Further plans at Laois ESB base amid recruitment drive for 156 new apprentices

The ESB is seeking to improve car parking facilities at their Portlaoise base as the company looks to take on an additional 156 apprentices. 

The ESB has lodged an application with Laois County Council to relocate 102 car parking spaces at the National Training Centre(NTC) on the Abbeyleix Road in Portlaoise. 

An ESB Networks spokesperson said: "We are looking to recruit up to 156 apprentices through the campaign which is currently open.  Closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday, 6th April.  These new apprentices would be due to start with ESB Networks in September 2025."

“The NTC in Portlaoise will continue to be the centre of excellence in providing technical training for the organisation, and will expand its capacity to meet the increased requirements for training and onboarding of Networks Technicians and Apprentices.” 

Last year the Portlaoise NTC was granted planning permission from the council for a new two storey building, canteen with an additional nine classrooms. 

“ESB Networks’ Training Centre (NTC) in Portlaoise plays a pivotal role in ensuring we have the necessary capabilities to deliver our Net Zero Strategy,” the ESB spokesperson stated. 

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Speaking of the latest car park application, the spokesperson said,  “the redesign of the car park will make use of an unused area of the site and improve traffic circulation within the NTC – this is part of our ongoing investment in the world-class facility. Once approved, the main contractor work for building is expected to start over the coming months with completion scheduled for summer 2026.” 

The latest plans for the Portlaoise ESB base bode well for the future of the training centre in Laois.