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.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth in various engineering roles.
- 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.
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:
Control Centre Engineer - working at the heart of our Transmission Network Control Centre, keeping the system safe, resilient, and ready for the future.
Maintenance Engineer - helping to keep the network secure and reliable.
Operational Engineer - ensuring safe and effective running of our network day-to-day.
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:
Organised and self-motivated - able to manage your own time and learning.
Flexible and adaptable - comfortable working alone or in a team, and open to new challenges.
Ready to travel and live away from home at times for college or placements.
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:
1 Scottish Higher (grade C or above) in Maths or Physics OR
1 A level (grade D or above) in Maths or Physics OR
NC/NQ Engineering at SCQF level 6 (or equivalent) OR
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 in Perth employer: SSE PLC
SSE is an exceptional employer, offering a comprehensive Trainee Engineer Programme that combines academic study with practical experience in the energy sector. With a commitment to employee wellbeing, generous benefits, and a focus on career development, you'll have the opportunity to grow into a professional role while contributing to a sustainable future. Our inclusive work culture ensures that all employees feel valued and supported, making SSE a fantastic place to launch your engineering career in the beautiful locations of Scotland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Engineer in Perth
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Trainee Engineer role you’re after at SSE PLC.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at SSE PLC a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at SSE PLC.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Trainee Engineer at SSE PLC, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Engineer in Perth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Trainee Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at SSE PLC a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to SSE PLC specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at SSE PLC
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with SSE PLC, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like SSE PLC want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
