Early Careers at NESO
Your journey into the world of work starts here. At NESO, we offer a range of Early Careers opportunities designed to help you learn, grow, and make an impact from day one. Whether you’re just leaving school, still at university, or graduating soon, there’s a pathway for you.
Trainee Power System Engineer (Higher Apprenticeship)
As a Higher Apprentice, you’ll be part of the team ensuring the lights stay on today while designing a reliable, clean and affordable energy system for tomorrow. You’ll earn a salary whilst gaining hands-on experience and working towards industry-recognised qualifications – all with full support from our expert engineers and mentors.
As a Trainee Power System Engineer, you’ll help plan, model and shape the energy network.
On successful completion of the 36-month 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
- Be awarded a Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship in Electrical Power Network Engineering
- Be awarded a Level 4 HTQ in Engineering (Electrical and Electronic)
- Be awarded a Level 5 HND in Engineering (Electrical and Electronic)
NESO’s 12-month Industrial Placement
You’ll gain hands-on experience, build your professional network, and develop skills that could launch your career in the energy sector. During your time with us, you will receive:
- Salary of £24,300
- 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays and your birthday!
- A dedicated buddy to support you throughout your placement
- Work that directly supports Britain’s net zero targets
- Exposure to industry experts, mentoring, and networking opportunities
- The chance to be considered for our Graduate Programme
Interested? Learn more about our Industrial Placement programmes below! Please note, we have closed applications for our 2026 intake and will start hiring in Autumn 2026 for our 2027 intake. Follow us online to stay updated on when we are hiring again.
Power System Engineer
Join our 12-month Industrial Placement Programme as a Power System Engineer, and you’ll play a real role in helping us build a greener, more resilient energy system.
Whether you’re analysing how we balance supply and demand or supporting system-wide strategy, you’ll be part of a team that’s central to the UK’s energy transition.
Cyber Security Analyst
Join our 12-month Industrial Placement Programme in Cyber Security, where you’ll help defend the critical infrastructure that keeps Great Britain running – all while shaping your future in one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.
This isn’t about sitting in a dark room staring at code. It’s about people, purpose and staying one step ahead in a digital world that never stops evolving. Whether you’re passionate about digital forensics, tech innovation or ethical hacking, we’ve got a place for you.
Commercial Analyst
Join us for a 12-month industrial placement as a Commercial Analyst and you’ll work on projects that matter — from designing the markets that keep the electricity system running to collaborating with stakeholders across government, industry, and communities.
During your year with us, you’ll work alongside experts in our commercial teams, contributing to the way we operate, plan, and innovate.
NESO’s Graduate Programme
Our 18-month Graduate Programme gives you the tools, support, and experience to thrive — while working on real challenges that matter to millions. You’ll complete three 6-month placements across different teams. During your time with us you will receive:
- £34,895 salary + £2,000 welcome payment
- Performance bonus
- 26 days annual leave plus UK public holidays
- Birthday day off – enjoy your birthday as a paid day off!
- Structured training, mentorship and career development
- Access to professional networks, learning pathways and volunteering opportunities
Interested? Learn more about our Graduate programmes below! Please note, we have closed applications for our 2026 intake and will start hiring in Autumn 2026 for our 2027 intake. Follow us online to stay updated on when we are hiring again.
Power System Engineer
Our 18-month Graduate Programme gives you the tools, support, and experience to thrive — while working on real challenges that matter to millions. You’ll complete three 6-month placements across different teams, giving you a 360° view of how we plan and operate the electricity system – from real-time control to future system planning and strategy.
As a Graduate Power System Engineer, you’ll join the team working towards clean power by 2030. You’ll contribute to the big picture while learning fast on the job.
Cyber Security Analyst
Join our 18-month Graduate Programme in Cyber Security, and you’ll help defend the critical infrastructure that keeps Great Britain running – all while shaping your future in one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.
This isn’t about sitting in a dark room staring at code. It’s about people, purpose and staying one step ahead in a digital world that never stops evolving. Whether you’re passionate about digital forensics, tech innovation or ethical hacking, we’ve got a place for you.
You’ll rotate across teams to experience the full range of cyber activity — from live investigations to shaping future strategy
Economist
As a Graduate Economist, you’ll join our 18-month Graduate Programme completing three 6-month placements across key teams. You’ll be part of the decision-making that shapes the economic frameworks and commercial models behind our energy future – from how we invest in infrastructure to how we evolve energy electricity markets.
From day one, you’ll work on real challenges with real impact. You’ll collaborate across NESO – with engineers, modellers, analysts, and policy specialists – to make sense of the complex economics behind Britain’s electricity system.
Commercial Analyst
Our 18-month Graduate Programme will give you the skills to work with some of the best people in the industry, influence national energy policy, and help design the markets and commercial frameworks that drive the UK’s clean power and net zero transition.
You’ll complete three 6-month placements across our commercial teams — gaining a 360° view of how we work with customers, government, regulators, and industry partners to deliver change.