Graduate and Technical Trainee Programme

Northern Powergrid; Barrow-upon-Humber; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Level 4 Apprenticeship

Structured placements

Mentor support

Assessor guidance

Job summary

Northern Powergrid invites you to join its Graduate & Technical Trainee Programme, a 27-month development journey designed to launch your engineering career across the North East, Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. You’ll gain real-world experience through structured placements, industry-leading training and hands-on project work.

Upon completion, you’ll qualify as an Engineer within Northern Powergrid, supported by a mentoring network and a dedicated assessor, with a clear pathway into either

Qualifications

• Degree in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Engineering and Technology (Electrical/Mechanical/Civil/Telecommunications).
• A Level 4 or Level 5 qualification plus two years' relevant industry experience.
• Full UK driving licence required before start date.

Responsibilities

• Two distinct career pathways: Non-Operational Engineer focusing on network planning, power systems design, asset management and policy.
• Operational Engineer Pathway involves field-based roles maintaining and developing the electricity network.
• Complete a Level 4 Electrical Power Network Engineer Apprenticeship while developing technical and professional skills.

Skills

Strong communicator

Analytical

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Level 4 or Level 5 qualification + 2 years experience

Job description

Want to help light up the region, power your career and be part of an evolving energy industry?

We're looking for ambitious and talented individuals to join our Graduate & Technical Trainee Programme and help shape the future of electricity distribution across the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire.

This unique 27-month development programme combines structured placements, industry-leading training and real-world experience, enabling you to put your knowledge into practice while developing the technical and professional skills needed for a successful engineering career.

Upon successful completion, you'll become a qualified Engineer with Northern Powergrid, helping deliver the network that powers millions of customers every day.

Why Join Our Programme?

• Gain experience across engineering and business teams
• Work on projects that power millions of homes and businesses
• Learn from experienced engineers and technical specialists
• Develop the skills to become a future network engineer
• Build a broad understanding of the electricity industry
• Complete a Level 4 Electrical Power Network Engineer Apprenticeship

What You'll Get

Our programme is designed to provide the experience, support and development needed to accelerate your engineering career.

You'll receive:

• Starting salary of circa £39,000
• Salary increase to circa £46,000 upon successful completion of the programme
• Industry-leading Level 4 Electrical Power Network Engineer Apprenticeship
• Structured placements across engineering and business functions
• Specialist technical modules delivered by EA Technology
• Professional industry training and network authorisations
• Dedicated mentor support throughout the programme
• Experienced assessor guidance
• Personal and professional development opportunities

Entry Requirements

To apply, you must have attained, or expect to attain by July 2027, one of the following:

• A Degree; or
• A Level 4 or Level 5 qualification plus a minimum of two years' relevant industry experience

Your qualification should be in one of the following disciplines*:

• Physics
• Computer Science
• Mathematics
• Engineering and Technology (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil or Telecommunications)

You will also need a full UK driving licence before the start date.

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Our Graduate & Technical Trainee Programme offers two distinct career pathways, allowing you to develop expertise in an area aligned to your strengths, interests and career ambitions.

Non-Operational Engineer Pathway

Help design and develop the network of the future.

These primarily office-based roles focus on areas such as network planning, power systems design, asset management, engineering policy, innovation, control room and major project delivery. You'll play a key role in ensuring our network can support growing demand from electric vehicles, renewable energy and the UK's transition to net zero.

You'll thrive on this pathway if you're:

• A creative and innovative thinker
• Analytical and mathematically minded
• Naturally curious and inquisitive
• A logical problem solver
• Interested in complex technical challenges
• Comfortable working across multiple teams
• A strong communicator and collaborator

Operational Engineer Pathway

Work directly on the network that keeps the lights on.

These predominantly field-based roles involve maintaining, operating and developing our electricity network. You'll gain hands-on experience working on critical infrastructure, helping to deliver safe and reliable power supplies for customers across our region.

You'll thrive on this pathway if you:

• Enjoy working outdoors
• Have a strong safety mindset
• Are practical and hands-on
• Stay calm under pressure
• Enjoy solving real-world problems
• Are resilient and methodical
• Have a healthy respect for risk and safety procedures
• Enjoy working as part of a team

Ready to Engineer the Future?

Closing Date: 20 December 2026

Expected Start Date: 4 October 2027

Locations: Northumberland/Durham/Tyne & Wear/ Teesside/North Yorkshire/East Yorkshire/West Yorkshire/South Yorkshire/North Lincolnshire/Humber

Learn. Develop. Engineer the Future.

* Qualifications must be recognised within the Qualifications Framework for Higher Education in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and be in a relevant STEM subject. Further information can be found on the UK Government qualifications framework guidance.

Applicants are considered on the basis of their suitability for the post irrespective of sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender re-assignment, race, religion or belief, pregnancy or maternity, age or disability, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace for everyone. We operate a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of harassment, discrimination, bullying, or victimisation—whether verbal, physical, written, or online.

About Us

Northern Powergrid is an electricity distribution business, delivering electricity to 3.9 million homes and businesses across the North East, Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire. With some 3,500 employees, we work together to invest in improving the region's power network, deliver new connections and support the communities we serve.

To find out more about us – or a career with us - visit www.northernpowergrid.com.