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- Tasks: Kick-start your career in electrical engineering with hands-on experience and academic study.
- Company: Join SSE, a leader in energy transition and infrastructure development.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible benefits, and support for your wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's energy future while earning a recognised qualification.
- Qualifications: Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, plus Level 3 Engineering or A Levels in Maths and Physics.
- Other info: Dynamic apprenticeship with excellent career growth opportunities in a fast-growing sector.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 ÂŁ per year.
Base Location: Reading and Portsmouth
Salary: Circa ÂŁ26,239 per annum + a range of other benefits to support your family, finances, and wellbeing. Salary upon finishing the programme is circa ÂŁ37k per annum.
Working Pattern: Full Time | 3 year programme
Start Date: August/September 2026
Kick‑start your career in electrical engineering and help shape the UK’s energy future. Are you ready to build a career that powers homes, businesses and communities? Our three‑year Electrical Power Networks Engineer Apprenticeship blends academic study with hands‑on experience, giving you the skills and confidence to thrive in a fast‑growing sector. You’ll gain an industry‑recognised Level 4 qualification, contribute to the UK’s Net Zero transition and receive support from mentors and experienced colleagues throughout. If you enjoy solving problems and making a real impact, this could be the perfect path for you.
What To Expect
- Study Toward a Recognised Qualification – you’ll work towards a Level 4 Electrical Power Networks Engineer qualification, building strong technical knowledge and industry‑specific skills.
- Hands‑On Learning – outside of college, you’ll work alongside experienced SSE engineers within our Distribution business. You’ll gain exposure to fieldwork, as well as specialist teams such as Design, Planning, and Protection – all key to operating a safe and resilient electricity network.
- Growing Responsibility – as you progress into your third year, you’ll take on more complex technical tasks, such as carrying out safety‑critical assessments, supporting or designing protection schemes, and coordinating work with craftspeople or contractors.
- Your Future Career – once qualified, you’ll be ready to step into roles such as Protection Engineer, Designer, or Field Engineer, with a competitive salary of circa £37k.
What We’re Looking For
This programme is a great fit for people who enjoy practical tasks, want to learn how power networks work, and are keen to develop their engineering skills. You should be:
- Comfortable getting involved in hands‑on work, learning new technical tasks as you go.
- Organised and dependable, especially when balancing study with practical work.
- Happy working in a variety of environments, including outdoors and at different sites.
- Able to travel and stay away from home at times for training and college sessions.
- Safety‑minded, understanding the importance of following instructions and procedures.
- Working towards your driving licence – not essential at the start, but you’ll need a full UK licence by the end of the programme.
Qualifications – you’ll need to have five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English, Maths and Science. You’ll also need a further qualification – either a Level 3 qualification in Engineering or A Levels in Maths and Physics.
This programme is designed to provide training at a specific qualification level. To ensure it remains appropriate and beneficial for participants, we’re unable to accept applicants who already hold an HND or higher in Electrical Engineering. If you do have a higher‑level qualification, we encourage you to explore other Early Careers opportunities at SSE that align with your existing experience.
About SSE
SSE’s purpose is to provide energy needed today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow. We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. Our Transforming for Growth investment plan sees us investing £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure across the five years to 2030. SSEN Distribution, part of the wider SSE group, powers 3.9 million UK homes and businesses. Our team of more than 4,200 skilled engineers, customer service advisors and energy experts keep customers connected to a safe, reliable supply of electricity while investing in and developing the flexible networks needed for our low carbon future.
Flexible Benefits To Fit Your Life
Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. 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.
What happens now?
If you’re passionate about electrical engineering and eager to develop your skills, we’d love to hear from you! Take the first step toward a meaningful career that powers communities and supports the UK’s energy transition. All applications should be made online, and we will be back in touch after the vacancy closing date to let you know next steps.
Other Information
SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. If you would like to discuss any working‑differently requirements or adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment and selection process, please contact apprenticesandtrainees@sse.com by email or you are very welcome to request a call if you would prefer to discuss on the phone. Before commencing employment with SSE, you’ll be required to fully complete our pre‑employment screening process consisting of a basic criminal records and credit check. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment. Please note, SSE welcomes applicants from all nationalities to apply for the Apprenticeship/Trainees roles, however, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship as the salary does not meet the UKVI minimum salary threshold for this role.
Electrical Power Network Engineer - Higher Apprenticeship in Reading employer: Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks
Contact Detail:
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Electrical Power Network Engineer - Higher Apprenticeship in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Connect with professionals in the electrical engineering field through LinkedIn or local events. You never know who might have a lead on an apprenticeship or can give you insider tips.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before any interviews, do some mock interviews with friends or family. This will help you get comfortable talking about your skills and experiences, making you more confident when it counts.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for electrical engineering shine through. Share why you’re excited about the industry and how you want to contribute to the energy transition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the apprenticeship and what we’re looking for.
We think you need these skills to ace Electrical Power Network Engineer - Higher Apprenticeship in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for electrical engineering shine through! Share any relevant experiences or projects that sparked your interest in the field. We want to know what makes you tick!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the Electrical Power Network Engineer role. Highlight your skills and experiences that align with the job description, especially those hands-on tasks and problem-solving abilities we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and gets straight to the heart of why you’d be a great fit for us.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the application process right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the basics of electrical engineering and power networks. Familiarise yourself with key concepts, terms, and recent developments in the industry. This will not only help you answer technical questions but also show your genuine interest in the field.
✨Showcase Your Practical Skills
Since this apprenticeship involves hands-on work, be ready to discuss any relevant practical experience you have. Whether it's a school project, a hobby, or previous work experience, highlight how these experiences have prepared you for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Ability
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past. Employers love candidates who can think critically and solve problems, so think of situations where you had to come up with a solution, especially in a technical context.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! This shows your enthusiasm and helps you determine if the company is the right fit for you. Consider asking about the training process, team dynamics, or future career opportunities within the company.