Trainee Power System Engineer – Higher Apprenticeship

• Location: Warwick or Wokingham (with travel to partner college in East Midlands)
• Start Date: September 2026
• Salary: £29,819 + £2,000 welcome payment – earn while you learn!

Help shape the future of energy in Great Britain.

We’re the National Energy System Operator (NESO) — the independent public corporation at the heart of the energy transition. Our job? Ensuring the lights stay on today while designing a reliable, clean, and affordable energy system for tomorrow.

As a Higher Apprentice, you’ll be part of the team making that happen. You’ll earn a salary while gaining hands-on experience and working towards industry-recognised qualifications – all with full support from our expert engineers and mentors.

What the programme includes:

• A three-year structured programme combining:
• On-the-job training with experienced engineering teams
• Off-the job learning at college – you will need to travel to our partner college in East Midlands
• In-house technical training designed by NESO
• Study towards a Level 4 HTQ in Engineering (Electrical and Electronic)
• Continue study towards a Level 5 HND qualification (awarded on completion of the programme)
• Real-world experience in teams such as System Operations, Strategic Energy Planning and Engineering & Customer Solutions
• Outward bounds residential – a week-long development programme to build professional skills

What you’ll be doing

As a Trainee Power System Engineer, you’ll help plan, model and shape the energy network.

You might:

• Model and analyse impacts on future electricity system challenges
• Help develop energy systems plans – including onshore and offshore networks
• Assess customer connection applications
• Utilise analytical and operational tools to support engineering decision making

On successful completion of the programme, you will be considered for a permanent Power System Engineer role at NESO where you will have the opportunity to work with external stakeholders such as Transmission Owners, Distribution Network Operators, Generators, and wider industry players.

What you’ll get

• Annual salary of £29,819
• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays and your birthday off!
• Welcome payment
• Bonus when qualifications are gained
• Travel & expenses for college in line with company policy
• Pension, flexible benefits and hybrid working (depending on business needs)
• A career path into a permanent role – and beyond
• Awarded a Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship in Electrical Power Network Engineering
• Awarded a Level 4 HTQ in Engineering (Electrical and Electronic)
• Awarded a Level 5 HND in Engineering (Electrical and Electronic)

What we’re looking for

We don’t expect you to be an expert, but we do need people who are:

• Reliable and punctual – turning up on-time is essential
• Proactive and self-motivated – driven to succeed, you’ll need to own your learning
• Resilient – ready to face challenges and keep going
• Strong communicators – able to work with others and be inquisitive, don’t be afraid to ask questions!
• Willing to travel – there will be lots of study at college in the East Midlands, as well as travel between Warwick and Wokingham offices as required

Entry requirements:

• GCSEs in English Language and Maths at grade C/4 or above
• Plus one of the following:
• 2 A-levels (grades A* - C) in Maths and a Science
• Or Level 3 BTEC or HNC in engineering (Merit or Distinction, with Maths modules at Merit or Distinction)
• You must also have lived in the UK for at least 3 years and have the right to work in the UK.

About NESO

We’re building a future where everyone has access to reliable, clean, and affordable energy. At NESO, you’ll join a team that’s:

• Curious and visionary
• Purpose-driven and inclusive
• Technically brilliant and always improving
• Collaborative, diverse and human

Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of what we do. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments you may need.

How to apply

Closing date: ongoing – we recommend applying early! As soon as all our spaces are filled, we will close the online application form.

Assessment centres: November 2025 onwards

Together, we’re energising progress.

Start your journey with NESO — and help shape the future of energy for everyone.

We work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be.

We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.

We're committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve, and a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.