Electrical Engineer, Electricity Distribution

National Grid; Bristol; On-site; GBP 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company in Bristol is offering a graduate programme designed for aspiring engineers. You'll gain practical project management experience, work with high-voltage systems, and receive extensive mentorship. The programme includes a starting salary of £36,640, a £2,000 joining bonus, and comprehensive professional development support. Applicants need a minimum 2:2 degree in Electrical Engineering & a valid UK driving license. Flexibility to travel for projects is essential.

Benefits

Graduate starting salary of £36,640

£2,000 joining bonus

26 days holiday

£2,400 payment on completion of programme

Accommodation allowance

Pension and share-option schemes

Flexible Benefits

Qualifications

• Eager to apply knowledge in a real-world setting.
• Flexibility to travel to various sites.
• Full valid UK driving license required.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex infrastructure projects.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Assist in budgeting and financial reporting.
• Support contractor selection and oversight.
• Participate in commissioning electrical plant.

Skills

Project Management

Electrical Engineering knowledge

Risk Management

Procurement Management

Strong communication skills

Education

2:2 degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

What You’ll Do

• Project Management Fundamentals – Learn how to plan, execute, and deliver complex infrastructure projects.
• Safety and CDM Regulations – Understand the principles of safe working and compliance with Construction (Design and Management) regulations.
• Project Finances – Get involved in budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting.
• Network Risk Management – Learn how to assess and mitigate risks associated with network operations and upgrades.
• Procurement and Contractor Management – Support the selection and oversight of contractors and suppliers.
• Network Operations – Work towards becoming a Senior Authorised Person (SAP), gaining the skills to operate and manage high‑voltage systems.
• Commissioning Activities – Assist in the testing and commissioning of electrical plant and protection systems.

Our Graduate Programme

As you’ll be joining our 18‑month graduate programme, you’ll have a tailored development pathway to support you as you develop a wide range of leadership, business, and technical skills. You’ll attend in‑person and virtual development sessions throughout your programme to equip you with the essential skills required, as you begin your career at National Grid. We’re committed to the personal development of our colleagues so, along with support from your line manager, you’ll also 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 how to make an impact, give feedback and presentation skills. Aligned to this role is our Engineering pathway and as part of this you’ll develop further key technical skills aligned to your role as well as important learning modules such as working safely. If relevant to your career aspirations, you will be able to access Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) membership and seek support from a National Grid IET mentor to help you secure your chartership.

We recruit on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close our vacancies once we have enough applications/based on volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to ensure you obtain the place you want in the application process. Assessment centres will be held between November – April 2026.

Qualifications & Requirements

You’ll need to achieve, or be working towards, a minimum 2:2 degree in Electrical Engineering. It doesn’t matter when you graduated or if you are currently working towards your qualification – we just need you to be eager to apply your knowledge in a real‑world setting. Due to the amount of travel to our site locations, you’ll need to currently have a full valid UK driving licence at the time of application. You’ll need flexibility to travel within the role and throughout your rotations as required, as in order to carry out the requirements of this role you’ll need to travel to sites, substations, depots and our training centres.

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. Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points‑based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points‑based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship.

All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin. Please be aware that it’s your responsibility to explore avenues of working in the UK, as we’re not able to provide advice on this. For information about visas please visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas.

At National Grid, it’s our people that provide our true superpower. They drive and sustain our growth, their unique differences only making us stronger, so we pride ourselves on placing diversity, equity and inclusion at the heart of who we are and what we do. We welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office where and when needed.

Benefits

• 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
• Up to £200 per month accommodation allowance as you move around the business and additional annual leave for when you move between placements plus assistance with moving personal belongings
• Other benefits include pension and share‑option schemes, Flexible Benefits, close mentorship and regular feedback & volunteering opportunities.