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 Distribution System Operator (DSO) plays a key role in enabling the transition to a smarter, more flexible and lower-carbon energy system. The DSO helps maximise the capacity of the existing network, forecasts future demand and develops innovative solutions, such as flexibility services, that can support decarbonisation alongside traditional network investment.
By combining data, forecasting and operational expertise, the DSO helps ensure the network can meet the changing needs of customers, communities and new low-carbon technologies at the lowest overall cost.
As a Graduate DSO Engineer, you'll join the Distribution System Operator (DSO) team and help support the operation of a smarter, more flexible electricity network. You'll gain hands-on experience working with network data, forecasting, operational planning and network performance, helping the DSO maximise network capacity and support the transition to a lower-carbon energy system.
Working alongside experienced colleagues, you'll develop an understanding of how electricity networks are managed, how operational decisions are made and how innovative approaches such as flexibility services can help meet future energy needs.
You'll support the DSO Energy Management Centre in helping to operate the electricity network safely, securely and efficiently.
You'll need to achieve a minimum 2:2 in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or closely related degree discipline. 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.
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 Cardiff and with travel across the South Wales 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.
You can apply for only one opportunity across all Early Careers and Career Changer programmes. Before applying, pleaese carefully review all available programmes and choose the one that best matches your interests and career goals.
We recruit on a rolling basis across our Early Careers Roles. We may close our vacancies early once we have enough applications. We therefore encourage you to apply as early as possible.
National Grid's Early Careers opportunities in the UK are open to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria including an existing and valid right to work in the UK. As part of the application process this will need to be evidenced and verified before you can start the programme.
Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system.
However, 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.
