At a Glance
- Tasks: Monitor and control the electricity distribution network in real-time.
- Company: Join Northern Powergrid, a leader in the evolving energy industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, shift allowance, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with 24/7 coverage and critical decision-making responsibilities.
- Why this job: Be the hero who keeps the lights on and ensures public safety.
- Qualifications: HNC in Electrical Engineering or working towards it.
The predicted salary is between 44529 - 44529 £ per year.
Do you want to help power your career and be part of an evolving energy industry? An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic Trainee Control Engineer to join our Yorkshire team. The ideal candidate would be someone with an HNC or equivalent in Electrical Engineering or working towards this qualification and looking to start an exciting new career.
What does a Control Engineer do in Northern Powergrid? A Control Engineer is responsible for the real‑time operation of the electricity distribution network. They work in the Centralised Control Room which is operational 24/7, 365 days a year, monitoring, controlling, and safeguarding the power system and its operators so that customers receive a safe, reliable, and continuous electricity supply. Control Engineers are the people who keep the lights on, especially when things go wrong. They are the operational brain of the network, making live decisions that balance safety, customer impact, regulatory obligations, and engineering constraints. This work happens in a highly pressurised environment that demands focus and the ability to multitask. A single error could lead to serious injury, fatality, or major outage—so accuracy and discipline are essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor network via SCADA and control systems, overseeing primary and secondary substations, feeders and circuits, voltage and load conditions, planned and unplanned switching activities, responding to national emergencies.
- Provide authority for the release of Apparatus and Plant from service.
- Provide authority for all High Voltage Switching except in cases of emergency or in other approved cases.
- Communicate directly with the Authorised Person who is to carry out the Switching.
- Consult with Control Engineers of other systems to agree and initiate Switching where there is interconnection across control boundaries; also agree responsibility for control of circuits in the isolated state preparatory to sanctioning the issue of Safety Documents.
- Before giving authority for the issue of a Safety Document, ensure the necessary operations to obtain safety from the inherent dangers of the system are carried out.
- Give authority for the issue and acknowledge cancellation of Permits‑to‑Work and Sanctions‑for‑Test.
- Maintain a written or electronic record of all High Voltage Switching, application and removal of Circuit Main Earths and the issue and cancellation of Permits‑to‑Work, Sanctions‑for‑Test and, where applicable, Limitations‑of‑Access.
What skills make a great Control Engineer?
- Strong technical foundation: Power systems knowledge (HV/LV, protection, generation), understanding network diagrams and schematics, awareness of asset capabilities and limits, seeing the whole system, staying calm in all situations, prioritising correctly with incomplete information, balancing speed with safety, making complex, high‑risk decisions without hesitation or panic, precision and discipline.
- Clear communication: Communicate clearly with field engineers, calmly with operational leaders, accurately under stress; good Control Engineers are typically excellent communicators.
- Resilience and emotional control: shift work ensuring 24/7 coverage, exposure to major incidents, responsibility for public safety; mentally robust and resilient.
- Situational awareness: understand what’s happening now, anticipate what could happen next, think in contingencies and fail‑safes, constantly asking "After this or if this isn’t as expected, what’s my next move?"
In Northern Powergrid Control Engineers are critical to safety, reliability, and performance. They operate the network in real time. Their decisions affect customers, colleagues, finances, and reputation. Great Control Engineers combine technical expertise with calm, disciplined judgement. They are not just engineers, but trusted distribution system controllers, decision‑makers, and guardians of the electricity network.
Qualifications
- HNC in Electrical Engineering (or working towards)
- Starting salary for a trainee would be £44,529 pa (Technical B pp9)
- Fully qualified Control Engineers salaries are currently £53,711 – £73,451
- Shift allowance of +27% of salary applies to these positions when on 24/7 cover.
- The successful candidate will be required to consent to a security check.
Closing date for applications: 3 June 2026
Trainee Control Engineer in Leeds employer: Northern Powergrid
Northern Powergrid is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where Trainee Control Engineers can thrive in the evolving energy sector. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive salaries, and a supportive culture that values safety and precision, our Yorkshire team provides unique opportunities for growth and advancement. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that plays a crucial role in ensuring reliable electricity supply while enjoying the benefits of shift allowances and a commitment to your professional journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Control Engineer in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with professionals in the energy sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before any interviews, do some mock sessions with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your technical knowledge and how it applies to real-world scenarios. We want you to feel confident and ready to impress when it’s showtime!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the industry! When you’re chatting with potential employers, let them know why you’re excited about becoming a Control Engineer. Share your thoughts on the evolving energy landscape and how you see yourself contributing. We love seeing enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’ve got loads of resources to help you along the way. Let’s power up your career together!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Control Engineer in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the energy industry shine through. We want to see that you're excited about becoming a Trainee Control Engineer and how you can contribute to keeping the lights on!
Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure to mention any technical skills or experiences that relate to electrical engineering. We’re looking for candidates who understand power systems and can communicate effectively, so don’t hold back on showcasing your strengths!
Be Clear and Concise:In a role where precision is key, your application should reflect that. Keep your writing clear and to the point, avoiding jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate straightforward communication, just like we expect in the control room!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out on powering your career with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern Powergrid
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Brush up on your knowledge of power systems, especially high voltage and low voltage concepts. Be ready to discuss network diagrams and schematics, as well as any relevant projects or coursework you've done related to electrical engineering.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Since the role involves making quick decisions in a high-pressure environment, practice scenarios where you might need to think on your feet. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed stress or made critical decisions.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key for a Control Engineer. Think about how you can convey complex information simply and clearly. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to explain technical concepts without jargon, as if you were talking to someone unfamiliar with the field.
✨Show Your Resilience
Highlight any experiences that showcase your resilience and emotional control, especially in challenging situations. Whether it's through shift work or handling emergencies, be prepared to share how you've maintained focus and discipline when things get tough.
