About the Opportunity

Have you ever wondered how we keep the electricity flowing and the lights on for all electricity consumers in Great Britain? Are you a technical ‘problem solver’ looking to build a career in engineering? Do you want to kick start your career or change career through a mix of paid employment and academic study?

If so, joining our two- year Higher Apprentice Programme gives you the opportunity to develop your skills as a Power Systems Engineer both through on the job learning with our experienced experts, and through off the job learning studying for an HNC in Engineering (Electrical and Electronic). It is a fantastic opportunity to be part of the core team that is working to operate a carbon free Electricity System by 2035.

We are proud to offer a starting salary of £28,332 with great benefits.

About the Role

As a Trainee Power System Engineer, you will join the Strategic Energy Planning team and Engineering Solutions team in Warwick, contributing to developing the future energy system and connecting our customers into our system. Depending on the requirements of the team you are working alongside, opportunities may include creating, developing and informing our understanding of future challenges, looking at potential solutions in technical, economic and market fronts.

Key tasks:

• analyze future system operational issue under zero carbon operation
• developing a whole energy system development plan, including both onshore and offshore network
• maintain and develop network analysis models and tools
• assess customer connection application and provide connection solution and compliance guidance

Upon successful completion of the programme, you will join relevant team working with external stakeholders such as Transmission Owner, Distribution Network Operators, Generators, and wider industry players.

About You

Are you at sixth form looking for an alternative route to university into an engineering career, or at college looking to progress to the next level in the engineering apprenticeship framework, or maybe you are a graduate or employee looking to change career direction into engineering? Whatever your path, you will be a technical ‘problem solver’ looking to build a career in Power System Engineering.

You will need to have a GCSE in English Language and Maths at Grade C/4 or above with one of the following:

• 2 A levels A* - C in Maths and a science
• An equivalent Level 3 engineering qualification eg BTEC or HNC - Grade Merit or Distinction (Essential the Maths modules should be at Merit or Distinction)

You will be a UK national or have lived in the UK for 3 years and have the right to live and work in the UK.

What You'll Get

As a first step to your career in the energy industry, our Higher Apprentices Programme is like no other! The ESO is committed to the personal development of our staff. You will get the benefit of ‘earn while you learn’, working alongside experts - gaining skills and insights into how we work at the ESO and understand what a career with us can offer. Joining us, you will be supported as you develop a wide range of competencies (knowledge, skills, behaviours) through a blend of formal study at college combined with and on the-job experience. You will work closely with your line manager to establish and navigate through a Personal Development Plan that is tailored to your needs. Importantly you will have the support of a cohort of existing and ex trainees, building friendships and networks for life.

We are proud to offer:

Upon successful completion of the programme, you will

For those who wish to continue their studies, we have educational support schemes in which you would join Year 2 of a BSc in Engineering.

About Us

As Great Britain’s Electricity System Operator (ESO), we sit at the heart of the Electricity System, using our outstanding engineering and commercial expertise to balance electricity supply and demand. Ultimately, we keep the electricity flowing directly to where it’s needed, second by second.

Becoming the Energy Future System Operator

In 2021, the Government and Ofgem jointly consulted on proposals for an expert, impartial Future System Operator (FSO) with responsibilities across both the electricity and gas systems, to drive progress towards net zero while maintaining energy security and minimising costs for consumers. In October 2023, the Energy Act 2023 was passed, legislating for this Future System Operator (FSO) to be created.

The ESO, including all of its existing roles, will be at the heart of the new Future System Operator. We will be taking on additional roles across vectors and sectors to create an organisation with a whole energy system mindset; enabling us to identify solutions to our energy system that are more sustainable, secure and affordable for all.

The FSO will be set up as a public corporation with operational independence from government – bringing parties together to support optimised decision making and action. As now, it will be licenced and regulated by Ofgem through price control agreements. It is anticipated that the new organisation will be up and running in 2024.

The time to act on climate change is now. As part of our team, you won’t just be touching the lives of almost everyone in Great Britain – you’ll be shaping the way we use and consume energy for generations to come.

Our Values and Principles

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that you require.

Further Information

We will be closing this role in March 2024; however, we encourage you to apply as early as possible to ensure you obtain the place you want in the application process.

Assessment centres will be held from January – April 2024.

#ApprenticeshipOpportunities2024