Graduate and Technical Trainee Programme - Northern Powergrid, various locations

Northern Powergrid · Newcastle upon Tyne

EngineeringGraduate SchemeOn-siteEngineering and maintenanceScience and research

We're looking for ambitious and talented individuals to join our Graduate & Technical Trainee Programme and help shape the future of electricity distribution across the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire.

This unique 27-month development programme combines structured placements, industry-leading training and real-world experience, enabling you to put your knowledge into practice while developing the technical and professional skills needed for a successful engineering career.

Upon successful completion, you'll become a qualified Engineer with Northern Powergrid, helping deliver the network that powers millions of customers every day.

Why Join Our Programme?

Gain experience across engineering and business teams

Work on projects that power millions of homes and businesses

Learn from experienced engineers and technical specialists

Develop the skills to become a future network engineer

Build a broad understanding of the electricity industry

Complete a Level 4 Electrical Power Network Engineer Apprenticeship

What You'll Get

Our programme is designed to provide the experience, support and development needed to accelerate your engineering career.

You'll receive:

  1. Starting salary of circa £39,000
  2. Salary increase to circa £46,000 upon successful completion of the programme
  3. A 27-month development programme
  4. Industry-leading Level 4 Electrical Power Network Engineer Apprenticeship
  5. Structured placements across engineering and business functions
  6. Specialist technical modules delivered by EA Technology
  7. Professional industry training and network authorisations
  8. Dedicated mentor support throughout the programme
  9. Experienced assessor guidance
  10. Personal and professional development opportunities
Entry Requirements

To apply, you must have attained, or expect to attain by July 2027, one of the following:

  1. A Degree; or
  2. A Level 4 or Level 5 qualification plus a minimum of two years' relevant industry experience

Your qualification should be in one of the following disciplines*:

  1. Physics
  2. Computer Science
  3. Mathematics
  4. Engineering and Technology (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil or Telecommunications)

You will also need a full UK driving licence before the start date.

Our Graduate & Technical Trainee Programme offers two distinct career pathways, allowing you to develop expertise in an area aligned to your strengths, interests and career ambitions.

Non-Operational Engineer Pathway

Help design and develop the network of the future.

These primarily office-based roles focus on areas such as network planning, power systems design, asset management, engineering policy, innovation, control room and major project delivery. You'll play a key role in ensuring our network can support growing demand from electric vehicles, renewable energy and the UK's transition to net zero.

You'll thrive on this pathway if you're:

  1. A creative and innovative thinker
  2. Analytical and mathematically minded
  3. Naturally curious and inquisitive
  4. A logical problem solver
  5. Interested in complex technical challenges
  6. Comfortable working across multiple teams
  7. A strong communicator and collaborator
Operational Engineer Pathway

Work directly on the network that keeps the lights on.

These predominantly field-based roles involve maintaining, operating and developing our electricity network. You'll gain hands-on experience working on critical infrastructure, helping to deliver safe and reliable power supplies for customers across our region.

You'll thrive on this pathway if you:

  1. Enjoy working outdoors
  2. Have a strong safety mindset
  3. Are practical and hands-on
  4. Stay calm under pressure
  5. Enjoy solving real-world problems
  6. Are resilient and methodical
  7. Have a healthy respect for risk and safety procedures
  8. Enjoy working as part of a team

Ready to Engineer the Future?

Closing Date: 20 December 2026

Expected Start Date: 4 October 2027

Learn. Develop. Engineer the Future.

* Qualifications must be recognised within the Qualifications Framework for Higher Education in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and be in a relevant STEM subject. Further information can be found on the UK Government qualifications framework guidance.

Applicants are considered on the basis of their suitability for the post irrespective of sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender re-assignment, race, religion or belief, pregnancy or maternity, age or disability, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace for everyone. We operate a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of harassment, discrimination, bullying, or victimisation—whether verbal, physical, written, or online.

Skills required

A creative and innovative thinker, Analytical and mathematically minded, Naturally curious and inquisitive, A logical problem solver, Interested in complex technical challenges, Comfortable working across multiple teams, A strong communicator and collaborator, Enjoy working outdoors, Have a strong safety mindset, Are practical and hands-on, Stay calm under pressure, Enjoy solving real-world problems, Are resilient and methodical, Have a healthy respect for risk and safety procedures, Enjoy working as part of a team

Qualifications required

A Degree; or A Level 4 or Level 5 qualification plus a minimum of two years' relevant industry experience. Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil or Telecommunications)

Training you'll get

27-month development programme, Industry-leading Level 4 Electrical Power Network Engineer Apprenticeship, Structured placements across engineering and business functions, Specialist technical modules delivered by EA Technology, Professional industry training and network authorisations, Dedicated mentor support throughout the programme, Experienced assessor guidance, Personal and professional development opportunities

Future prospects

Upon successful completion, you'll become a qualified Engineer with Northern Powergrid, helping deliver the network that powers millions of customers every day.

The essentials

Hours, commitment and the dates that matter.

Hours 38 hours per week
Roles available 13
Posted 27 Oct 2026
Starts Oct 2027
Apply by 20 Dec 2026

Training provider

Energy & Utilities Careers and Jobs

Delivers the training for this role and manages your application.

Where you'd be based

NE1 6AF

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