Technical jobs in United Kingdom

Location: Castle Donington

2026 Graduate Associate Project Manager role in Strategic Infrastructure, part of National Grid Electricity Transmission. The graduate programme includes an 18-month development pathway, 3 six-month placements, and a tailored engineering pathway.

• Support the delivery of transformative projects within Strategic Infrastructure, working alongside experienced Project Managers.
• Gain hands-on experience across engineering, procurement, commercial, and construction activities.
• Help ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards of quality, time, and cost.
• Develop skills in commercial, contractual, and financial management while contributing to the creation of innovative and compliant design solutions.
• Support quality assurance processes and maintain the Quality Management System.
• Observe and monitor contractor activities on-site, ensuring alignment with National Grid’s Safety, Health & Sustainability standards and UK Health & Safety legislation.

As you join our 18-month graduate programme, you’ll have a tailored development pathway to build leadership, business, and technical skills. You’ll attend in-person and virtual development sessions, receive support from your line manager, and have access to 1:1 coaching and a mentor from a previous cohort to help you transition from campus to corporate life.

All graduates complete the core development programme to develop key skills such as impact, giving feedback, and presentation. The Engineering pathway offers further technical skills and learning modules such as working safely. If relevant to your career, you may access Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) membership and support from a National Grid IET mentor to help you charter your progression.

To maximise on-the-job experience, you will complete three 6-month placements across the UK to deepen your understanding of your specialty and broaden your knowledge of the business. At the end of the 18-month programme you’ll return to your initial placement area to kickstart your career.

You’ll need to achieve, or be working towards, a minimum 2:2 in an Electrical Engineering degree. It doesn’t matter when you graduated or if you are currently working towards your qualification. You just need to be eager to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting.

Due to travel to site locations, you’ll need a full valid UK driving licence or have completed your theory test (and have a practical test booked) at the time of your assessment centre if your application progresses. You’ll need flexibility to travel regularly within the role and during rotations.

Please note: We’re hiring for several Graduate Project Management roles across Strategic Infrastructure, each with different degree requirements. If your degree doesn’t meet the requirement listed above, explore other project management opportunities on our careers site with degree requirements such as Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Project Management, Mathematics, Physics or Economics.

This role is based in Castle Donington, Derby. We offer flexible hybrid working where possible. The role involves regular travel to office locations and substations, primarily within the region surrounding your base location. Occasional nationwide travel may also be required depending on project demands. Flexibility and willingness to travel are essential.

You must live within a 45-minute commute of the contractual base location as a contractual requirement to relocate and reside near your employment location.

We’re hiring for a number of Graduate Project Management roles across our Strategic Infrastructure team, with different degree requirements. Review other PM roles available in locations such as Birmingham, Warwick, Kent, Chesterfield, London, Leeds, Castle Donnington, Pentir (Wales), and Lincolnshire.

We offer a graduate starting salary of £36,640.

• £2,000 bonus, once joined and started on programme
• 26 days holiday
• £2,400 payment on successful completion of the programme
• Accommodation allowance up to £200 per month while moving between placements, plus additional annual leave and assistance with moving personal belongings
• Other benefits include pension and share-option schemes, Flexible Benefits, close mentorship, and regular feedback and volunteering opportunities

You can only apply for one graduate opportunity during this recruitment cycle. Review all graduate opportunities and apply for the one that aligns closest with your aspirations and interests.

We recruit on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close vacancies based on volume of applications. Apply early to secure your place.

Assessment centres will be held between November and April 2026.

National Grid's Graduate & Student opportunities in the UK are open to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria, including an existing and valid right to work in the UK. This will need to be evidenced and verified before you can start the programme.

Please note that National Grid is generally unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. In exceptional circumstances where specialized skills are required, sponsorship may be considered. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.

National Grid is committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds and offer flexible and tailored support as needed. All offers are based on right to work in the UK, qualifications, and business needs.

Please note: This job opportunity is part of a broader LGBT-friendly set of roles and openings across the UK.