NIE Networks Apprentice Academy on lookout for outdoor loving females

NIE Networks has opened applications to its Apprentice Academy (Monday 15 January) and are encouraging females to apply.  

The company is recruiting 22 new apprentices across three different skill streams; overhead lines, plant maintenance and metering.  The apprentices will obtain a vocational qualification in Electrical Power Engineering and a technical Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

While traditionally considered a male-dominated environment NIE Networks is keen to encourage females to apply.  Grainne Convery applied last year and is currently training to be a plant maintenance electrician, she recommended it to others: “I had previously worked in an office and I knew that I wanted to be out and about more instead of being in the same place all the time.  I was also looking for something more physical and challenging.  I had heard NIE Networks was a great company to work for and that they offered great employee benefits so I decided to apply to their apprenticeship scheme.  I’m really enjoying the people I’m working with and the fact I’m getting the opportunity to learn something completely new.  Everyone on the course has been great and I don’t see myself being treated any differently than anyone else.  Our group have become very tight knit and it’s great to have people you get along with who are all having the same experience.

The Academy is open to anyone who will be aged 16 or over by September and you must hold, or expect to achieve, 3 GCSE passes at Grades D-A* (Grades 3-9) or equivalent including mathematics, English language and a STEM related subject.  

Successful candidates will earn while they learn, avoiding student loans and gaining vital experience as part of their qualification.  The salary starts at around £15,979 plus a bonus of up to £1000 and there are set milestones for progression before it rises to approximately £29,500 or more upon completion.  

John Burns, Technical Training Manager with NIE Networks, said: “The electrical industry is in a significant growth period so the opportunities that lie ahead for our apprentices are varied and exciting.  Our vision is to provide an electricity network that is safe and reliable, capable of facilitating a net zero carbon future and one that meets the longer term needs of our society so we need to secure a passionate and skilled workforce.”

The NIE Networks Apprentice Academy is the only Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) Accredited apprenticeship in Northern Ireland.  It also won the best Apprenticeship Programme in the DfE Apprenticeship Awards 2023 under the Large Employer category, along with their partners in Northern Regional College.

The company has bespoke training facilities in Ballymena, Campsie and Silverwood and apprentices are supported by specialist instructors who mentor them through their qualification.

The organisation is keen to encourage a diverse range of applications and particularly welcomes applications from females, ethnic minorities and those from the disabled community.  They are also supportive of individuals who have worked in a completely different profession but want a career change.

NIE Networks was also awarded Best Apprenticeship Scheme at the national CIPD People Management Awards UK.  The company also holds a Silver Diversity Charter Mark for its commitment to driving a positive gender balance and inclusive workplace. 
 
Applications close on 11 February at 11pm. For further information or to apply, visit www.nienetworks.co.uk/apprenticeships