2026 Graduate Associate Project Manager, Strategic Infrastructure

-; Caernarfon; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company is looking for a Graduate Associate Project Manager in Wales. You will support transformative projects while gaining hands-on experience in project delivery. The role requires a minimum 2:2 degree in Electrical or Civil Engineering, Maths or Physics, and offers a starting salary of £36,640 along with a £2,000 bonus and a tailored development programme. Candidates must hold a valid UK driving licence and be flexible to travel. Join us to help shape the future of energy.

Benefits

£2,000 bonus upon joining

26 days holiday

Up to £200 per month accommodation allowance

Qualifications

• Eager to apply knowledge in a real-world setting.
• Must hold a full, valid UK driving licence.
• Flexibility to travel regularly within the role.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of transformative projects.
• Gain hands-on experience across various activities.
• Monitor contractor activities on-site.

Skills

Electrical Engineering

Civil Engineering

Mathematics

Physics

Project Management

Problem Solving

Education

Minimum 2:2 in an Electrical or Civil Engineering, Maths or Physics degree

Job description

About us

National Grid is at the heart of the UK energy network, keeping people connected and society moving. We develop, own and maintain the physical infrastructure, such as pylons and cables, needed to move the electricity generated from windfarms and power sources around the country. Every time a phone is plugged in or a switch is turned on, we’ve played a part, connecting you to the electricity you need – and we’re leading the transformation towards a greener future, dreaming bigger to bring a more affordable energy future to everyone.

But it’s our people that provide our true superpower. They drive and sustain our growth, and their unique differences only make us stronger. We need the best to join us in our mission, so come and power the future of energy.

About The Role

Strategic Infrastructure is at the forefront of delivering major electricity transmission projects across England and Wales, helping to connect more clean, low‑carbon energy to the grid. As part of National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET), our team is responsible for delivering 17 critical new projects that support the UK Government’s ambition to connect 50GW of offshore wind by 2030. These projects are being delivered under Ofgem’s Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) framework.

In addition to these projects, Strategic Infrastructure also leads the early‑stage development of future strategic infrastructure, at Ofgem’s request, ensuring we’re ready to meet the evolving energy needs of the nation.

As a Graduate Associate Project Manager you’ll play a key role in supporting the delivery of these transformative projects. Working alongside experienced Project Managers, you’ll gain hands‑on experience across engineering, procurement, commercial and construction activities. You’ll help ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest standards of quality, time and cost.

Throughout the project lifecycle you’ll develop your skills in commercial, contractual and financial management, while contributing to the creation of innovative and compliant design solutions. You’ll also support quality assurance processes and help maintain our Quality Management System. On‑site, you’ll observe and monitor contractor activities, ensuring alignment with National Grid’s Safety, Health & Sustainability standards and UK Health & Safety legislation.

Our Graduate Programme

Included in the 18‑month graduate programme is a tailored development pathway, enabling you to develop a wide range of leadership, business and technical skills. You’ll attend in‑person and virtual development sessions throughout the programme and receive support from your line manager, 121 coaching and a mentor from a previous cohort.

All graduates complete the core development programme, developing key skills such as influencing, giving feedback and presentation skills. Your Engineering pathway will provide further technical skills and learning modules such as working safely. If relevant to your career aspirations, you can access IET membership and support from a National Grid IET mentor to secure your chartership.

You’ll complete three 6‑month placements across the UK, designed to deepen your understanding of your speciality and broaden your knowledge of our business. At the end of the programme you’ll return to your initial placement area to kick‑start your super‑powered career.

What you’ll need to apply

Achieve, or be working towards, a minimum 2:2 in an Electrical or Civil Engineering, Maths or Physics degree. The timing of your graduation is not critical – we just need you to be eager to apply your knowledge in a real‑world setting.

Because of the amount of travel to our site locations, you must currently hold a full, valid UK driving licence or have completed your theory test (and have a practical test booked) by the time of your assessment centre (if your application progresses). You need the flexibility to travel regularly within the role and throughout the graduate development programme rotations.

We are hiring for a number of Graduate Project Management roles across our Strategic Infrastructure team, each with different degree requirements. If your degree doesn’t match the above requirement, explore our other project‑management opportunities on our careers site with alternative degree prerequisites.

Location

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

Due to operational requirements and business needs, you must live within a 45‑minute commute of the contractual base location of this role. This is a contractual requirement of your employment to relocate and reside within close proximity to your designated employment location.

We are hiring for a number of Graduate Project Management roles across our Strategic Infrastructure team, each with different degree requirements and locations. Review other PM roles available in Birmingham, Warwick, Kent, Chesterfield, London, Leeds, Castle Donington, Pentir (Wales) and Lincolnshire on our careers site.

What You’ll Get In Return

Graduate starting salary: £36,640.

In addition to a tailored development programme, we offer the following rewards and benefits:

• £2,000 bonus, once joined and started on programme
• 26 days holiday
• £2,400 payment on successful completion of the programme
• Up to £200 per month accommodation allowance as you move around the business, and additional annual leave when you move between placements plus assistance with moving personal belongings
• Other benefits: pension and share‑option schemes, Flexible Benefits, close mentorship and regular feedback & volunteering opportunities

More Information

You can only apply for one graduate opportunity during this recruitment cycle. We kindly ask that you review all our 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 our vacancies once we have enough applications or based on volume of applications. Apply as early as possible to secure your place in the application process.

Assessment centres will be held between November – 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. As part of the application process, this will need to be evidenced and verified before you can start the programme.

Nationality, race, or ethnic origin does not affect your eligibility; we welcome all candidates who meet the requirements and are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.

We encourage you to apply as early as possible to secure your place. All offers are based on the right to work in the UK, qualifications, and business need.

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