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 We’re 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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