2026 Graduate Substation Engineer Midlands

2026 Graduate Substation Engineer Midlands (Warwick), Asset Operations Join National Grid as a Graduate Substation Engineer as part of our two-year immersive programme. You will gain hands‑on experience in substation engineering across the network and, by the end of the programme, step into a full‑time role with the skills and confidence to lead projects and teams. About Us National Grid is at the heart of the UK energy network, owning and maintaining the physical infrastructure—pylons, cables, substations—that delivers electricity from wind farms and power sources to users. We are committed to a greener future, leading the transformation towards a more affordable and sustainable energy system for everyone. About The Role As part of England and Wales’ electricity transmission network, you will: Assist in substation maintenance, refurbishment and fault diagnosis Support a range of projects from design and construction to commissioning and fault response Develop into a Project Leader (PL) focusing on commercial delivery and safety Lead fitters and contractors, ensuring safe systems of work, risk assessments, method statements and toolbox talks are in place Monitor and progress contracts for unlicensed customers and contractor‑delivered work Takes on site delivery responsibilities, including Acting as Temporary Works Co‑ordinator and Principal Contractor under CDM regulations Participate in a standby rota for emergency call‑outs, with additional pay for availability and expertise Program Highlights Build deep technical knowledge of substation systems and high‑voltage equipment Learn how to manage safety‑critical work and uphold National Grid’s Safety Rules Gain leadership experience and progress towards becoming a Senior Authorised Person (SAP) Develop skills to lead on‑site teams, manage contractors and deliver complex engineering projects Receive structured training at our dedicated centre in Eakring, Nottingham, alongside on‑the‑job learning across your regional base Contribute to strategic projects and continuous improvement initiatives across the business Our Graduate Programme This 18‑month programme offers a tailored development pathway to support you as you develop a wide range of leadership, business and technical skills. You will attend in‑person and virtual development sessions, receive 121 coaching and a mentor, and complete three 6‑month placements across the UK to broaden your knowledge of the business. What you'll need to apply You need to achieve, or be working towards, a minimum 2:2 in a degree based on electrical principals such as Mechanical, Electrical, Power Systems Engineering or a closely related discipline. A full valid UK driving licence (or a theory test completed and practical booked) and flexibility to travel within the region and across the programme are required. Location Due to operational requirements you must live within a 30‑minute drive of the following postcode: TA5 1UD. Evidence of this will be requested in your application. Responsibilities (Detailed) Frequent visits to substations, depots and other operational sites within your region Regular travel to our training centre in Eakring, Nottingham Occasional cross‑regional travel to support on‑the‑job learning and development We also have advertised opportunities in the following locations: Lancashire (PR1 0NS), Chester (CH1 6HE), Kent (ME3 9NT), Dartford (DA11 8HX), Bristol (BS37 9TX), Taunton (TA5 1UD), Warwick (CV8 1PH) and London (NW8 8JY). What You’ll Get In Return We are proud to offer a graduate starting salary of £36,640 plus: 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 include 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. 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. National Grid may consider offering sponsorship in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear need for specialist skills. At National Grid, it’s our people that provide our true super‑power. We drive and sustain our growth, and our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion places the heart of who we are and what we do. All offers are based on the right to work in the UK, qualifications, the innovation from creating diverse teams and perspectives, and business need. Seniority level Internship Employment type Full‑time Job function Engineering and Information Technology Industries Utilities #J-18808-Ljbffr