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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Trainee Engineer Programme and work on exciting energy projects.
- Company: SSE, a leading energy company committed to a net zero future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible benefits, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience while studying towards a HNC in Energy Engineering.
- Qualifications: Scottish Higher in Maths or Physics, or equivalent qualifications.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth in various engineering roles.
The predicted salary is between 24580 - 33000 £ per year.
Overview
Trainee Engineer
Base Location: Perth, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, Elgin, Dundee or Argyll
Salary: Circa £24,580 per annum + a range of other benefits to support your family, finances, and wellbeing. Salary upon finishing the trainee engineer programme is circa £33,000 per annum.
Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time
Start Date: August 2026
Our Trainee Engineer Programme lasts three years and blends academic study with hands-on, real-world experience.
You\\\’ll work towards a HNC and Diploma in Higher Education in Energy Engineering, while also learning on-site alongside some of the best engineers in the industry. From day one, you\\\’ll get involved in exciting projects that are shaping the future of energy and helping us deliver Net Zero.
When you\\\’re not studying, you\\\’ll be on placements across our Transmission business. That could mean working on-site in the field, learning from experienced SSE engineers and craftspeople, or developing key skills such as Low Voltage and High Voltage Switching – vital for keeping the electricity network safe and reliable.
As you grow in confidence and skills, you\\\’ll take on more responsibility, including managing jobs, safety processes, and even supervising others. By the final year, you\\\’ll be ready to step into a professional role within SSE Transmission.
Your Future Career
Once qualified, you\\\’ll have the chance to build your career in several different areas of Transmission, depending on your skills and interests. These could include:
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Control Centre Engineer – working at the heart of our Transmission Network Control Centre, keeping the system safe, resilient, and ready for the future.
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Maintenance Engineer – helping to keep the network secure and reliable.
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Operational Engineer – ensuring safe and effective running of our network day-to-day.
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Project Design Engineer – shaping and delivering projects that build the Net Zero network of tomorrow.
The programme is designed to give you the skills, confidence and experience to become an Engineer of the future.
What Were Looking For
We\\\’d love you to be:
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Organised and self-motivated – able to manage your own time and learning.
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Flexible and adaptable – comfortable working alone or in a team, and open to new challenges.
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Ready to travel and live away from home at times for college or placements.
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Keen to learn to drive (a UK driving licence, or working towards one, is required).
For entrance onto the educational aspect of our programme it\\\’s important that you have, or expect to achieve the below qualifications prior to starting the programme in August 2026:
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1 Scottish Higher (grade C or above) in Maths or Physics OR
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1 A level (grade D or above) in Maths or Physics OR
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NC/NQ Engineering at SCQF level 6 (or equivalent) OR
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Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering
(Please note: applicants with HNC, HND, DipHE, or an Engineering-related degree cannot be considered for this programme.)
About SSE
SSE has a bold ambition – to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We\\\’re investing around £10 million a day in homegrown energy to help power a cleaner, more secure future.
SSEN Transmission own and operate the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland. We transport energy from where it is generated to where it is needed, ensuring a safe and reliable electricity supply for the communities we serve. But that\\\’s not all – we\\\’re upgrading the grid to deliver cleaner, homegrown energy for the future and building a network for net zero to create secure power for generations to come.
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.
Work with an equal opportunity employer
SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact to discuss how we can support you.
We\\\’re dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.
Ready to apply?
Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We\\\’ll be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we\\\’ll be taking your application further. If you\\\’re offered a role with SSE, you\\\’ll need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.
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Trainee Engineer employer: SSE PLC
Contact Detail:
SSE PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn, and ask them about their experiences. This can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to engineering and the energy sector. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for energy and sustainability during interviews. Share any relevant projects or experiences that highlight your commitment to a net zero future—this will make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at SSE.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start your application, take a moment to explore our website and learn about our values and projects. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit into our vision for a net zero future.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant skills and experiences that align with the Trainee Engineer role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we're looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for engineering and why you're excited about this programme. Be sure to mention any specific projects or aspects of SSE that inspire you.
Follow the Application Process: Remember, we only accept applications made online through our website. Make sure to complete all sections of the application form and double-check for any errors before hitting submit!
How to prepare for a job interview at SSE PLC
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the basics of energy engineering, especially topics related to low and high voltage systems. Familiarise yourself with SSE's projects and their commitment to Net Zero. This will show your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Show Your Flexibility
Since the role requires adaptability, be ready to discuss times when you've successfully managed change or taken on new challenges. Highlight any experiences where you've worked both independently and as part of a team, as this is key for the Trainee Engineer position.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the Trainee Engineer Programme and the types of projects you'll be involved in. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Be ready to talk about how you manage your time and learning. Share examples of how you've balanced multiple responsibilities, whether in school or work, to illustrate that you're organised and self-motivated, which are crucial traits for this role.