Trainee Engineer, SSE - Perth, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, Elgin, Dundee or Argyll

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.) 

The Apprenticeships and Trainee opportunities | Early careers at SSE page on the early carers website will give an overview of the 4 stage recruitment process (at the bottom of the page). We encourage all candidates to complete the 4 stage process before applying.