Project Development Year in Industry Internship

SSE PLC; Leeds; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible first options

Wellbeing benefits

Cycle to Work

Job summary

SSE invites you to a 12-month Thermal Project Development Internship across Glasgow, Leeds and Perth. Start date September 2027. You'll support project development and engineering analysis, planning, or business development depending on interests and strengths.

You will learn from professionals, gain hands-on experience progressing energy projects, and build a professional network. Applicants should be in 1st–3rd year, returning to university, with a genuine interest in energy transition and

Qualifications

• 12-month Year in Industry placement as part of university studies.
• Open to 1st, 2nd or 3rd year students who will return to university after the internship.
• Interest in energy transition and STEM disciplines (engineering, physics, chemistry, geology or related).

Responsibilities

• Support technical development of projects and analyse engineering options.
• Assist planning, land and stakeholder considerations for major energy projects.
• Support commercial and project development decisions with data and research.
• Collaborate with SSE teams to progress project development from idea to delivery.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

University year 1–3

Job description

Start Date: Commencing September2027

Base Location: Glasgow, Perth, Leeds

Salary: £26,239 per annum + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family

Working Pattern: Full Time | 1 Year Internship | Flexible First options available

Turn your studies into experience developing the energy projects of the future

Our 12-month Thermal Project Development Internship gives you hands‑on experience supporting projects as they move from an early idea towards development and delivery. SSE Thermal is developing the flexible energy infrastructure needed to support the transition to net zero. You'll join our Development team and work alongside experienced colleagues helping to progress future energy projects.

What is the role?

You'll apply to the Thermal Project Development Internship rather than a specific team. We'll consider your degree, interests, strengths and location preferences when matching successful candidates to available opportunities. Depending on your degree, interests and strengths, you could join one of three areas:

Project Development & Engineering - Glasgow

You'll support the technical development of projects, contributing to analysis and helping teams understand engineering options and project requirements.

We're particularly interested in students studying Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Geology or another relevant STEM discipline.

Planning & Development - Leeds, Glasgow or Perth

You'll gain practical experience of how planning, land and stakeholder considerations influence the development of major energy projects, supporting activities that help projects progress.

We're particularly interested in students studying Town Planning, Urban Planning, Real Estate, Rural Surveying, Planning and Development Surveying or a closely related discipline.

Business Development & Commercial - Perth

You'll use data, research and analysis to help assess opportunities and support commercial and project development decisions, building your understanding of how major energy projects progress. For this opportunity, a specific degree discipline isn't essential, but you should be comfortable working with numbers and enjoy analytical problem‑solving.

What you'll get from the internship

Whichever area you join, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Contribute to meaningful work and real project challenges.
• Learn from experienced professionals across different disciplines.
• Develop your analytical, communication and problem‑solving skills.
• Understand how different teams work together to progress major energy projects.
• Build valuable experience and a professional network to support your future career.

What we're looking for

This opportunity is for students looking to undertake a 12-month Year in Industry placement as part of their university studies. You should be in your 1st, 2nd or 3rd year or university, with plans to return to university at the end of the internship. We're looking for students who:

• Are curious about how major energy projects are developed.
• Enjoy analysing information and solving problems.
• Communicate clearly and enjoy working with others.
• Are proactive, adaptable and willing to learn.
• Have a genuine interest in the energy industry and the transition to a lower‑carbon energy system.

You don't need to know everything on day one. What matters most is your willingness to learn, contribute and make the most of your year with us.

About SSE

SSE's purpose is to be restless every day until we make electricity clean, affordable and available for all.

We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. This includes electricity transmission and distribution networks, onshore and offshore wind farms, hydro‑electric power and flexible thermal generation. We also provide products and services for businesses and other customers.

Our investment plan will see SSE invest £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure to 2030.

SSE Thermal help keep electricity available for millions of people while pioneering low‑carbon technologies. From ground‑breaking carbon capture and storage projects to plans for what might be the world's first hydrogen‑fired power station, we're transforming how flexible power supports a cleaner electricity system.

Flexible benefits to fit your life

Enjoy discounts on gym memberships, discounted retail vouchers, high street shops, private healthcare, 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.

Work with an equal opportunity employer

SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact [e-mail] to discuss how we can support you.

We're dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 1 November 2026.

We'll be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we'll be taking your application further. If you're offered a role with SSE, you'll need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.

SSE welcomes applications from all nationalities. Successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK before commencing employment.