At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Graduate & Technical Trainee Programme to shape the future of electricity distribution.
- Company: Northern Powergrid, powering millions across the North East and Yorkshire.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £39,000, increasing to £46,000, plus industry-leading training.
- Other info: Flexible career pathways with dedicated mentor support and professional development.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and become a qualified Engineer in a dynamic energy sector.
- Qualifications: Degree or Level 4/5 qualification in STEM fields required.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 39000 £ per year.
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.
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.
Graduate and Technical Trainee Programme in Barrow upon Humber employer: Northern Powergrid
Northern Powergrid is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. As a Payroll Specialist, you will benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring you stay at the forefront of payroll compliance and best practices. Located in a dynamic environment, the company fosters collaboration across departments, making it a rewarding place to contribute to the financial health of the organisation while enjoying a fulfilling career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate and Technical Trainee Programme in Barrow upon Humber
✨Get Hands-On Experience
Dive into practical projects, even if they're DIY at home or in your community. Many engineering firms are impressed by real-world application, so build something cool and document it! Showing action is way more impactful than just talking about theories.
✨Join Engineering Societies and Clubs
Get involved with engineering clubs at your university or local societies. These communities often host events, workshops, and networking opportunities that can lead you to internships or traineeships. Plus, you'll meet like-minded folks and get a chance to show off your enthusiasm!
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Programme
Don’t underestimate the power of university connections! Reach out to alumni who’ve ventured into engineering roles. They might have insider tips or even know of traineeship opportunities at places like Northern Powergrid. A warm introduction can often go a long way.
✨Apply Early and Often
Trainee positions can fill up fast, so get your applications in as soon as you spot them! Keep an eye on our website for openings at companies like Northern Powergrid. The earlier you apply, the more chances you’ll have to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate and Technical Trainee Programme in Barrow upon Humber
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:As you’re applying for a trainee role in engineering, make sure to list your relevant technical skills prominently on your CV. Include any specific software or tools you’ve used (like CAD software) and mention specific projects or coursework that showcases your hands-on experience. We want to see what you’ve done and what you can bring to the table!
Get Personal with Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your passion for engineering and why you’re excited about the opportunity at Northern Powergrid. Talk about what drives you and any specific areas of engineering you're keen on exploring further. We love to see your motivation and how you plan to grow in this role. Tailor it to us, and we’ll notice!
Highlight Your Educational Journey:Since this is a trainee position, your educational background is key! Make sure to mention not just your degree, but any relevant certifications or additional training you’ve taken. If you're a recent graduate or still studying, we want to see how your studies connect to this role in engineering.
Include Group Projects or Internships:If you’ve worked on any group projects or have had internships, make sure to call them out in your application. Collaboration is vital in engineering, so we want to see how well you’ve worked with others in real-world scenarios. Sharing this experience can set you apart from other trainees applying to Northern Powergrid!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern Powergrid
✨Speak the Lingo
Engineering is packed with technical jargon, so brush up on relevant terminology. Whether it's CAD software or the basics of thermodynamics, you might be asked to explain concepts or tools you're familiar with. Using the right language shows you're not just a newbie but someone who's got a genuine interest in the field!
✨Problem-Solving in Action
Expect technical questions or scenarios where you’ll be asked to solve engineering problems. Practise logic puzzles or review relevant project cases you've worked on, even if they're part of your studies. Showcasing your critical thinking skills is key, especially in a trainee position where they want to see your potential!
✨Show Us Your Projects
As a trainee, your portfolio might not be extensive, but bring along any relevant projects you’ve completed during your studies. Highlighting your hands-on experience, even if it’s from coursework or internships, gives the interviewers at Northern Powergrid a tangible taste of your skills and what you can bring to their team.
✨Be Ready to Learn
In a trainee role, demonstrating a willingness to learn is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you handle feedback and adapt to new challenges, as this is a trait many companies, including Northern Powergrid, will be looking for. They want to see that you’re not just eager to hit the ground running, but also keen to grow within the engineering field!
