Primary Network Design Graduate, Electricity Distribution

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, their unique differences only making us stronger. But it’s no small feat – and we need the best to join us in our mission. So, join us and power the future of energy.

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. Our vision is to be at the heart of a clean, fair and affordable energy future and we are doing this in a fast-moving industry with an increasing focus on tackling climate change, exploring new energy sources that are renewable, low carbon, and improve efficiency to meet demand.

The Primary Network Design (PND) unit is responsible for the design and strategic development of the 132kV, 66kV and 33kV distribution network system throughout National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) and for the provision of technical support and guidance to planners in Network Services.

Some of your key accountabilities will include:

• Ensuring NGED remains compliant with applicable Distribution Licence conditions, by ensuring short term compliance and longer term strategic development of the network. This includes:
  • building connections into the network development
  • optioneering strategy and optimising solutions to combine with the future load related reinforcements needs
  • ensuring both short term and longer term considerations are included
• Managing key relationships with Electricity System Operator (ESO) and National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) for network interface issues, including:
  • joint strategic network development
  • managing the joint technical planning process with NGET
  • managing contractual offer/agreement processes
• Assessment and design of new demand and generation connections.
• Preparation of Connection Offers, budget estimates and feasibility studies.

You'll need to achieve a minimum 2:2 in a Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, Sciences or Data Sciences 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.

Due to the amount of travel to our site locations, you'll need to have a full valid UK driving license that allows you to drive in the UK.

You’ll need flexibility to travel within the role and throughout your rotations as required.

To be eligible to apply for this role, candidates must be able to demonstrate that they will have the legal right to work in the UK for the duration of the graduate programme. If you do not currently have the right to work in the UK, or your visa is due to expire during the period of the graduate scheme, please indicate this in your application and we will consider your eligibility for visa sponsorship and whether it would be appropriate to take your application forward.

This role is based in Bristol offering flexible hybrid working, where possible.

We are proud to offer a graduate starting salary of £34,895. Not only will you receive a tailored development programme to progress a superpowered career at National Grid, we also offer some great rewards and benefits too:

• £2,000 bonus, once joined and started on 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, and additional annual leave for when you move between placements plus assistance with moving personal belongings
• Other benefits include pension and share-option schemes, Flexible Benefits, close mentorship and regular feedback & volunteering opportunities.

We recruit on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close our vacancies once we have enough applications/based on volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to ensure you obtain the place you want in the application process.

You can only apply for one graduate opportunity during this recruitment cycle. We kindly ask that you review all our graduate opportunities and apply for the one that aligns closest with your aspirations and interests.

Assessment centres will be held between week commencing 20th January to week commencing 3rd February in Taunton.