Base Location
Oban
Salary
Circa £26,239 per annum + a range of other benefits to support your family, finances, and wellbeing. Salary upon finishing the programme is circa £37,000+ per annum.
Working Pattern
Full Time | 3 Year Training Programme
Start Date
10th August 2026
Build Your Future in Electrical Engineering
Are you ready to grow your engineering career while helping to shape the future of the UKs 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 a 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 UKs 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 a 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 are 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.
Benefits
Flexible benefits to fit your life – enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships, wellbeing benefits such as 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. We also offer generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment.
SSE welcomes applicants from all nationalities to apply for Apprenticeship/Trainee roles; however, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship as the salary does not meet the UKVI minimum salary threshold for this role.
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