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17
ESB NETWORKS LTD
Dec 2010 / Jan 2011 www.esb.ie/em
ESB Telecoms Ltd attends TIF Conference
ESB Telecoms
THE 17TH ANNUAL TIF (Telecommunications & Internet Federation) Conference took place in Dublin Castle on Tuesday October 12th and featured Ireland’s most senior telecoms executives including ESB Telecoms Ltd, debating key issues from next generation networks, who will build these networks and the role green technology will play in transforming the telecoms industry.
Headlining the event was the European Commissioner driving the EU’s Digital Agenda, Neelie Kroes, who has set a target for 2020 to have internet speeds of 30Mbps or higher for all European citizens, with half of European households subscribing to connections of 100Mbps or higher.
Representing Ireland’s position on the digital economy was Communications Minister Eamon Ryan who believes a green economy and a digital economy go hand-in-hand. Minister Ryan is the driving force behind initiatives like the Exemplar Network, the National Broadband Scheme and recently passed legislation ensuring the National Roads Authority provides telcos with access to ducting beneath Ireland’s motorways.
ESB Telecoms Ltd attended the TIF conference and below is the lucky winner Niamh Crawford from Silicon Republic who won the iPad competition that was run on an ESB Telecoms Ltd stand on the day.
Completion of the FÁS Apprentice Initiative
IN APRIL 2009, ESB announced a series of initiatives to create and sustain jobs and training opportunities in the economy. Among these initiatives, ESB committed to facilitate 400 redundant apprentices to gain their on-the-job work experience during 2009–10. The programme proved very successful for those apprentices who were made redundant and who were unable to source an employer to complete their apprenticeship.
This initiative could not have happened without the leadership, support and mentoring of ESB Network’s Supervisors and Network Technicians. It has been a very positive learning experience for everyone involved, with ESB staff reporting that they found it ‘refreshing and insightful to have the FÁS Apprentices working with us for the past two years’.
During the final week of the initiative in October 2010, we met Diarmaid Hynes from Blanchardstown who has been with ESB Networks, Finglas, under the guidance of construction supervisor Shane Fox for both his Phase 5 (six months) and Phase 7 (three months). Diarmaid had previously worked with a company specialising in industrial and domestic installations, which unfortunately went out of business, leaving him with no job to return to after completing his Phase four in college. Diarmaid had been unemployed for 4 months when he received a letter from FÁS inviting him to indicate if he was interested in the FÁS/ESB initiative.
Diarmaid said “I loved working in ESB Networks, I was immediately made to feel welcome and part of the team. I am very grateful to ESB for giving me the opportunity to finish my apprenticeship, to work in a company which treats its staff so well, where morale is so good. I worked with a really decent bunch of lads who taught me a lot and I would love to stay on, but I know it’s not possible. I will always remember my time working in ESB.”
We also met Thomas Carton from Dunboyne who had previously spent six months trying to find work after completing his phase 6. Thomas completed 12 weeks on-the-job training in ESB Networks, Finglas, under the guidance of construction supervisor Joe Crowe. Thomas said he “was familiar with industrial wiring only, and this opportunity of working with Construction gave me a great insight into the Networks operations setup. It was a great learning curve for me as it broadened my knowledge base to take with me into the job market.”
ESB Networks staff gained from working with these young apprentices who showed genuine appreciation for the opportunity afforded to them by ESB Networks. Particular thanks to Maria Dempsey, Portlaoise Networks Training Centre, Apprentice Administration team who co-ordinated the induction and assignments for the FÁS apprentices.
Changing times
The West’s wide awake and kicking!
DEREK KELLEHER sent EM this new-look wall photograph of staff as they approach the end of the protection upgrade of Flagford 220kV together with the original photograph taken in 1980 during the building of the station.
IT improvement for outdoor staff
EDEL FARRELLY and Deirdre McKenna of the Dublin North Partnership Group, in conjunction with Paul O’Brien and Larry Taffe, have set up access for ALL staff countrywide to gain access to ESB Intranet from any PC in the company. The sign in is User ID and can be obtained from supervisors and managers or any of the above mentioned.
This facility now enables outdoor staff who up until now did not normally have access to the Intranet, the opportunity to log in and avail of access to the following;
- Safety Documentation, Job Aids, etc
- Job vacancies
- Pension information
- St. Patrick’s CU
- Sustainability information
