1. ESB Traineeship for People with Disabilities
Niall O Connor
Equality & Diversity Officer

2. ESB Traineeship for People with Disabilities
We exceed the 3% Disability Employment Target for Public Organisations ( 5.45% in 2007)
“A large company like ESB should be able to do more” – Padraig McManus, ESB Chief Executive
6 months paid work experience for 30 people in real and meaningful jobs (2006 – 2008)

3. What was involved Working Group set up
Budget agreed - “off the bottom line”
Detailed Job Specifications
Ad issued to Disability Agencies
Short listing - Interviews

4. What was involved Trainees selected Mentors / Line Managers Training
Assistive Technology (JAWS / Kurzweil)
Induction to ESB

5. What was involved? Line manager & staff commitment to success
Staff organised social events to help ‘break the ice’
Regular review meetings with trainees
Need to plan exit to avoid disappointment
CV / Interview skills training
Lunch with HR Director / Gift

6. Conclusions Universal support for Traineeship
Trainees showed huge increase in confidence
4 Trainees in full time positions in ESB
A number in full time positions externally
A great disability-awareness initiative for ESB