Graduate development programmes
The Technical Programme
We have a huge amount of engineering equipment and because of this we need the specialist skills of graduates who have studied technical subjects –engineering or physical sciences. To maintain and operate both our gas and electricity networks we need talented scientists and engineers to join us to continually challenge and improve the way we do things. This will make sure we are achieving our vision of being the foremost international gas and electricity company.
Depending on your background and degree, we will tailor your programme to make sure you move into the area of the business which is right for you. We look at a combination of things – your degree, the resources we will need to provide and what development you want and need. You may want to specialise in the area in which you did your degree or, after being with us, you may want to change direction. We will do our best to make that happen for you.
On this strand of the programme, we will link you to a directorate in the business on your first day. Over the next 18 months, you will normally have three placements - two in your home directorate and one elsewhere, to broaden your business understanding. We tailor each placement to give you the skills and knowledge you need to carry out your work.
Planning starts well before you walk through the doors. We will give you a 'business co-ordinator' whose job it is to work with you and explain what is going to happen. Once you begin, they will act as a guide throughout, making sure you get the best possible opportunities to build your knowledge and skills. Everybody's experience will be different, but everyone – whatever projects they work on, or the places where they are based – will be fully supported toward Chartership with the relevant professional institution. You should also know that our technical programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). This means you will be joining one of the best engineering programmes around.
By the end of the programme you will have a general overview of our business, a detailed understanding of a specific function and the skills and qualifications needed to take the next step in your career.
The Commercial Programme
In the Commercial Programme, you will be joining us at an exciting time. There has never been so much change in the energy industry. With new technology, the climate-change agenda, differing political opinions and increasing competition, we need talented individuals with excellent business skills. Whether you're a business or engineering graduate, you will need to be passionate about change and ready to take on a challenge to make sure we stay ahead.
As we are a major business with a wide range of business and property activities, both at home and overseas, our need for future talent is equally large and wide-ranging. Right now for example, we are looking to develop people in the following areas (among others): trading, charging, strategy, business development, property and contracts.
We have designed the programme to prepare you for a management role in one of these areas. To do this, the 18-month programme is made up of three placements across the business, each one helping you to build up strong personal and professional skills.