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.     

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.

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  

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.     

Key Qualities for an Overhead Lines Technician

• Strong commitment to safety - Following safety procedures at all times and recognising potential hazards when working at height and around live electrical infrastructure.
  
  
• Good practical and technical skills - Enjoying hands-on work and being able to use tools, equipment, technical drawings and schematics accurately.
  
  
• Comfortable working at heights - Having the confidence and physical ability to climb poles and steel towers safely.
  
  
• Problem-solving ability - Identifying faults, diagnosing issues and helping restore power systems efficiently.
  
  
• Attention to detail - Following procedures carefully and ensuring all work meets industry standards and safety requirements.
  
  
• Physical fitness and stamina - Working outdoors in varying weather conditions and carrying out physically demanding tasks.
  
  
• Teamwork skills - Collaborating effectively with colleagues, supervisors and other contractors to complete work safely and efficiently.
  
  
• Good communication skills - Understanding technical instructions and clearly communicating information to team members and stakeholders.
  
  
• Reliability and responsibility - Taking ownership of tasks, arriving prepared for work and maintaining high professional standards.
  
  
• Adaptability and resilience - Remaining focused and productive when working in challenging environments, changing weather conditions or emergency situations.
  
  

Key Qualities for Success

Successful Overhead Lines Technicians are typically:

• Safety conscious and responsible
• Practical and technically minded
• Comfortable working at heights
• Physically fit and resilient
• Strong problem-solvers
• Effective communicators
• Team players
• Adaptable and reliable
• Committed to continuous learning

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.

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.     

This career is well suited to individuals who enjoy practical outdoor work, working as part of a team, solving technical problems, and contributing to the safe delivery of electricity. 

The demand for skilled technicians is growing as Ireland invests in renewable energy, grid expansion and the modernisation of transmission and distribution networks. Employment opportunities exist with utility providers, network contractors, infrastructure companies and renewable energy projects across Ireland and internationally.

With experience and further training, Overhead Lines Technicians can progress to roles such as:

• Senior Overhead Lines Technician
• Chargehand or Team Leader
• Lines Supervisor
• Safety Advisor
• Network Operations Technician
• Construction Supervisor
• Project Supervisor
• Training Instructor or Assessor
• Transmission and Distribution Specialist
  Operations or Maintenance Manager

Specialist Opportunities

With additional experience and training, technicians may choose to specialise in areas such as:

• High-voltage transmission systems
• Distribution network operations
• Live-line maintenance
• Underground cable installation and maintenance
• Renewable energy connections
• Substation construction and maintenance
• Network fault response and emergency restoration
• Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) management

Further Education and Professional Development

The apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Technicians can continue to develop their skills through industry certifications, specialist training and higher education programmes in areas such as:

• Electrical Engineering
• Energy Engineering
• Construction and Infrastructure Management
• Health and Safety Management
• Project Management
• Utilities and Network Operations

This career offers a unique combination of technical expertise, outdoor work and opportunities for advancement, making it an attractive pathway for those interested in supporting Ireland's energy infrastructure and transition to a low-carbon future.

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

• Be employed by a SOLAS approved employer

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.     

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 

Please contact:

 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.

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.