• Due to continuous growth within the company, Murphy are currently looking for Trainee Overhead Line Technician(s) to join and contribute towards some new and exciting projects.
• Murphy work on behalf of the ESB to maintain and build the Low Voltage, Medium Voltage and High Voltage Overhead Network in Ireland.
• This is an exciting career opportunity for individuals who enjoy working outside, climbing and being part of a team
• This is a highly skilled industry in which the individual will receive significant training to be able to work to very high safety and quality standards
• In this role you will be given the opportunity to:
  • Earn a Recognised Qualification (QQI level 5 Accredited), in an expanding industry
  • Work as part of a committed team, in a unique work environment, working outside on a different site each day
  • Earn as you learn. You’ll be paid while gaining valuable experience working on behalf of ESB Networks
  • Launch your career as a highly skilled technician in an exciting field full of opportunity, growth and career progression
  • Reconnect customers who have lost power following a storm or emergency event
• Please note that travel is required. Most of our projects are in Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow, Meath, Louth and Cavan, but we work throughout the country and the ESB can request our assistance nationwide

Role Duties

• Construction & Maintenance: Installing, repairing, and replacing overhead power lines, wooden poles, steel towers, insulators, and transformers to ESB Electrical Standards and Procedures. Use hand tools, basic power tools, and simple testing equipment under supervision
• Safety & Compliance: Adhering strictly to health and safety regulations, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), conducting risk assessments, and ensuring proper grounding of equipment. Demonstrate basic understanding of electrical principles, safe working practices, and industry terminology. Follow instructions, work procedures and safe systems of work
• Emergency Response: Work as part of a team troubleshooting faults and conducting immediate repairs to restore power during outages caused by storms, ice, or damage
• Conductor Work: Stringing, tensioning, sag adjustment, and splicing conductors (wire) to specifications
• Working at Heights: Climbing ESB poles / towers or using MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) to work on overhead line infrastructure
• Site Management: Assist with general duties including material handling, site organisation, and clean‑up

Requirements 

• Ability to work at heights in varied weather conditions (essential)
• Must be 18+, reliable and willing to work in an outdoor environment
• Understanding of electrical systems, voltage levels, and ESB procedures
• Previous construction experience is beneficial
• Any additional tickets / training is beneficial
• Full Driving Licence is beneficial
• Understanding Health and Safety compliance
• Strong work ethic with the ability to work effectively as part of a team
• No previous experience required - full training is provided
• Safe Pass & Manual Handling (can be obtained during training)

Benefits

• Trainees will be paid €14.50/hr in their first year and €17.50/hr once graduating to Trainee Lineworker Phase 2. As a qualified Lineworker you will earn €23.50/hr.
• 39-hour Standard working week
• Time and a half after 39 hours
• Annual leave in line with CIF guidelines plus public holidays
• CWPS Pension and sick pay
• Opportunities for advancement and career growth
• Supportive team culture

Overhead Lines Technician Apprenticeship

Successful candidates will be given the opportunity to enter the Overhead Lines Technician Apprenticeship. This is a two-year practical apprenticeship programme with nine modules, focused on working on the overhead ESB Network.

As part of this programme, Apprentices will engage in on-the-job training with Murphy and off-the-job training at the LOETB Mount Lucas Training Centre.

On completion of the programme, the Apprentice will hold a nationally recognised QQI Level 5 Certificate in ‘Electrical Overhead Lines Technician’ .

Apprenticeship Entry Requirements

To be eligible for this apprenticeship, an applicant must:

• Be at least 18 years of age on commencement of the apprenticeship and have achieved a minimum of grade D or ‘Achieved’ in five subjects in the Junior 
• Have evidence of CEFRL level B2 minimum if English is not a first language
• You must successfully complete all required Murphy ability tests and the ESB testing to be eligible for the apprenticeship.
• Non-EU residents will be subject to a Stamp 4 Working Visa.
• If an applicant doesn’t meet the requirements above, he/she may still be eligible to register as an apprentice with Murphy if he/she is over 18  years of age and has at least 2 years work experience in a relevant designated industrial activity or have completed an approved Pre-Apprenticeship course. Such applicants may be required to complete a suitability assessment / interview.

Apprenticeship Programme Content

9 Modules totalling 25 weeks will be delivered over 2 Years in the LOETB Mount Lucas Training Facility. The Modules include:

• Safe Work Practices in Construction of Overhead Lines
• Working at Heights
• Fundamentals of Electricity
• Distribution OHL Equipment and Portable Earthing
• Distribution OHL Network Standards and Construction 
• Transformer Installation and Commissioning
• Transmission OHL Networks 
•  LV Service Installations
• Capstone 

This is an excellent opportunity to earn while you learn while gaining valuable industry experience to progress your career opportunities, in an exciting and growing industry. 

Additional Information

If you show the requisite knowledge, safety performance and leadership skills you may be eligible to be trained as a crew leader earning €28/hr.

All the above have the opportunity to work overtime and weekends.

Trainees will also receive formal training in the following:

• Climbsafe and Pole Top Rescue
• Mobile Elevated Work Platforms
• First Aid 

Trainees will have a nominated workplace mentor.