2026 Graduate Electrical Engineer, Electricity Distribution - West Midlands
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About Us
National Grid is at the heart of the UK energy network keeping people connected and society moving. We develop, own and maintain the physical infrastructure, such as pylons and cables needed to move the electricity generated from windfarms and power sources around the country. Every time a phone is plugged in, or a switch is turned on, we’ve played a part, connecting you to the electricity you need – and we’re leading the transformation towards a greener future, dreaming bigger to bring a more affordable energy future to everyone.
But it’s our people that provide our true superpower. They drive and sustain our growth, and their unique differences only make us stronger. We are proud to place diversity, equity and inclusion at the heart of who we are and what we do, and we are committed to building a workforce of the future that represents the communities we serve.
About The Role
We’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator of the electricity distribution systems across the Midlands, South West England and South Wales. Serving over 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power to homes and businesses every day.
As a Graduate Electrical Engineer you’ll join NGED’s Major Projects team, responsible for the operation, maintenance and development of the 132 kV electricity network across the Midlands, South‑West and Wales. This includes overhead lines, underground cables, substations, asset replacement programmes, network reinforcement and new connections from 11 kV to 132 kV.
You’ll be based at one of our Project Team offices in South Wales, but much of your time will be spent on‑site, gaining hands‑on experience across the region. This is a technical and dynamic role that requires strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of colleagues and contractors.
You’ll play a key part in delivering projects safely, efficiently and to a high standard – helping us meet the energy needs of over eight million customers while contributing to our vision of a clean, fair and affordable energy future.
What You’ll Do
* Project Management Fundamentals – Learn how to plan, execute and deliver complex infrastructure projects.
* Safety and CDM Regulations – Understand the principles of safe working and compliance with Construction (Design and Management) regulations.
* Project Finances – Get involved in budgeting, cost control and financial reporting.
* Network Risk Management – Learn how to assess and mitigate risks associated with network operations and upgrades.
* Procurement and Contractor Management – Support the selection and oversight of contractors and suppliers.
* Network Operations – Work towards becoming a Senior Authorised Person (SAP), gaining the skills to operate and manage high‑voltage systems.
* Commissioning Activities – Assist in the testing and commissioning of electrical plant and protection systems.
Our Graduate Programme
As part of our 18‑month graduate programme you’ll have a tailored development pathway to support you as you develop a wide range of leadership, business and technical skills. You’ll attend in‑person and virtual development sessions throughout your programme to equip you with the essential skills required, and you’ll receive 1:1 coaching and mentoring from a previous cohort to help you transition from campus to corporate life.
All graduates complete the core development programme to develop key skills such as how to make an impact, give feedback and presentation skills. The Engineering pathway aligns to your role, providing further technical skills and learning modules such as working safely. If relevant to your career aspirations, you can access IET membership and seek support from a National Grid IET mentor to help you secure chartership.
We believe in the importance of on‑the‑job experience, and so you will complete three 6‑month placements, across the UK, designed to deepen your understanding of your speciality and broaden your knowledge of our business. At the end of your 18‑month programme you’ll return to your initial placement area to kick‑start your career.
Benefits
* £2,000 bonus, once joined and started on the programme
* 26 days holiday
* £2,400 payment on successful completion of the programme
* Up to £200 per month accommodation allowance as you move around the business, plus additional annual leave for when you move between placements and assistance with moving personal belongings
* Other benefits include pension and share‑option schemes, adaptable benefits, close mentorship and regular feedback & volunteering opportunities.
Requirements & Application
You’ll need to achieve, or be working towards, a minimum 2:2 degree in Electrical Engineering. It doesn’t matter when you graduated or if you are currently working towards your qualification – we just need you to be eager to apply your knowledge in a real‑world setting.
Due to the amount of travel to our site locations, you’ll need to currently have a full valid UK driving licence at the time of application.
Travel is required throughout the role and as you rotate across projects.
Location: For operational requirements this role requires the candidate to live within a 30‑minute drive of the following postcode: DY4 0HH.
What You’ll Get In Return – We are proud to offer a graduate starting salary of £36,640.
E‑EO Statement
Successful candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK from the start date. In most cases National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points‑based immigration system. In exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality or ethnic origin.
At National Grid, it’s our people that provide our true superpower. We drive and sustain our growth, and their unique differences make us stronger. We welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds and offer adaptable and tailored support, at home and in the office where and when needed.
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