Graduate and technical electrical engineer recruitment launched to power new careers

Are you an engineering graduate or due to graduate next summer?

We're powering new careers with exciting opportunities to join our highly competitive Graduate or Technical Trainee programmes.

As an Electrical Power Network Engineer Apprentice, you will develop and apply your academic knowledge, gain professional experience and complete relevant projects and training to become a fully qualified engineer, all while earning a competitive salary starting at £37,000.

The apprenticeship programme, delivered by our Ofsted-rated Outstanding training facility, is part of our drive to create a diverse and future-focused workforce that reflects the different communities we serve across our region.

Appropriate courses, placements and work experience will help support a permanent role in our business, with opportunities to become an integral part of managing and maintaining a greener energy system which delivers a low carbon active network for future generations.

Delivered as a minimum 27-month programme, apprenticeships are open to candidates who are graduates (or are expected to graduate by July 2025) in an appropriate engineering related subject* such as Physics, Computer Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology, or applicants with two years relevant industry work experience, plus an appropriate Level 4 or 5 qualification.

Speaking about the Electrical Power Network Engineer Apprenticeship, Peter Walczak, Project Engineer, (pictured) joined Northern Powergrid's Graduate programme in March 2023 and shared: "The programme is structured to support people from diverse backgrounds; whether they have hands-on practical experience or have started from a more academic background. It's been an exciting journey, with continuous learning and growth opportunities.

“Our network is highly complex yet offers an impressive level of reliability. Most people can’t remember their last power outage, which is testament to the hard work across teams. From field colleagues fixing faults to engineers designing plans, and from safety officers ensuring on-site safety, to investment planners preparing business plans - each role is critical.

"If you want to understand the power industry from the inside, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn. You’ll get as much support as you ask for, you’ll find a mentor who fits your style, and you’ll contribute to the Smart Grid for the future, which is genuinely inspiring.”

Mark Nicholson, Northern Powergrid's Director of Engineering said: “The energy industry is investing in smart technology innovation and we’re actively delivering a power network that drives and supports change and meets the diverse needs of our customers and stakeholders.

“Our popular Electrical Power Network Engineer apprenticeship programme, part of our ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted-rated training provision, attracts ambitious and high calibre graduate or technical trainee engineers each year who are eager to advance their careers supporting the growth of low carbon technologies like electric vehicles, heat pumps and battery storage.

“We’re proud to inspire a new generation of engineers, supporting them to power their own careers, and we look forward to welcoming successful applicants to Northern Powergrid.”

Salary

Starting at £37,000 and increasing to £43,000 upon achieving qualified engineer status.

*Qualification criteria

Appropriate subject must be detailed on the qualification framework for higher education covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as being in a relevant Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) subject for the role. For more information on qualifications see gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean.

Recruitment timeline

• Applications open: 15 November 2024
• Applications close: 5 January 2025
• Stage 1 selection process: January 2025
• Stage 2 selection process: February 2025
• Apprenticeship start date: 28 July 2025.

Apply today

Read background information and apply now and for further career opportunities visit our careers page.