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2026 Graduate Substation Engineer South West (Taunton), Asset Operations

National Grid

The Role

Overview

Graduate role rotating through substation engineering projects to become a Substation Engineer.

Key Responsibilities

  • testing
  • substation maintenance
  • contract monitoring
  • temporary works
  • project delivery
  • team leadership

Tasks

-Taking on site delivery responsibilities, including acting as Temporary Works Co-ordinator and Principal Contractor under CDM regulations -Testing equipment and systems, including safety, protection, and control mechanisms -Leading teams of fitters and contractors, ensuring safe systems of work, risk assessments, method statements, and toolbox talks are in place -Participating in a standby rota for emergency callouts — with additional pay for your availability and expertise -Developing into the role of Project Leader (PL), with a focus on commercial delivery and safety -Assisting your Operations Manager and wider team in delivering key projects -Supporting substation maintenance, refurbishment, and fault diagnosis -Monitoring and progressing contracts for unlicensed customers and contractor-delivered work -Contribute to strategic projects and continuous improvement initiatives across the business -Develop the skills to lead on-site teams, manage contractors, and deliver complex engineering projects -Build deep technical knowledge of substation systems and high-voltage equipment

Requirements

  • site visits
  • substations
  • safety-critical
  • safety rules

What You Bring

-Frequent visits to substations, depots, and other operational sites within your region. -Learn how to manage safety-critical work and uphold National Grid’s Safety Rules

Benefits

-£2,000 bonus, once joined and started on programme -Regular travel to our training centre in Eakring, Nottingham -26 days holiday -£2,400 payment on successful completion of the programme -Other benefits include pension and share-option schemes, Flexible Benefits, close mentorship and regular feedback & volunteering opportunities. -Up to £200 per month accommodation allowance as you move around the business, and additional annual leave for when you move between placements plus assistance with moving personal belongings -Occasional cross-regional travel to support on-the-job learning and development -Receive structured training at our dedicated centre in Eakring, Nottingham, alongside on-the-job learning across your regional base -Gain leadership experience and work towards becoming a Senior Authorised Person (SAP)

The Company

About National Grid

-Plays a critical role in delivering electricity and gas to millions of homes and businesses. -Operates in both the UK and US, ensuring safe and reliable energy distribution. -Deeply involved in the development of renewable energy infrastructure, including wind and solar projects. -Key projects include cross-border power links to improve energy security and integrating low-carbon solutions. -Continually innovates to meet growing energy demand while reducing environmental impact. -Operates in both electricity and natural gas distribution across a vast geographical area in the US. -Invests in sustainability initiatives and clean energy infrastructure.

Sector Specialisms

Energy

Electricity Transmission

Electricity Distribution

Gas Transmission

Gas Distribution

Hydrogen Transmission

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

Infrastructure

Renewable Energy

Wind

Solar

Nuclear

Commercial

Residential

Industrial

Utilities

Transport

Water Resources

Government

Heavy Civil

Marine

Interview Process

-assessment centres scheduled between november and april 2026.

Visa Sponsorship

-sponsorship generally not offered; only in exceptional cases for specialist skills.