Overhead Lines Technician

Level
Duration
2 Years
Job Zone

In Summary

This apprenticeship programme is currently being developed and it is intended that delivery will commence in October 2026. The apprenticeship is subject to change, pending QQI validation approval.*

This is a two-year practical apprenticeship programme with nine modules, developed in consultation with industry.  

As part of this programme, Apprentices will engage in on-the-job training with a SOLAS approved employer. Off-the-job training will take place in the Mount Lucas Training Centre.     

On completion of the programme, the Apprentice will hold a nationally recognised QQI Level 5 Certificate in ‘Electrical Overhead Lines Technician’ 

The role of the Overhead Line Technician involves the installation, repair and maintenance of Electrical Overhead Lines, including steelwork, wood/composite poles, fittings and conductors. The Technician must fully understand and comply with industry and safety standards and specifications.

Why Do This Course?

Why should you consider doing an Overhead Lines Technician Apprenticeship? 

  • You’ll earn a Recognised Qualification (QQI level 5 Accredited), in an expanding industry 

  • Work as part of a committed team, in a unique work environment, working outside on a different site each day. 

  • Earn as you learn. You’ll be paid while gaining valuable experience with an Approved Contractor working on behalf of ESB Networks. 

  • Launch your career as a highly skilled technician in an exciting field full of opportunity and growth. 

 Click here to learn more about this apprenticeship.     

To view full details of this occupation, view information from our Careers database for the following occupation: Overhead Lines Technician

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for this apprenticeship, an applicant must: 

  • Be employed by a SOLAS approved Employer 

  • Hold a current, valid SafePass 

  • Be at least 18 years of age on commencement of the apprenticeship and have achieved a minimum of grade D or ‘Achieved’ in five subjects in the Junior  

  • Have evidence of CEFRL level B2 minimum if English is not a first language 

Non-EU residents will be subject to a Stamp 4 Working Visa. 

If an applicant doesn’t meet the requirements above, he/she may still register as an apprentice with an employer if he/she is over 18  years of age and has at least 2 years work experience in a relevant designated industrial activity or have completed an approved Pre-Apprenticeship course. Such applicants may be required to complete a suitability assessment/interview. 

 Click here to learn more about this apprenticeship.     

Training

By the end of your training, you will be able to:

  • Effectively use and communicate technical information within the power sector, including reading and interpreting technical drawings, schematics and procedures.

  • Install, maintain and retire overhead steelwork, fittings, and conductors on wood/composite pole and steel tower structures as well as underground cables.

  • Climb poles/steel structures to construct/maintain overhead power lines.

  • Service/maintain transmission and distribution lines from power plants to buildings.

  • Install electrical equipment for power systems.

  • Repair faulted overhead power lines.

  • Understand and adhere to the safety rules as set out by the Company and its Client.

  • Ensure job site follows industry best practice and company safety rules.

Programme Content

9 Modules over 2 Years 

  • Safe Work Practices in Construction of Overhead Lines 

  • Working at Heights 

  • Fundamentals of Electricity 

  • Distribution OHL Equipment and Portable Earthing 

  • Distribution OHL Network Standards and Construction  

  • Transformer Installation and Commissioning 

  • Transmission OHL Networks  

  •  LV Service Installations

  • Capstone  

This is an excellent opportunity to earn while you learn while gaining valuable industry experience to progress your career opportunities, in an exciting and growing industry.  

Additional Information

Apprentices will also receive training in the following: 

  • Climbsafe and Pole Top Rescue 

  • Mobile Elevated Work Platforms 

  • First Aid  

The structure of the programme is as follows:

Year One will consist of:

2 Off the Job phases which will be a total of 14 weeks, as follows:

Phase 1:               7 Weeks

Followed by        20 Weeks on the Job

Phase 2:               7 Weeks

Followed by        20 Weeks on the Job

Year 2 will consist of:

3 Off the Job phases which will total 11 weeks, as follows:

Phase 3:               4 Weeks,

Followed by        20 Weeks on the Job

Phase 4:               4 Weeks

Followed by        20 Weeks on the Job

Phase 5:               3 Weeks (Capstone Module: Practical LV/HV Construction Project)

Dates of each phase will be provided at induction.

Off-the-job location: National Construction Training Campus, Mount Lucas, Daingean, Co. Offaly 

Employers are required to: 

  • Be a SOLAS approved employer 

  • Nominate a workplace mentor 

  • Release the apprentice for the ‘off-the-job’ phases 

  • Pay the apprentice for the duration of the apprenticeship 

 Click here to learn more about this apprenticeship.     

Skills & Qualities

Work Activities

The role of the Overhead Line Technician involves the installation, repair and maintenance of Electrical Overhead Lines, including steelwork, wood/composite poles, fittings and conductors.

The Technician must fully understand and comply with industry and safety standards and specifications.

 Click here to learn more about this apprenticeship.     

Career Progression

Getting this Apprenticeship

To be eligible to become an Apprentice on the Electrical Overhead Lines Apprenticeship you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age

  • Have a minimum of 5 Grade D in Junior Certificate

  • Hold a valid SafePass Card

  • Have a reasonable Level of Fitness and be happy to work at heights

  • Have a minimum B2 CERFL if English is not your first language

As part of this programme, Apprentices will engage in on-the-job training with a SOLAS approved employer. Off-the-job training will take place in the Mount Lucas Training Centre.     

Please contact:

John Kelly
National Construction Training Campus
Mount Lucas
Daingean
Co. Offaly
R35 XW10
Tel: (057) 9362508
Email: [email protected]

 Click here to learn more about this apprenticeship.     

 

Finding an Employer

Finding an employer or registering your interest with an official Coordinating Provider is one of the first things you need to do to start an apprenticeship.

To find an apprenticeship and secure an apprenticeship work contract you can search apprenticeship vacancies on the Apprenticeship Jobs Portal . You can search for vacancies by location and by apprenticeship type.

Your local Education and Training Board may also hold details of employers seeking to employ an apprentice.

You should also directly connect with local employers who might be interested in taking on an apprentice. It is a great idea to get a part time job with a local employer who might be more inclined to take you on as an apprentice following a successful work experience placement or a part time job contract.

Online Job Sites

Here are some direct links to employment websites that frequently list apprenticeship vacancies.

Note: These websites may include vacancies that are not QQI accredited Apprenticeships.




Pay & Fees

As an apprentice, you earn while you learn. Your employer pays you a salary while you are being trained on-the-job and off-the-job. The rate of pay is agreed between you and your employer.

Apprentices are not required to pay a student contribution for this apprenticeship.

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