My name is Hannah Shortt, I am a Network Technician working for ESB Networks. I started an electrical apprenticeship when I was 23 which and qualified a year ago.

I love my dog, playing PlayStation and socialising, interests that have remained since I was in school. I love my job as I love being out and about in weird and wonderful places finding cable faults!

After school, I dropped out of two college courses. I was lost until I discovered apprenticeships.

I was encouraged to go for the apprenticeship as I loved the idea of learning by doing and of course being paid whilst learning seemed almost too good to be true.

In my position I’m lucky enough to be allowed access on to land and fields that the public generally wouldn’t be. Some of the views across Dublin South are just fabulous.

As a teenager I had no idea just how interesting a STEM career could be. Our future is rooted in STEM so the more young people interested in it the better.

In ten years I hope to see 100% renewable energy powering the grid. The technology exists so now we must implement it.

My advice would be to explore all of your options, don’t rule anything out. Work experience is an excellent means of finding something you enjoy. Try everything that you can. 

Learn more about the ESB Apprenticeship Programme here.

Find out more about the job of an electrician here.

ESB