We’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses. National Grid employs over 29,000 people worldwide. We are building an inclusive workplace, a place to actively celebrate the cultures, personalities and preferences of our colleagues – who in turn help to build the success of our business and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
Within NGED, the Primary Network Design (PND) team is responsible for the strategic development and design of the 132kV, 66kV and 33kV electricity distribution network. The team plays a key role in ensuring the network can meet the changing needs of customers and support the transition to a lower-carbon energy system. Working closely with colleagues across National Grid and the wider energy industry, the team assesses new customer connections, develops network reinforcement plans and helps shape the future of the electricity network through long-term planning and technical expertise.
As a Graduate Primary Network Design Engineer, you'll gain hands-on experience in the planning and design of the high-voltage electricity distribution network. Working alongside experienced engineers, you'll learn how to assess new demand and generation connections, evaluate network capacity and develop solutions that support future growth while maintaining a safe, reliable and resilient network. Through a combination of real project work, structured development and placements across the business, you'll build a strong understanding of network planning, power systems and the challenges of delivering the energy transition.
You'll help develop and design the future electricity network while supporting customers, communities and the UK's journey to net zero.
You'll need to achieve a minimum 2:2 in Electrical Engineering or a closely related engineering degree discipline.
It doesn't matter when you graduated or whether you're currently studying towards your qualification. We're looking for graduates with an interest in electricity networks and power systems, who enjoy applying engineering and mathematical principles to solve technical challenges. You'll be eager to develop your knowledge of network design, system planning and electrical infrastructure, while building the skills needed to help shape the future electricity network and support the transition to a lower-carbon energy system.
Please note: Due to the amount of travel required for this role, you must obtain a full, valid UK driving licence no later than 27th June 2027 (at least three months before your start date).
If you progress to the assessment centre stage, you must have passed your driving theory test before attending and be able to provide evidence of this.
You’ll need flexibility to travel within role and throughout your rotations in order to carry out the requirements of this role you'll need to travel to sites, depots/offices and our training centres.
This role is based in Castle Donnington, Nottingham and with travel across the East Midlands region. This means you'll be expected to travel and work around this region as part of your role.
We are proud to offer a starting salary of £38,289 with annual salary increases throughout the programme.
As a first step in your career within the energy industry, our Graduate Programme offers a unique opportunity to develop your skills, gain valuable experience, and build a long-term career with National Grid.
Alongside a tailored development programme designed to power your career at National Grid, you'll also enjoy a range of fantastic rewards and benefits, including:
As you'll be joining 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, as you begin your career at National Grid. We're committed to the personal development of our colleagues so as well as the support from your line manager as you navigate your new role, you'll also have access to 1:1 coaching and a mentor, 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, giving feedback and presentation skills. Aligned to this role is our Engineering pathway and as part of this you’ll develop further key technical skills aligned to your role as well as important learning modules such as working safely. If relevant to your career aspirations, you will be able to access Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) membership and seek support from a National Grid IET mentor to help you secure your chartership.
We believe in the importance of getting as much on-the-job experience as possible and to do this, you will complete three 6-month placements, across the UK, designed to deepen your understanding of your speciality but to also broaden your knowledge of our business. At the end of your 18-month programme you’ll return to your initial placement area to kickstart your career.
