13 January 2025
The Apprentice Academy is now open for applications for anyone interested in a career in the energy sector.
This year the company is recruiting to two streams; overhead lines and wayleaves / surveyors.
The Wayleave and surveying apprenticeship is a two year course and applicants will obtain a Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering and a Pearson Edexcel Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations.
The Overhead line apprenticeship is also a two year course with apprentices obtaining a vocational qualification in Electrical Power Engineering and a technical Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
The Academy is open to anyone who will be aged 16 or over by September and you must hold, or expect to achieve, 5 GCSE passes at Grades A*-C (Grades 4-9) to apply for the wayleave/surveying apprenticeship.
Those applying to the overhead lines apprenticeship must have 3 GCSE passes at Grades D-A* (Grades 3-9) or equivalent.
GCSE’s must include 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 £16,714 plus a bonus of up to £1000 and there are set milestones for progression before it rises to approximately £30,000 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 green, renewable 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 apprenticeship in Northern Ireland to have an Investors in People Platinum accreditation. They also have an Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) accredited professional development scheme and an IET Accredited apprenticeship scheme which is unique in Northern Ireland.
The company has bespoke training facilities and apprentices are supported by specialist instructors who mentor them through their qualification.
Wayleave and surveyors work both in the office and on site, surveying the overhead lines, liaising with landowners and ensuring the teams have the necessary information to allow them to carry out work on site.
Laura McLaughlin, an overhead lines person with NIE Networks, qualified in December 2021: “If you’re interested in something a wee bit different, do it. From start to finish it’s been one of the best experiences of my life and it’s led to a lifetime career.”
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.
The NIE Networks Apprentice Academy won the best Apprenticeship Programme in the DfE Apprenticeship Awards 2023 under the Large Employer category, along with their partners in Northern Regional College.
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.
Apply on the NIE Networks website before 11pm on Monday 10 February.