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- Tasks: Join us to shape the future of energy through hands-on substation engineering projects.
- Company: National Grid, a leader in the UK energy network and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, 26 days holiday, and accommodation support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's energy transition while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; eager to learn and apply knowledge.
- Other info: Dynamic graduate programme with mentorship and career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.
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, their unique differences only making us stronger. But it\’s no small feat and we need the best to join us in our mission. So, join us and power the future of energy.
About The Role
As the owners of England and Wales\’ electricity transmission network, we\’re at the forefront of the UK\’s energy transition. We\’re looking for bright, ambitious engineering graduates to help us build a greener, more resilient energy future.
We\’re offering a unique, immersive two-year programme that gives you hands‑on experience in substation engineering – all while being paid. You\’ll work on real‑world projects that directly impact how electricity is delivered across the country, now and for the next 40 to 50 years.
From day one, you\’ll be part of a team delivering essential work – from maintaining and refurbishing high‑voltage assets to connecting new customers and integrating renewable energy sources like wind and solar into the grid. You\’ll rotate through a variety of projects and teams, gaining exposure to everything from design and construction to commissioning and fault response.
By the end of the programme, you\’ll step into a full‑time role as a Substation Engineer, equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead teams and make critical decisions.
Some of your key responsibilities will include:
- Testing equipment and systems, including safety, protection, and control mechanisms
- Supporting substation maintenance, refurbishment, and fault diagnosis
- Assisting your Operations Manager and wider team in delivering key projects
- Developing into the role of Project Leader (PL), with a focus on commercial delivery and safety
- Leading teams of fitters and contractors, ensuring safe systems of work, risk assessments, method statements, and toolbox talks are in place
- Monitoring and progressing contracts for unlicensed customers and contractor‑delivered work
- Taking on site delivery responsibilities, including acting as Temporary Works Co‑ordinator and Principal Contractor under CDM regulations
- Participating in a standby rota for emergency callouts – with additional pay for your availability and expertise
Throughout the programme, you\’ll:
- 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 work towards becoming a Senior Authorised Person (SAP)
- Develop the 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
This isn\’t just a job – it\’s a chance to shape the future of energy in the UK. The decisions you make and the work you deliver will help ensure the safe, reliable transmission of electricity for generations to come.
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 as well as the support from your line manager as you navigate your new role, you\’ll also have access to 121 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, giving 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 believe in the importance of getting as much on‑the‑job experience as possible and to do this, you will complete three 6‑month placements, across the UK, designed to deepen your understanding of your speciality but to also broaden your knowledge of our business. At the end of your 18‑month programme you\’ll return to your initial placement area to kickstart your superpowered career.
What you\’ll need to apply
You will 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 degree discipline. 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 or have completed your theory test (and have a practical test booked) at the time of your assessment centre (if your application is progressed) will allow you to drive in the UK.
You need flexibility to travel within role and throughout your graduate development programme rotations. This includes travel to various sites such as substations, depots, and training centres, as required to carry out the responsibilities of the role.
Location
Due to operational requirements, you must live within a 30‑minute drive of the following postcode: ME3 9NT. You will be asked to provide evidence of this in your application.
this role is based in Kent – ME3 9NT, and you\’ll be expected to travel regularly around this region as part of your role. Travel is essential to carry out your responsibilities and includes:
- 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
Please note, for this role 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 ÂŁ36,640
Not only will you receive a tailored development programme to progress a superpowered career at National Grid, we also offer some great rewards and benefits too:
- ÂŁ2,000 bonus, once joined and started on programme
- 26 days holiday
- ÂŁ2,400 payment on successful completion of the programme
- Up to ÂŁ200 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.
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/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
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 be aware 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 and are committed to building a workforce of the future which represents the communities we serve. 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. All our offers are based on the right to work in the UK, qualifications, the innovation from creating diverse teams and perspectives, as well as business need.
#Graduateopportunities2026
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2026 Graduate Substation Engineer South East (Kent), Asset Operations employer: National Grid
Contact Detail:
National Grid Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 Graduate Substation Engineer South East (Kent), Asset Operations
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching National Grid and understanding their mission. Practice common interview questions and think about how your skills align with their goals. Remember, confidence is key, so show them why you’re the perfect fit for the team!
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with recruiters or during interviews, let your enthusiasm for renewable energy and engineering shine through. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to a greener future at National Grid. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference!
✨Apply Early and Often
Don’t wait until the last minute to apply! We recruit on a rolling basis, so the sooner you submit your application through our website, the better your chances. Plus, if you find multiple roles that interest you, go ahead and apply for the one that fits you best!
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Graduate Substation Engineer South East (Kent), Asset Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for engineering and the energy sector shine through. We want to see how excited you are about contributing to a greener future and how your background aligns with our mission.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Substation Engineer. Highlight relevant projects, skills, and experiences that demonstrate your technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities. We love seeing how you can apply your studies in real-world scenarios!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Be personal, be specific, and connect your experiences to what we do at National Grid. Show us how you can contribute to our team and help power the future of energy.
Apply Early!: We recruit on a rolling basis, so don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. The sooner you apply through our website, the better your chances of securing a spot in our graduate programme. Get your application in early and stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to electrical principles and substation engineering. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of the role, like testing equipment and safety protocols. This will show that you're not just interested in the job, but that you understand what it entails.
✨Show Your Passion for Sustainability
National Grid is all about leading the transformation towards a greener future. Be prepared to discuss your views on renewable energy and how you can contribute to this mission. Share any relevant projects or experiences that highlight your commitment to sustainability.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the graduate programme, team dynamics, and opportunities for growth. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the role and eager to learn more about how you can fit into their vision.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since you'll be working closely with teams on various projects, it's crucial to showcase your teamwork skills. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully collaborated with others, especially in challenging situations. Highlighting your ability to lead and support teams will resonate well with the interviewers.
