James Campion
Hi, I’m James! I have just completed my first year of the Professional Masters of Education with Science and Biology in the University of Limerick.
It is an excellent opportunity to gain skills in a STEM industry and company that may be otherwise very hard to get into! The programme offers a first class chance of gaining excellent experience and information to bring back to my students in the future and is something I think will stand to all interns involved.
I spent my 10 week internship programme at the ESB Network Training Center in Portlaoise. This is where apprentices and trained electricians come to receive their training to become qualified network technicians for ESBN. I worked predominantly on two research projects over the 10 weeks gathering information from apprentices on what attracted them to apply for an electrical apprenticeship with ESBN. The second project was a literature review based on scientific journals from around the EU to find out what attracts/detracts people to and from a career in STEM. I then submitted these papers and presented my findings from the research to the staff in the NTC in Portlaoise. I was also able to participate in several training days that were running for the apprentices in the NTC in Portlaoise and was able to see what is involved in doing an electrical apprenticeship and becoming a competent network technician for ESBN, including but not limited to a safe driving course, climbing a 15 metre mast, pole climbing and pole top rescue. I also went on trips organised by ESBN and ESB International to Turlough Hill and Ardnacrusha power station. I will take back to the classroom from my research a greater appreciation of some the barriers people face when trying to start a career in STEM and also what is involved in completing an electrical apprenticeship for the ESBN.
ESB is Ireland’s foremost energy company. We have been supplying power to industry, communities and individuals for 90 years. Through innovation, expertise and investment, we are leading the way in developing smart and sustainable energy systems to meet the demands of modern life, both at home and overseas, making us a vital part of building a brighter, more sustainable future.
At ESB, we believe that electricity is an enabler of societal and economic well-being and that every citizen should have access to secure, sustainable and affordable electricity supplies. We are harnessing all our resources for a brighter future, investing in our people and working collaboratively with partners to enhance the lives of our customers, drive economic progress and bring about a more sustainable future.
