Trainee Engineers - Scotland

Base Location: Inverness, Aberdeen, Elgin, Dunoon, Perth, Wick, Orkney, Inverness, Portree, Perth, Lochgilphead, Dunblane

Salary: Circa £24,580 per annum + a range of other benefits to support your family, finances, and wellbeing. Salary upon finishing the training programme is circa £37,000+ per annum.

Working Pattern: Full Time | 3 Year Training Programme

Start Date: August 2025

Are you looking to build a career in electrical engineering while making a real impact on the future of energy? Our three-year Distribution Trainee Engineer Programme combines academic study with hands-on work experience, giving you the opportunity to develop essential engineering skills and gain industry-recognised qualifications.

What To Expect

1. Study Towards Qualifications – You’ll work towards a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Electrical Engineering, equipping you with both technical and leadership skills.
2. Hands-On Experience – Gain practical field experience as you train to become a Low Voltage and High Voltage Switcher, ensuring a safe and reliable electricity supply for customers.
3. Network Operations & Net Zero – Be part of the team responsible for the daily operation, maintenance, and design of our electricity distribution network, supporting the transition towards Net Zero.
4. Professional Development – Join our Engineering Professional Development Forum, where you’ll have access to continuous learning and opportunities to celebrate engineering excellence.

What We’re Looking For

We want to hear from motivated, problem-solving individuals with a passion for engineering. To succeed in this role, you should be:

1. Highly organised and able to manage your time effectively
2. Flexible and adaptable, comfortable working both independently and in a team
3. Willing to live away from home while attending college or placements across SSE
4. Driving Commitment – While not essential at the start, it’s beneficial if you're learning to drive or already hold a licence. By the end of the programme, you’ll be expected to have a full UK driving licence.

Entry Requirements

To join the programme in September 2025, you’ll need to have (or expect to achieve):

Minimum of 2 A-Levels/Highers at C or above including Maths and Physics (or equivalent).

We Welcome Applications From Candidates With Equivalent Engineering Qualifications.

Already hold an HNC in Electrical Engineering? This programme isn’t the right fit, but you may be eligible for our Higher Apprenticeship in Electrical Power Networks Engineering or other SSE programmes.

About Our Business

SSE has a bold ambition – to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We're transforming the grid to provide greener electricity for millions of people and investing over £20 billion in homegrown energy, with £20 billion more in the pipeline.

SSEN Distribution, part of the wider SSE group, powers 3.9 million UK homes and businesses. Our team of more than 4,200 skilled engineers, customer service advisors and energy experts keep customers connected to a safe, reliable supply of electricity while investing in and developing the flexible networks needed for our low carbon future.

Flexible Benefits To Fit Your Life

Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest-free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.

As an equal opportunity employer we encourage diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applicants from all protected characteristics and commit to providing any reasonable adjustments you need during the application, assessment and upon joining SSE. Search for 'Inclusion & Diversity at SSE' to find out more.

What happens now?

All applications should be made online, and I'll be back in touch after the vacancy closing date to let you know next steps.

If you would like to discuss any working differently requirements or adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment and selection process, please contact apprenticesandtrainees@sse.com by email or you are very welcome to request a call if you would prefer to discuss on the phone.

Before commencing employment with SSE, you’ll be required to fully complete our pre-employment screening process consisting of a basic criminal records and credit check.

SSE welcomes applications from all nationalities. Please note that any successful candidate must be able to evidence a valid right to work prior to commencement of employment. Unfortunately, due to government legislation, we are unable to provide sponsorship for our apprentice and trainee roles. Please note the overall decision on visa applications sit with UKVI and not SSE.