The electrical apprenticeship is split into seven different phases. Phases 1, 3, 5 and 7 are all on site based. Phase 2 is in Solas and 4 & 6 are in a college. In the first phase of my apprenticeship, I learned the basics of electricity and maintenance of the plant from very skilled and qualified electricians. Working in many areas of the plant with different equipment and high, medium, and low voltages allowed me to gain a lot of knowledge and experience that not many electrical apprenticeships offer.
During phase 2 I was in an ETB centre for 20 weeks. There I learned to a greater extent about motors, instrumentation, control circuits and much more. The hands-on knowledge and skills I learned in phase 2 have really benefitted me since I’ve returned to the workplace. I feel I know more and am quite confident in carrying out assignments.
I believe that an Irish Cement apprenticeship is very valuable and unique because of the quality of qualified electricians you get to learn from and the support that Irish Cement offer you throughout every phase of the apprenticeship.