Distribution Trainee Engineer
SSE Renewables
Company Overview
SSE Renewables, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SSE plc
Perth, Scotland, United Kingdom
2010
Approximately 4,900 MW of renewable capacity as of March 2023 (source: dcfmodeling.com). SSE plc reported £8.4 billion in revenue for 2023 (source: dcfmodeling.com).
What They Do
SSE Renewables specializes in the development, ownership, and operation of renewable energy assets, primarily focusing on onshore and offshore wind farms, as well as hydroelectric generation. The company is a key player in the renewable energy sector, with a significant emphasis on expanding its capabilities in emerging technologies such as battery storage and hydrogen. SSE Renewables operates within SSE plc's broader low-carbon infrastructure framework, which includes extensive electricity transmission and distribution grids that span nearly 132,000 km and serve approximately 3.8 million customers (source: en.wikipedia.org). The company has a strong commitment to sustainability and aims to address the climate emergency through large-scale renewable projects.
Projects & Track Record
SSE Renewables has an impressive portfolio of completed projects, including the 504MW Greater Gabbard offshore wind farm, which was completed in 2012 off the coast of Suffolk, England, and the 588MW Beatrice offshore wind farm, which became operational in 2019 off Caithness, Scotland. The company also developed the 100MW Glendoe hydroelectric scheme near Fort Augustus, Scotland, completed in 2009, and the Clyde wind farm, which was operational by 2013, making SSE the largest onshore wind generator in Great Britain and Ireland at that time. Additionally, the 72MW Meentycat wind farm in Ireland is notable for supplying 100% renewable electricity (source: sserenewables.com). The company is currently engaged in major projects such as the 1.1GW Seagreen offshore wind farm, which began construction in 2020 and is set to be completed in 2023.
Recent Developments
In June 2023, SSE Renewables published a brochure celebrating 20 years of offshore wind, highlighting significant milestones from the Arklow Bank project in 2003 to the ongoing construction of the Seagreen project and the development of the Dogger Bank project, which is poised to be the world's largest offshore wind project. In 2023, SSE plc invested £2.3 billion in renewable assets, including wind and solar, achieving a total renewable capacity of 4.7GW, with SSE Renewables contributing 4.9GW by March 2023 (source: sserenewables.com). The company has committed to investing £24 billion over the next decade to further enhance its offshore and onshore wind capabilities.
Working There
SSE Renewables offers a variety of roles across its operations, including positions in renewable energy development, engineering, and customer service. The company operates from key locations such as its headquarters in Perth, Scotland, and various project sites including Cromarty Firth and Nigg, where significant construction activities are taking place for projects like Beatrice and Seagreen. The company culture emphasizes sustainability and community engagement, with initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Fund launched in 2013/14 to support local communities near renewable projects (source: sseheritage.com). SSE Renewables also provides training opportunities, particularly at its Dundee training facility, to ensure employees are well-equipped for the evolving energy landscape.
Last updated on Apr 21, 2026 | Report an issue
Job Description
Are you ready to grow your engineering career while helping to shape the future of the UK's energy system? Our three‑year Distribution Trainee Engineer Programme combines academic study with real‑world experience, giving you the skills, confidence and qualifications to thrive in a fast‑growing sector.
You'll gain an industry‑recognised HNC in Electrical Engineering, build hands‑on technical expertise, and play a key role in supporting a safe, reliable and Net‑Zero‑ready electricity network. If you're motivated, curious and eager to make a meaningful impact, this could be the perfect next step.
What to Expect
- Study Towards a Recognised Qualification - work towards your Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Electrical Engineering, developing strong technical knowledge alongside the leadership skills needed for a future engineering role.
- Hands-On Learning - gain practical field experience as you train to become a Low Voltage and High Voltage Switcher, playing an essential part in maintaining a safe and resilient electricity supply for our customers.
- Keeping the Network Running - join our teams in Network Operations, Maintenance and Design, where you'll learn how our distribution network functions day to day-and how it is evolving to support the UK's transition to Net Zero.
- Professional Growth & Support - be part of our Engineering Professional Development Forum, giving you access to ongoing learning, peer support and opportunities to celebrate engineering excellence across SSE.
What We're Looking For
This programme is ideal for people who enjoy problem‑solving, learning by doing, and working in environments where no two days are the same. You should be:
- Organised and dependable, able to balance study with practical learning
- Adaptable and flexible, comfortable working both independently and as part of a team
- Open to travel, including living away from home during college or placement blocks
- Working towards your driving licence-not essential at the start, but you'll need a full UK licence by the end of the programme
Entry Requirements
To start the programme in August 2026, you'll need:
- 1 Scottish Higher (grade C or above) in Maths, Engineering Science or Physics OR 1 A level (grade D or above) in Maths or Physics
- We also welcome applicants with equivalent engineering qualifications
- This programme is designed to provide training at a specific qualification level. To ensure it remains appropriate and beneficial for participants, we're unable to accept applicants who already hold an HNC or higher in Electrical Engineering. This programme isn't the right match -but you may be eligible for our Higher Apprenticeship in Electrical Power Networks Engineering or other SSE opportunities
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.
What happens now?
All applications should be made online, and we will be back in touch after the vacancy closing date to let you know next steps.
SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. If you would like to discuss any working differently requirements or adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment and selection process, please contact [email protected] 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.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment. Please note, SSE welcomes applicants from all nationalities to apply for the Apprenticeship/Trainees roles, however, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship as the salary does not meet the UKVI minimum salary threshold for this role.
Apply now
Job expired?Please let SSE Renewables know you found this job on Rejobs. This will help us grow and get more people to work on renewable energy!
Apply now
Job expired?Please let SSE Renewables know you found this job on Rejobs. This will help us grow and get more people to work on renewable energy!
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About the role
May 28, 2026
Full time
Company
- Oban, United Kingdom
Entry-level
UTC+00:00
