Following two and a half years in Forensic Science at TU Dublin, the COVID-19 pandemic made Peter Boyne realise the course was not for him. Now, he works to help Ireland transition to a renewable energy future as part of the EirGrid workforce.
As another year of Leaving Cert students await their results, more and more students are beginning to steer away from the traditional routes to careers and education, by selecting opportunities based in the workplace, while in turn, employers are creating new ways to attract talent to suit their specific needs.
EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland's electricity grid, began the Earn and Learn programme in 2023, offering successful applicants the chance to gain experience in a work environment, while also offering them the choice to access third-level education.
Originally from Malahide in Dublin, Peter Boyne completed his Leaving Certificate in 2019 and went on to study Forensic Science in TU Dublin that autumn. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, and universities had to move to online learning, Peter's perspective of college changed.
"During COVID, college went towards online learning and as a practical learner, I didn't work well learning over a screen and I didn't feel I was getting much benefit from my course, so I decided to drop out."
On the hunt for his next opportunity, Peter saw the Earn and Learn Programme by EirGrid on LinkedIn, which would allow him to simultaneously gain experience in a work environment, while offering him the choice to access third-level education.
"The Earn & Learn programme was exactly what I was looking for. EirGrid would support my college education while allowing me to be financially independent and gain experience by working in the office."
Now nine months into the two-year Earn and Learn programme, Peter is a Market Associate within the Operations team at EirGrid. He is currently undertaking a diploma with Griffith College and, this September, will begin a level 8 in Business Management part-time.
"My team look after the running of multiple grid interconnectors across the country and in helping lay the groundwork for future projects such as the Celtic Interconnector, which will get us connected to mainland Europe, via France. I also help organise and run meetings and workshops for our team.
"The work is very interesting and something I don't think I would have done if I had not joined this programme.
"It was important for me to be able to work while I was in college so that I could enjoy my life outside of education and work because while working full-time, you are still entitled to your holidays and time off."
By 2030 the national electricity system must be developed to allow for 80% of our electricity to come from renewable sources, as per Government climate targets, something that Peter is passionate about. He wishes more programmes like this would come on stream for other students who do not suit traditional long term third-level study.
"Before joining EirGrid I did not have a big interest in renewable energy, but I knew it was going to be important. Through my first nine months in EirGrid I have gained a much wider knowledge of the sector and enjoy learning.
"You don't have to know a lot about the sector or area to join a programme like this, you learn as you go and learn to work alongside your colleagues. I'd encourage students to consider all options for after the Leaving Cert. College isn't for everyone."