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- Tasks: Join our 3-year Trainee Engineer Programme and gain hands-on experience in electrical engineering.
- Company: SSE, a leader in energy transition and infrastructure development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible benefits, and support for your wellbeing and family.
- Why this job: Shape the future of the UK's energy system while building your engineering career.
- Qualifications: 1 Scottish Higher or A level in Maths or Physics required.
- Other info: Enjoy professional growth, peer support, and a dynamic work environment.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 ÂŁ per year.
Base Location: Scotland - Aberdeen, Dundee, Perth, Oban / England - Aldershot, Andover, Melksham, New Forest, Oxford, Poole, Portsmouth, Reading, Salisbury, Slough, Swindon
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 ÂŁ37,000+ per annum.
Working Pattern: Full Time | 3 Year Training Programme
Start Date: August/September 2026
Build Your Future in Electrical Engineering
Are you ready to grow your engineering career while helping to shape the future of the UK’s energy system? Our three‑year Distribution Trainee Engineer Programme combines academic study with real‑world experience, giving you the skills, confidence and qualifications to thrive in a fast‑growing sector. You’ll gain an industry‑recognised HNC in Electrical Engineering, build hands‑on technical expertise, and play a key role in supporting a safe, reliable and Net‑Zero‑ready electricity network. If you’re motivated, curious and eager to make a meaningful impact, this could be the perfect next step.
What to Expect
- Study Towards a Recognised Qualification: work towards your Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Electrical Engineering, developing strong technical knowledge alongside the leadership skills needed for a future engineering role.
- Hands‑On Learning: gain practical field experience as you train to become a Low Voltage and High Voltage Switcher, playing an essential part in maintaining a safe and resilient electricity supply for our customers.
- Keeping the Network Running: join our teams in Network Operations, Maintenance and Design, where you’ll learn how our distribution network functions day to day—and how it is evolving to support the UK’s transition to Net Zero.
- Professional Growth & Support: be part of our Engineering Professional Development Forum, giving you access to ongoing learning, peer support and opportunities to celebrate engineering excellence across SSE.
What We’re Looking For
This programme is ideal for people who enjoy problem‑solving, learning by doing, and working in environments where no two days are the same. You should be:
- Organised and dependable, able to balance study with practical learning
- Adaptable and flexible, comfortable working both independently and as part of a team
- Open to travel, including living away from home during college or placement blocks
- Working towards your driving licence—not essential at the start, but you’ll need a full UK licence by the end of the programme
Entry Requirements
To start the programme in September 2026, you’ll need:
- 1 Scottish Higher (grade C or above) in Maths or Physics OR 1 A level (grade D or above) in Maths or Physics
- We also welcome applicants with equivalent engineering qualifications
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 HNC or higher in Electrical Engineering. This programme isn’t the right match – but you may be eligible for our Higher Apprenticeship in Electrical Power Networks Engineering or other SSE opportunities.
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 plans see 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?
All applications should be made online, and we will be back in touch after the vacancy closing date to let you know next steps. 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 maximum salary threshold for this role.
Trainee Engineer in Portsmouth employer: SSE PLC
Contact Detail:
SSE PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Engineer in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former trainees and engineers on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for you. Building connections can give you insider info and maybe even a foot in the door!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to electrical engineering. Think about your problem-solving skills and how you can showcase them. We want to see your passion for the field, so be ready to share why you're excited about this opportunity!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research SSE and its role in the energy transition. Knowing about their projects and values will help you stand out in interviews. Show us that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining our team. Don’t miss out on this chance to kickstart your engineering career with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Engineer in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for electrical engineering shine through! Share any relevant projects or experiences that sparked your interest in the field. We love to see candidates who are genuinely excited about shaping the future of energy.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Trainee Engineer role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we're looking for. This shows us that you’ve done your homework!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon and overly complex language. We appreciate clarity, so make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the programme without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application and get back to you promptly after the closing date.
How to prepare for a job interview at SSE PLC
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your electrical engineering basics, especially in Maths and Physics. Familiarise yourself with key concepts that relate to the role, as well as the latest trends in energy systems. This will show your passion and readiness for the Trainee Engineer position.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past, whether in school projects or personal experiences. Highlight your ability to think critically and adapt to new situations, as this is crucial for a role where no two days are the same.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the training programme, team dynamics, and the company's vision for the future of energy. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. The interviewers want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. Be genuine, enthusiastic, and ready to share your motivations for wanting to join the programme.
