Trainee Engineers

2010 Trainee Engineers Scheme

We are recruiting enthusiastic individuals to join our Trainee Engineer programme, who are interested in developing an engineering career within the energy industry.You will achieve a Foundation Degree as well as gaining practical work experience within either our Power Distribution or Power Generation businesses.

Power Distribution Trainee Engineers

With a network of 127,000km of underground cables and overhead lines stretching across a third of the UK's land area; we distribute electricity to over 3.5 million homes and businesses. It's our responsibility to ensure the communities we serve have a safe and reliable electricity supply, and that we do everything we can to restore power after any interruptions.

You will obtain a Foundation Degree in Electrical Power Engineering. Core topics include Engineering Mathematics, The Electricity Industry and Business Environment, and specialist subjects including Protection, Power Systems Operations and Control, and Overhead Lines and Cables.

As a Trainee Engineer within Power Distribution you will be based at one of the depots listed below. You will initially work alongside linesmen, cable jointers and fitters, progressing to working with senior technicians and engineers. Daily tasks could include; planning cable jointing, erection of overhead lines, or maintenance of switchgear.

We have opportunities based at; Melksham, Oxford, Poole, Hayes, Aldershot, Portsmouth, Newbury, Reading , Slough, Perth, Dundee, Aberdeen, Peterhead, Inverness, Wick, Oban and Dunoon. Please ensure you name your preferred location on your application form.

Power Generation Trainee Engineers

With over 100 power stations across the UK, we have a total generating capacity of some11,500MW - making us the leading generator of electricity from renewable sources and the second largest generator overall in the UK.

You will obtain a Foundation Degree in Electrical Power Generation Engineering.Core topics include Engineering Mathematics, The Electricity Industry and Business Environment, and specialist subjects including Electrical Machines, Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer, and the Control of Generation.

As a Trainee Engineer within Power Generation, you will be based at one of the Power Stations or offices listed below; however the programme will include a significant amount of travel throughout the UK to cover all aspects of SSE’s generation portfolio. You will initially work alongside Fitters, progressing to working with Senior Technicians and Engineers. Daily tasks could include working on boilers, turbines and pumps for maintenance, overhaul and upgrades.

We have opportunities based at: Ferrybridge Power Station, West Yorkshire; Hornsea Gas Storage, East Yorkshire; Clunie Power Station, Pitlochry; Medway Power Station, Kent; Uskmouth Power Station, Gwent; SSE Renewables, Perth and Glasgow.

The course

The programme lasts for a total of three years. Academic study in the first two years involves distance learning plus week long placements at one of SSE’s partner universities, Aston University, Birmingham, and Thames Valley University, Reading. University includes lectures and exams along with projects and assignments. Aside from your academic work, you will spend time on site gaining work experience, which you are required to provide evidence of throughout the year, this evidence may include presentations and written reports. In the final year of the programme you will be placed into a full-time role where you will be able to put your academic and on site knowledge into practice.

The candidate

Successful candidates will:

Already have, or be on target to achieve Maths and Chemistry or Physics at A Level (grades A - C); or Higher (grades A or B), plus a minimum of GCSE (grades A - C) or Standard Grade (1 - 3) in English.

Be experienced within a technical role, and hold a minimum of HNC/HND or equivalent in a relevant engineering discipline.

You will also:

Have exceptional time management skills
Be able to work excellently both in teams and individually
Show on-going dedication and interest to the area of study
Be able to display high levels of organisation
Display a flexible approach to work

The benefits

As a Trainee Engineer with SSE you will receive:

A competitive salary, and a £2,000 bonus on completion of the programme. The salary structure is:
   - £16,000 Year 1
   - £18,000 Year 2
   - £20,000 Year 3
Paid university tuition fees
Generous annual leave entitlement
A contributory pension scheme
Share options
Discounted utility bills
Childcare benefit scheme
Various benefits in conjunction with corporate partners

We also have a defined innovation programme, giving all staff the opportunity to have their ideas considered, trialled and implemented, if the trial is a success.

To apply

Please download and complete the application form and email it to trainee.engineer@scottish-southern.co.uk. The deadline for applications is Friday 9 April 2010.