Graduate Electrical Engineer, Electricity Distribution

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.

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 be joining NGED’s Major Projects team, which is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and development of the 132kV electricity network across the Midlands, South-West, and Wales. This includes overhead lines, underground cables, and substations, as well as delivering asset replacement programmes, network reinforcement, and new connections from 11kV to 132kV.

You’ll be based at one of our Project Team offices in the South Wales region, 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.

• 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.

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 121 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…