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Trainee Power System Engineer (Wokingham), Higher Apprentice, Electricity System Operator

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.

 

 

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 System 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 Electricity Control Centre in Wokingham, Berkshire. We’re re responsible for operating Great Britain’s electricity transmission network and energy – planning and managing its live operation – we keep things running smoothly 24/7, 365 days a year.  

 

Key tasks: 

 

 

  • transmission network planning and modelling
  • fault analysis and review
  • system operation support
  • critical system management and resilience
  • operational project support

 

 

Upon successful completion of the programme, you will join the Electricity System Operations team working with external stakeholders such as Power Distribution Network Operators and Power Generators.

 

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, or
•    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 5 years and have the right to live and work in the UK. 

 

Ideally, you will also have a valid full UK Driving License.

 

 

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:

 

 

  • a starting salary of £28,332 based out of Wokingham, Berkshire
  • 26 days annual leave plus 8 days bank holiday 
  • Pension and flexible benefits
  • Hybrid working dependent upon business requirement 

 

 

Upon successful completion of the programme, you will 

 

 

  • be appointed into a permanent power system engineer role 
  • be awarded a Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship in Electrical Power Network Engineering
  • be awarded a Level 4 HNC in Engineering (Electrical and Electronic)

 

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.


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.  

 

 Higher Apprenticeship
  28,332
 Published on 11-12-2023
 Deadline NA