Cork graduates among 100 selected for ESB Graduate Development Programme

Graduates from Cork have joined over 100 graduates from Irish and international third-level institutions spanning the fields of engineering, IT, HR, commercial, marketing and finance who have commenced the ESB Graduate Development Programme.

The tailored programme offers each graduate the opportunity to gain experience by working on challenging assignments and major projects that offer exposure to the varied businesses of the organisation.

ESB’s Graduate Development Programme forms part of a drive by the company to recruit talent from third-level institutions across the island of Ireland, and internationally, to support the delivery of its Net Zero by 2040 strategy.

This year’s graduates will be placed across ESB Group working in HR, marketing, engineering with this year marking the largest number of graduates ESB has recruited to date. The group of graduates includes a record 73 graduate engineers.

On average, one-third of engineering interns return to ESB to take up graduate positions following their successful completion of the Internship Programme.

Graduates were welcomed to the organisation by ESB chief executive Paddy Hayes and capability development and resourcing manager Tom McMahon at their recent induction.

Throughout the duration of the programme each graduate will receive a range of supports including being partnered with individual mentors from within their chosen business unit, IT equipment and access to allow hybrid working as part of ESB’s smart working offering.  

ESB’s executive director, people and organisation development, Sinéad Kilkelly, said: “At ESB, fostering both professional growth and personal development is at the core of our graduate programme. 

As we look towards realising our Net Zero by 2040 target, we recognise the immense possibilities that lie ahead for our graduates, both as individuals and as a group.

Ms Kelly said ESB looks forward to working with the graduates on the programme and extended ESB’s best wishes to each of the graduates as they embark on their careers.

Recruitment for ESB’s 2025 Graduate Development Programme will open on September 23 and ESB is inviting applications from all final-year and post-graduate students.

Recruitment for ESB’s engineering internship programme is also currently open to applicants for 2025.

Applications can be made by visiting the ESB website on www.esb.ie/careers.