructure trusted by 720,000 Irish customers to provide efficient and reliable energy to meet their heating, cooking, transport and manufacturing needs. This includes installation, inspection, and testing of a wide range of systems, such as pipework, gas metres and pressure regulators.

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

Training

During the mechanical course the apprentices will gain competency in a range of industrial skills, such as welding, turning and fabrication while electrical apprentices will learn about the installation and maintenance of wiring systems and calibration of sensors, among other skills. In the plumbing programme, apprentices receive comprehensive training in pipework systems, welding, soldering, and gas meter installation and maintenance.

Facilitated in partnership with SOLAS, apprentices receive on-site training with Gas Networks Ireland technical training coaches and attend formal classes in the Educational Training Boards and associated Technological University, alongside mentoring and coaching from our employees with unrivalled experience 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.

Speaking about the programme, 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.”

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