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 that mission from day one. You’ll earn while you learn, develop practical engineering skills, and work towards recognised qualifications with support from experienced engineers, mentors and teams across NESO.
This three-year structured programme combines hands-on experience with experienced engineering teams, college-based learning in the East Midlands, and NESO-designed technical training. You'll work towards a Level 4 HTQ in Engineering (Electrical and Electronic), with the opportunity to progress to a Level 5 HND, while gaining real-world experience across teams such as System Operations, Strategic Energy Planning, Engineering & Customer Solutions, and Connections. The programme also includes a week-long outward bounds residential to help develop professional and personal skills.
On successful completion of the programme, you will be considered for a permanent Power System Engineer role at NESO.
What you’ll get
- Start date: September 2027
- Annual salary of £30,000
- 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 pathway to develop your career through hands-on experience, qualifications and professional growth
- Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship in Electrical Power Network Engineering
- Level 4 Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) in Engineering (Electrical and Electronic)
- Opportunity to continue your development through a Level 5 HND in Engineering (Electrical and Electronic), subject to programme progression requirement.
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:
- Location: Warwick or Wokingham
- Start Date: June 2027
- Salary: £26,000
- 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!
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.
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:
- Start Date: September 2027.
- Salary: £35,000 + £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
- Work that aligns with your values – and drives impact for everyone
Interested? Learn more about our Graduate programmes below!
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.
Project Analyst
The Project Analyst 18-month Graduate Programme will give you the skills to work with some of the best people in the industry, you will get exposure to NESO’s major projects, influence change and transformation across NESO to help achieve the UK’s clean power and net zero transition.
You’ll complete three 6-month placements across Transformation & Major Projects, gaining a broad view of how NESO delivers major programmes, enables business change and shapes transformation across the organisation.
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.