2026 Graduate Programme - Energy - Networks

We are looking for graduates for our Energy Networks (Transmission & Distribution) team, who have a flexible approach and an appetite to learn in a leading Engineering and Professional Advisory services consultancy. We want you to enjoy working in a collaborative environment where you can apply your skills working for a diverse range of clients and projects.

Locations

• Manchester
• Glasgow
• Newcastle
• London

Role overview

Working as a Graduate in Energy Networks will mean working on exciting and innovative projects, contributing to the engineering and delivery of the nation's energy future. It involves designing and implementing robust power networks that can handle the integration of clean, renewable energy sources, helping to ensure a stable and sustainable energy supply for the entire country.

Projects

WSP has a rich history in this area, with its roots in the UK dating back over 100 years. You would be working on landmark projects that build on this legacy, such as being a key partner in National Grid’s Great Grid Upgrade, a multi-billion-pound investment to modernise the network. Other exciting projects may include:

• Managing projects for distribution network operators that will grow the EV charging network
• Supplying HS2
• Providing grid connection for large-scale battery energy storage systems
• Great Grid Upgrade Projects with National Grid

Day-to-day activities

• Engineering Design Support: Assisting senior engineers with the design of electrical and civil components for transmission and distribution projects, including substations, overhead lines, and underground cable routes.
• Feasibility Studies: Contributing to initial project assessments by conducting site surveys, analysing data, and helping to identify the most effective and sustainable engineering solutions.
• Technical Reporting: Preparing and compiling technical reports, drawings, and specifications that document design choices, calculations, and project progress for clients like National Grid.
• Site Visits and Inspections: Gaining hands-on experience by visiting project sites to survey existing infrastructure, monitor construction progress, and ensure work is being carried out to the required specifications and safety standards.
• Project Management Assistance: Supporting project managers with tasks such as scheduling, cost tracking, and risk assessment to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Assisting in communications with clients, contractors, and other stakeholders to coordinate project activities and address any technical queries.
• Continuous Learning: Staying up-to-date with the latest industry standards and engineering technologies.

Graduate Development Programme

Our two-year Graduate Development programme is designed to support personal and professional development and growth through an engaging blended learning experience. The programmes include core business and professional skills training, career development workshops and resources, valuable networking opportunities, mentoring for professional registration and a breadth of on-the-job experience.

To find out more, please visit: Who we are - ECP

Our teams are dedicated to supporting your career growth from the very beginning. Many employees have started as graduates and successfully advanced within the company. We encourage you to achieve chartered status with professional bodies such as ICE, IMechE, and IET, ensuring your development is a priority. You will be fully supported through enrolment in a professional institution’s training agreement, guiding you towards chartered or incorporated status.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate

• You’ll have graduated with at least a 2:2 in a master’s degree in a relevant subject for the role you are applying for.
• Candidates must complete the application form in full answering all specific questions. Successful completion of this stage is mandatory. Candidates who pass this initial stage will then be required to complete an online skill enabler assessment. Both the application form and the skill enabler assessment are essential parts of the early career recruitment process.
• You’ll be looking to start work in either April or September 2026.
• You’ll have a passion for engineering and consulting.
• You’ll have a desire for Energy Networks.
• An enthusiasm for creativity and a drive to solve problems.
• You’ll want to inspire us, sharing new ideas you have.

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Should you have the right qualifications for our positions, apply and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities we have available for our Graduate programme.

For further information regarding our Application & Selection process, including timelines for recruitment, please visit our Early Careers brochure - Application and Selection. We review applications for our Early Career opportunities on a rolling basis, which means we begin progressing some candidates to the final stages before the application closing date. To ensure your application receives full consideration, we recommend submitting it as early as possible.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can. Apply today.

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

What’s in it for you?

Work-life balance: Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups to promote our culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing: We are committed to supporting our people, with tools to improve health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service provides access to medical advice when you need it. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments and the Gymflex scheme, up to 40% off annual gym memberships, plus a menopause support package.

Flex your time: We offer the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with flexibility to make up the time earlier or later. We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development: We invest in your growth through training, mentoring, and support towards chartership.

#WeAreWSP: Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.