Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Working Life

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Adhere to safety practices and procedures, such as checking equipment regularly and erecting barriers around work areas.
• Drive vehicles equipped with tools and materials to job sites.
• Open switches or attach grounding devices to remove electrical hasards from disturbed or fallen lines or to facilitate repairs.
• Climb poles or use truck-mounted buckets to access equipment.
• Install, maintain, and repair electrical distribution and transmission systems, including conduits, cables, wires, and related equipment, such as transformers, circuit breakers, and switches.
• Inspect and test power lines and auxiliary equipment to locate and identify problems, using reading and testing instruments.
• Coordinate work assignment preparation and completion with other workers.
• Replace or straighten damaged poles.
• String wire conductors and cables between poles, towers, trenches, pylons, and buildings, setting lines in place and using winches to adjust tension.
• Attach cross-arms, insulators, and auxiliary equipment to poles prior to installing them.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: Overhead Lines Operative, engineering operations, Wind Turbine Maintenance.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: Wind Turbine, Engineering, Electrical. 

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples:Wind Turbine, electrical, engineering

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include:Electrical, engineering, renewable energy. 

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include:Electrical, engineering, energy management, renewable energy. 

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €75k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, role, duties, experience, and shift patterns.

Data Source(s):
Glassdoor/ Indeed/ Morgan McKinley/ Sigmar/ Lincoln/ WEI

Last Updated: February, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Electricians and electrical fitters, Telecommunications engineers, TV, video and audio engineers, IT engineers, Electrical and electronic trades n.e.c., Skilled metal, electrical and electronic trades supervisors.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2025).

Overall employment growth was strong for this occupation with an additional 11,700 persons employed between 2019 and 2024; having declined in 2023, employment grew by 3,600 in 2024, almost returning to 2022 levels. There was a high volume of recent job hires for this occupation, indicating that job churn is a factor. Approximately 40% were employed in the construction sector, with a further 40% employed in either industry or the ICT sector. DSP Jobs Ireland vacancy posts were mainly for lines workers, electricians and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) engineers.

Difficult-to fill-vacancy mentions in the Recruitment Agency Survey related to electricians in the construction sector while Skills for Growth data identified issued with sourcing electricians, mostly for utilities sector (including telecoms) and to a lesser extent manufacturing; digital and good communications skills were sought along with persons who were self-motivated. New employment permits were issued for roles including lines workers, electricians and field service engineers.

The demand for electricians spans a range of economic sectors beyond construction. In manufacturing, electricians with expertise in automation, robotics, etc will likely be in demand to maintain and repair onsite production and power systems, while the shift towards more sustainable energy solutions will require electricians to install and maintain various types of power systems (wind, solar, etc). Finally, although still small in number, the increasing number of electric vehicles (with further increases likely) will require electricians for EV charging infrastructure projects.

The number of Level 6 FET craft awards for electricians has risen sharply in recent years to 1,775 in 2023 (from 499 in 2019 and 1,087 in 2022), and despite a slight decline in 2024 (to 1,690 awards), remains at their highest levels observed over the last ten years. In 2024, new electrical apprenticeship registrations (at 3,074) were 8% higher than in 2023 and 58% higher than in 2019. Of the total electrical craft apprenticeship population as of June 2025, 94% were employed in the construction sector, with 4% in engineering-related activities.

The higher outputs from the apprenticeship system for this trade are helping to meet the increased demand for electricians. However, demand is expected to continue as a result of planned increases in activity in housebuilding and retrofitting (e.g. installation of solar photovoltaic panels) and for renewable energy projects. This may lead to shortages occurring for electricians.

Potential future skills shortage:

electricians

• Wind Energy Ireland

  • Sycamore House Millennium Park Osberstown Naas Co Kildare W91 D627
  • 045 899341
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here