Trainee Engineer

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 80,000 - GBP 100,000; Full time

Job description

Base Location: Scotland - Aberdeen, Dundee, Perth, Oban / England - Aldershot, Andover, Melksham, New Forest, Oxford, Poole, Portsmouth, Reading, Salisbury, Slough, Swindon

Salary: Circa £26,239 per annum + a range of other benefits to support your family, finances, and wellbeing. Salary upon finishing the programme is circa £37,000+ per annum.

Working Pattern: Full Time | 3 Year Training Programme

Start Date: August/September 2026

Build Your Future in Electrical Engineering

Are you ready to grow your engineering career while helping to shape the future of the UK’s energy system? Our three‑year Distribution Trainee Engineer Programme combines academic study with real‑world experience, giving you the skills, confidence and qualifications to thrive in a fast‑growing sector.

You’ll gain an industry‑recognised HNC in Electrical Engineering, build hands‑on technical expertise, and play a key role in supporting a safe, reliable and Net‑Zero‑ready electricity network. If you’re motivated, curious and eager to make a meaningful impact, this could be the perfect next step.

What To Expect

• Study Towards a Recognised Qualification - work towards your Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Electrical Engineering, developing strong technical knowledge alongside the leadership skills needed for a future engineering role.
• Hands‑On Learning - gain practical field experience as you train to become a Low Voltage and High Voltage Switcher, playing an essential part in maintaining a safe and resilient electricity supply for our customers.
• Keeping the Network Running - join our teams in Network Operations, Maintenance and Design, where you’ll learn how our distribution network functions day to day—and how it is evolving to support the UK’s transition to Net Zero.
• Professional Growth & Support - be part of our Engineering Professional Development Forum, giving you access to ongoing learning, peer support and opportunities to celebrate engineering excellence across SSE.

What We’re Looking For

This programme is ideal for people who enjoy problem‑solving, learning by doing, and working in environments where no two days are the same. You should be:

• Organised and dependable, able to balance study with practical learning
• Adaptable and flexible, comfortable working both independently and as part of a team
• Open to travel, including living away from home during college or placement blocks
• Working towards your driving licence—not essential at the start, but you’ll need a full UK licence by the end of the programme

Entry Requirements

To start the programme in September 2026, you’ll need:

• 1 Scottish Higher (grade C or above) in Maths or Physics OR 1 A level (grade D or above) in Maths or Physics
• We also welcome applicants with equivalent engineering qualifications
• This programme is designed to provide training at a specific qualification level. To ensure it remains appropriate and beneficial for participants, we’re unable to accept applicants who already hold an HNC or higher in Electrical Engineering. This programme isn’t the right match -but you may be eligible for our Higher Apprenticeship in Electrical Power Networks Engineering or other SSE opportunities.

About SSE

SSE’s purpose is to provide energy needed today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow. We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. Our Transforming for Growth investment plan sees us investing £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure across the five years to 2030.

SSEN Distribution, part of the wider SSE group, powers 3.9 million UK homes and businesses. Our team of more than 4,200 skilled engineers, customer service advisors and energy experts keep customers connected to a safe, reliable supply of electricity while investing in and developing the flexible networks needed for our low carbon future.

Flexible Benefits To Fit Your Life

Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest‑free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.

What happens now?

All applications should be made online, and we will be back in touch after the vacancy closing date to let you know next steps.

SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. If you would like to discuss any working differently requirements or adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment and selection process, please contact [e-mail] by email or you are very welcome to request a call if you would prefer to discuss on the phone.

Before commencing employment with SSE, you’ll be required to fully complete our pre‑employment screening process consisting of a basic criminal records and credit check.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment. Please note, SSE welcomes applicants from all nationalities to apply for the Apprenticeship/Trainees roles, however, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship as the salary does not meet the UKVI minimum salary threshold for this role.