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18
ESB NETWORKS LTD
February/March 2012 www.esb.ie/em
Focus on: Networks Training Centre, Portlaoise
THE NATIONAL TRAINING Centre (NTC), situated on a 35 acre site, on Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise is part of HR & Support in ESB Networks.
It supports ESB Networks specifically, and the wider ESB organisation, by providing a wide range of tailored technical and non-technical training courses, as well as expertise in research and development.
The centre is certified for compliance with OSHAS 18001:2007 SR for the implementation and maintenance of a management system for safety and technical training to ESB Networks.
Facilities and services in NTC include:
- HV Test Lab.
- Operations network, live up to 38kV.
- Practical training field, permitting line construction.
- Cable Workshop.
- Metering Workshop for delivery of MV CT Metering and Whole Current Metering training.
- Training Hall with 38kV outdoor cubicles and a broad range of electrical equipment, including tap changers, battery installations, voltage regulators, etc, permitting training in all weather conditions.
- IT Training room.
- Biodiversity area.
- Apprentice Programme management.
- Coordination of training for ESB Networks and management of contractor training.
- Vehicle Training.
- Training for non-ESB customers.
- Live Line Work.
- Utilisation and development and of SAP LSO for the delivery of training requirements.
NTC Manager Carmel O’Connor is supported by Operations Manager Michael Sweeney, Technical Services Manager Patrick Deasy, Demand Manager Willie McCarthy, IT Specialist Eddie Nally and 27 other staff members.
Apprenticeship and Engineering Programme
There are currently 278 apprentices in the apprenticeship programme. To date 29 have taken the opportunity of progressing to Electrical Engineering in DIT/CIT, with up to 32 electrical apprentices due to join this programme next September.
HV Test Lab
The recently modernised HV Test Lab tests the equipment, tools and insulated aerial devices used by the 27 ‘rubberglove’ crews in ESB Networks, in line with European and International standards. The lab also tests equipment used in bail and clamp procedures, station rods, rope used for live line work, spare IADs etc.
The lab plays a valuable role in the ongoing evaluation of fibre cable using MV network infrastructure. This involves high voltage testing of both new and older fibre cable under various conditions. Additional testing takes place on the live 10kV
