ESB's Civil Engineering Technician (CAD) Apprenticeship Programme 2026

ESB’s Civil Engineering Technician (CAD) Apprenticeship Programme 2026 

Are you looking for a career in engineering in the energy sector? 

Would you like to become a civil engineering technician, specialising in CAD, learning in a hybrid college/workplace environment, earning while you learn? 

If you do, why not join ESB to complete your Certificate in Civil Engineering specialising in CAD by apprenticeship? 

We are Ireland’s foremost energy company, where we are driven to make a difference, to achieving Net Zero by 2040! With over 1000 engineers and related professionals, ESB is dedicated to investing in engineering related expertise and developing critical skills to support Ireland’s future growth and development. 

We see investing in our people, the current and future drivers of our organisation, as a central pillar of our strategy. 

Our Civil Engineering CAD Apprenticeship Programme is aimed at school leavers, or others who want to change their career path, who have an interest in engineering and would prefer an apprenticeship approach to completing their education. 

The objective of our Programme is to launch you on a track to career success. You will grow professionally, develop key skills, and actively contribute to ESB’s Net Zero by 2040 strategy while also gaining a certificate in Civil engineering specialising in CAD over two years. 

The programme will involve: 

• Formal attendance (in-person and virtually) at either in ATU Galway or ATU Sligo (depending on college allocated to ESB) as per Certificate in Civil Engineering specialising in CAD  brochure 

• Full time on-the-job training/work when not studying. On-the-job training will be related to course modules as well as providing broader experience. It will involve being based at ESB’s offices in ‘The Sidings’ Grand Canal Dock with time on site and other locations as and when required. 

• Hybrid working is a feature of the engineering work in ESB, but it is expected that during training a significant amount of attendance in the office and some on-site attendance will be required. 

• Mentoring to support you in both your formal and on-the-job studies. 

• An ESB assessment near the end of your programme for access to a permanent CAD technician role in one of our civil engineering departments. 

Our Entry Requirements: 

In addition to the minimum entry requirements outlined by the college, ESB is looking for people with the following qualifications: 

• An O6/H7 or higher in leaving cert mathematics. 

• An O6/H7 or higher in the leaving cert (or equivalent) in: 

• Irish / English, 

• At least one of Chemistry, Physics, Physics & Chemistry, Construction Studies, Design and Communication, Graphics, Engineering, Technical Drawing and Technology, 

• Any 2 other subjects. 

• A full drivers licence valid for driving for work in Ireland. 

In addition: 

As an employee on our Civil Engineering CAD Apprenticeship Programme, you will enjoy our many benefits including a competitive salary (with annual increments on successful completion of each academic year) and a comprehensive benefits package built on the four pillars of reward, career, community, and wellbeing. 

Location 

ESB’s offices in ‘The Sidings’ Grand Canal Dock 

What We Look For? 

• A proven ability to work as part of a team. 

• An ability to juggle tasks and manage one’s own workload. 

• A thirst for continuous, independent learning. 

• A keen interest in delivering the net zero, resilient, reliable electricity infrastructure which Ireland needs. 

• An alignment with the ESB core values – we are Courageous, Caring, Driven and Trusted. 

Applications close on 13th April 2026. Places will be offered subject to meeting the minimum college entry requirements before the end of July 2026