Apprenticeship profiles

Lucy - Arborist Apprentice

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Lucy Ingram - Arborist Apprentice

Lucy joined SSE as an apprentice in 2023 and is currently studying for her Arborist Apprenticeship at Plumpton College on block release. Lucy is one of our very first apprentices to join our Tree Cutting business as an apprentice.

What made you choose SSE?

I picked SSE because they were offering me an apprenticeship in which I could learn all the skills, gain all the tickets through college and offer me full support. It is a well known company and offer so many different opportunities.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy being outside and working on something different every day. Meeting new people and learning new skills. Everyone I work with is always there to offer advice and are all very friendly. Any questions I have they are always there to answer and will always show me how to do something I'm unsure of.

What advice would you give to people thinking about applying for an apprenticeship with SSE?

I would say go for it. You will get so much support throughout and you will come out with a whole new set of skills and a new appreciation for the job.

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Jack - Electrical Power Networks Engineer Apprentice

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Jack Cooper - Electrical Power Networks Engineer Apprentice

Jack started his apprenticeship at SSE in 2022 and is currently studying for his HNC at Loughborough College, attending one day a week.

What made you choose SSE?

I chose SSE because they were offering a competitive apprenticeship which aligned with my goals at the time. Before SSE, I was studying City & Guilds Level 2 Electrical Installation at the Isle of Wight College. I originally applied for a different role in the company but was told my abilities would be better in the EPNE position. After reviewing what was on offer, I leapt at the opportunity to be part of the team.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Getting the opportunity to complete both a HNC and also get in job experience. The HNC is allowing me to build up my understanding of being a Power Networks Engineer and the in job experience allows me to get a better understanding of the day to day tasks in the department. Everyday I am learning something new and I am also getting to interact and meet other employees both in my department but also in other departments.

What advice would you give to people thinking about applying for an apprenticeship with SSE?

Don't feel afraid to ask questions and there is no such thing as a stupid question. By asking questions and digging deeper into the work you are doing, you will get a better understanding of the job role and develop a deeper understanding of what needs to be completed. If there are areas you are unsure of, there are a variety of resources available to do additional research. Also, the staff at SSE are very friendly and understanding so if you need additional clarification or help, don't be afraid to ask. We were all an apprentice/new to the company before!

Is there anything else at all you'd like to mention?

An Apprenticeship at SSE not only helps you develop your skills in the job but also it develops your life skills too. Since the offices are located in places such as Reading, Thatcham etc, I have been able to develop my problem solving skills and also getting a better understanding of the rail network. My overall skillset has definitely increased and improved greatly since becoming an apprentice at SSE.

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Andy - Overhead Lines Trainer

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Andy Switzer - Overhead Lines Trainer

After successfully achieving his overhead lines apprenticeship in 2021, Andy continued to work hard and has already progressed to be one of our Overhead Lines Technical Trainers. Andy now trains our new apprentices who benefit from the viewpoint that he was once in their boots!

What made you choose SSE?

I’ve always been someone who enjoyed working outdoors in a hands-on role and fundamentally I chose SSE because they supported me as an adult trainee and provided me with fantastic training to carry out my role.

There are lots of opportunities within SSE - I’m an example of that as I began my career as a tree cutter and then trained to be a linesperson before becoming an overhead lines trainer/assessor.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I love the challenge of finding the best way to help a group or an individual understand what’s being taught and seeing them improve. I’m very lucky to work with and learn from some fantastic trainers! I’ve always enjoyed working as part of a team so I love that I get to work with so many different people every day.

What advice would you give to people thinking about applying for an apprenticeship with SSE?

Make the most of every opportunity as no two days are the same, whether that’s if you are in the training school, at college or on site. The apprenticeships do require hard work and self-drive, but the constant support from staff and team members will help you daily with any challenges you may face. SSE also provides many employee benefits and opportunities to develop and enhance your career further.

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G - Apprentice Data Analyst

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000

G Baillie – Apprentice Data Analyst

G started the Data Analyst Apprenticeship with SSE in 2022. This role within SSE requires G to provide valuable insights into the assets on the network, usually presented in the form of Power BI reports.

What made you choose SSE?

Because they truly care about their employees and the local communities they serve.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

It's facts based and solutions driven. The people I work with are all experts in their field and have lots of time to give to ensure my training is quality. They also meet you where you're at, there is no expectation to know everything.

I enjoy that they challenge me to grow professionally. Each day presents new opportunities to problem solve and collaborate across the business.

What advice would you give to people thinking about applying for an apprenticeship with SSE?

Go for it. It has literally changed my life.

Is there anything else at all you'd like to mention?

As a neurodiverse individual it’s worth noting that SSE have adapted in order to help me thrive within my role.

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Thomas - Senior Communications Manager

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Thomas Nicoll - Senior Communications Manager

Thomas started studying for his Graduate Business Management Apprenticeship with SSE in 2020. In 2022 Thomas attended the Corporate Affairs and Strategy conference and was a member of the panel discussing digital communication.

What made you choose SSE?

I joined SSE as a school leaver in 2007 (over half my life ago!) At the time, I had just finished 5th year at secondary school and had secured the grades to go to university, so I decided to leave school early, earn for a year, before furthering my education. At the end of the year's traineeship at SSE I was offered a permanent role that was too good to turn down, and I've been here ever since.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I'm part of a great team. The work can be quite demanding and being part of a team that has the right attitude towards helping each other and delivering great results is a real highlight.

What advice would you give to people thinking about applying for an apprenticeship with SSE?

I'm in the 4th year of the Graduate Apprenticeship Programme here at SSE - well on track to achieve an Honours Degree in Business Management, so my apprenticeship is slightly different to one you'd typically hear about. I'd worked with SSE for 13 years before I took on further education, but it has been a fantastic experience and something I wish I had done sooner. The course set me up well in successfully applying for a promoted role and I feel equipped to take on the increased level of responsibility in the role I'm now in. If you're thinking about undertaking any kind of apprenticeship with SSE, I'd say go for it. It will be hard work, but it's worth the effort.

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Skye - Trainee Engineer

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Skye McInally - Trainee Engineer, SSE Renewables

Skye originally began an Engineering Modern Apprenticeship with SSE in 2021 and has since progressed on to study an HND as a Trainee Engineer.

What made you choose SSE?

I chose SSE because I wanted to work for a company that is making a positive change for the future.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy learning on the job, I love being able to work to widen my knowledge and further progress my career. I also appreciate being able to be in full time learning whilst in my role.

What advice would you give to people thinking about applying for an apprenticeship with SSE?

If you are thinking about it then I recommend you go for it! SSE is a great company to work for, as a whole the company and staff are all very understanding and helpful. If you are stuck or unsure there are so many people to ask and everyone is happy to help. Another factor that is widely important is that you are looked after especially whilst in college you are provided with lots of help and guidance.

Is there anything else at all you'd like to mention?

Unlike some other apprenticeships the ones SSE has to offer provide a balance between working inside, outside, hands on and heads in books. Overall it is a good balance and the workload isn't too heavy.

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Ethan - Integrated Project Management Degree Apprentice

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Joining SSE as an Integrated Project Management Degree Apprentice

Ethan began his apprenticeship at SSE in 2021 originally studying for a Data Science Degree Apprenticeship. Having successfully achieved that Ethan has now progressed onto an Integrated Project Management Degree Apprenticeship.

What made you choose SSE?

One of the reasons I chose SSE was how SSE's values resonated with me and my day to day life.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

The support around me, from my peers has allowed me to develop my knowledge and understanding over the duration of my apprenticeship journey.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

The support around me, from my peers has allowed me to develop my knowledge and understanding over the duration of my apprenticeship journey.

What advice would you give to people thinking about applying for an apprenticeship with SSE?

The advice that I would give to people thinking about applying for an apprenticeship, is that the skills and experience you gain on your apprenticeship journey are invaluable. The combination of academic studies and on the job training benefit each other greatly and will allow you to grow and develop your skillset.

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Jamie - Trainee Engineer Apprenticeship programme

Fri, 16 May 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Joining SSE as an Trainee Engineer Apprentice

My name is Jamie Clark, and I am a Trainee Engineer based in SSE Renewable’s Onshore Wind, Solar, and Battery Control Room at Inveralmond House. At school, I studied Physics, Maths, English, and Physical Education. Outside of work, I enjoy playing and watching football, staying active, and hill walking. I currently stay in Dundee, so with SSE’s Perth office being less than a 45-minute commute, I did not need to relocate for the programme.

Which sectors did you consider applying to for your Trainee Engineer role? What made you choose SSE Renewables Onshore Wind?

Before joining SSE, I had always been interested in the electrical and engineering industries due to the wide range of career opportunities and flexibility within the field. At 17, I completed a Pre-Apprenticeship course in Renewable Energy and was eager to secure full-time employment in the industry. However, after working in various industries for six years, I decided to return to college, where I completed an NC in Electrical Engineering, followed by an HNC. During my studies, I applied to multiple companies, but after hearing excellent feedback from college lecturers and students with experience at SSE, I became particularly keen to join the company. Although I was unsuccessful in my first application, I remained determined and applied again after completing my HNC. SSE’s strong reputation and its presence as a leading energy company, particularly in my local area made it the ideal place to develop my engineering career.

Do you have any advice for students considering applying for the SSE Apprenticeship Programmes?

I found the recruitment process to be highly professional and thorough. Given how competitive the engineering industry is, the aptitude tests SSE uses to assess candidates are particularly challenging, requiring strong problem-solving and prioritisation skills.

The assessment day was a completely different experience from a typical job interview. While most interviews last between 30 minutes to an hour, the SSE assessment day was a full day event getting interviewed, doing a presentation and being involved in a problem-solving scenario providing a deeper evaluation of candidates’ skills and suitability for the role.

For anyone considering applying, my biggest piece of advice is to be persistent. If you are not successful on your first attempt, keep applying. SSE is a fantastic company to work for, offering extensive career development and long-term opportunities.

Tell us a bit about your experience on the apprenticeship programme, including any placement highlights and opportunities.

Eighteen months into the programme, I’ve gained invaluable experience. A key highlight has been progressing towards gaining authorisations in the Control Room, allowing me to take on more responsibility in day-to-day operations.

I’ve visited several windfarm sites, including Clyde, Griffin, Dunmaglass, Drumderg, Calliachar, Strathy North, and Salisbury Battery Energy Storage. One standout visit was to Viking Wind Farm while it was in the commissioning stage, providing insight into the complexities of bringing a wind farm online. Most of the work I’ve been exposed to has involved HV (High Voltage) operations, including operating switchgear, maintenance, and fault response.

Tell us about the work you have been doing.

Since joining SSE, I’ve had a well-balanced experience working across different areas of the business. I have spent time on-site alongside electrical engineers, maintenance teams, and control & instrumentation (C&I) engineers, gaining hands-on exposure to various aspects of operational work. I have also spent significant time in the control room, learning from Control Room Engineers and Technicians about how SSE monitors and manages its onshore renewable assets getting involved in upcoming projects. A key part of my role involves ensuring that assets are safely released to competent personnel with the correct documentation in place.

In addition to my site and control room experience, I also dedicate time to my academic studies. I am currently working towards an HND in Engineering Systems, which covers mechanical, electrical, fluid system theory and many other engineering topics in depth. Balancing my studies with practical experience has significantly broadened my knowledge and understanding of engineering principles.

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Aiden - Onshore Wind Trainee Engineer in SSE Renewables programme

Fri, 16 May 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Joining SSE as an Onshore Wind Trainee Engineer Apprentice

I am Aiden Crabb, an Onshore Wind Trainee Engineer in SSE Renewables. I finished my secondary education in Dundee during 2024 and achieved A grades in all my subjects including Higher Physics, English and Maths. I enjoy playing football and have completed multiple half marathons, with my first official one coming later this year in Edinburgh. I am based in the Onshore Wind Control Centre at Inveralmond House. Luckily for me I did not need to relocate for the programme as I live within a commutable distance.

Which sectors did you consider applying to for your Trainee Engineer role? What made you choose SSE Renewables Onshore Wind?

Throughout my education, I always wanted to become an Engineer of some sort as I felt there were lots of opportunities within that type of career. I also had a keen interest in energy and the importance of renewables in future energy provision, and as a result SSE Renewables became the perfect opportunity for me. I considered many employment options after leaving education, some within SSE, some out with, but the programme here offers me the opportunity to learn in an educational environment but also that of a practical one aswell. I find Renewable energy interesting, and the work that SSE Renewables do and the values they have, made me really want to pursue a career there.

How did you find the recruitment process?

I found the recruitment structure to be very fair and the process provided me with plenty of opportunity to showcase my skills and my professional personality in the way I wanted to. Recruitment is split up into many stages, including the initial application, online tests and video questions, before being invited in for an assessment day and interview. Each stage providing its own insight into the skills and behaviours that SSE are looking for in a candidate.

Do you have any advice for students considering applying for the SSE Apprenticeship Programmes?

If I could give advice for anyone applying, it would be to prepare for interviews by researching the company, practice interview scenarios so you can go in with confidence, show a genuine interest in SSE and what they do, and lastly enjoy it.

Tell us a bit about your experience on the apprenticeship programme, including any placement highlights and opportunities.

I have found the Trainee Engineer Programme massively positive and beneficial to my development. In the 6 months I have been with SSE I have already learned so much. This has been made possible through site visits and the support of approachable colleagues who are more than happy to share their knowledge and experience. The highlight of the programme so far has been a two-day visit up to Griffin and Calliachar Wind Farm near Aberfeldy, where I got to understand the roles of Maintenance Technicians, Engineers and Operations Supervisors. I have been given the opportunity to take on tasks and contribute to ongoing projects which has been great for me.

Tell us about the work you have been doing.

In my time in Onshore Wind, I have been learning and understanding how various aspects of the business work from safety to operations. Specifically I am working alongside Onshore Wind Control Room Engineers and understanding how we monitor our assets and safely release them to allow maintenance or repair to take place. I have spent a lot of time alongside the Control Engineers and Control Technicians to better my knowledge of the systems they use and why they are crucially important. I am also doing a lot of college work to enhance my skills that will go towards attaining a HND in Engineering Systems. This involves writing reports, studying for exams and gaining knowledge of the Engineering field.

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Sammy - Trainee Engineer at SSE Renewables

Fri, 16 May 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Joining SSE as an Trainee Engineer Apprentice

I am Sammy Robertson, a Trainee Enginee. I studied maths and physics in school, and then went on to study pure maths at university. Towards the end of my degree, I began to realise that I wanted to move towards a practical career with a positive social impact, so when I came across the trainee scheme at SSE I knew that it presented the perfect opportunity for me. I live in Dundee at the moment but I’m planning to relocate to Perth soon as my role is based in the head office.

Which sectors did you consider applying to for your Trainee Engineer role? What made you choose SSE Renewables Onshore Wind?

SSE Renewables appealed strongly to me because I wanted to work in a field where I would know that my work was making a difference and helping to support the global green transition. I chose Onshore wind because this is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the UK’s energy mix with excellent career prospects.

How did you find the recruitment process?

The recruitment process was thorough but very transparent. After submitting a written application and completing the online video interview, I was invited to attend the Perth office for an in-person assessment day. As every stage, I was kept fully informed about the progress of my application.

Do you have any advice for students considering applying for the SSE Apprenticeship Programmes?

My main piece of advice to applicants would be: Practice the video interview! If your initial online application is successful, you will immediately be invited to record your responses to several virtual interview questions. It can feel quite unnatural to talk at length in front of a camera, and the best way to prepare for this is to record yourself answering some common interview questions until you are confident.

Tell us a bit about your experience on the apprenticeship programme, including any placement highlights and opportunities.

One of the highlights of the programme so far has been the opportunity for site visits. For example, a couple of months ago I had the opportunity to travel up to Inverness and visit Foyers Power Station, a 300 MW pumped hydro scheme which is one of the largest hydro schemes on the UK. Another benefit of the trainee programme is that it offers an opportunity to get familiar with every aspect of the company and the work it does. As a trainee, I am encouraged to ask as many questions as possible and often get the chance to shadow experienced engineers as they work.

Tell us about the work you have been doing.

My time at SSE so far has been split equally between work and college. At work, I am based in the head office in Perth. I sit in the Operational Systems team, which provides operational support for the Onshore Wind and Hydro control rooms, manages the commissioning of new renewable generation sites, and engages in ongoing development and testing work. One of the major pieces of work I have been involved in is the commissioning of the brand-new Onshore Control Centre. This was the culmination of a several-month-long project to increase the capacity of the control room to meet the rapid growth of onshore wind. Helping out with this project was a great way for me to gain a deeper understanding of the systems and infrastructure that SSE Renewables deals with daily.

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Ruby - Trainee Engineer at SSE Renewables

Fri, 16 May 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Joining SSE as an Renewable Energy Trainee Engineer Apprentice

My name is Ruby Hood, and I'm from Northern Ireland and love the outdoors, play hockey and enjoy water sports. I am currently based at Bessy Bell 2 wind farm for my TST programme. Since I live only 10 minutes from the site, I didn’t need to relocate. However, after a block in the business, I attend college in Fife, Scotland for three weeks. During this time, I do have to relocate but with the support of the company, this process had been very enjoyable. I attended Omagh Academy, where I studied Maths, Physics, and Geography for A-level. I went straight from school into this programme in 2024, as it offered a great opportunity to start a career in renewable energy.

Which sectors did you consider applying to for your Trainee Engineer role? What made you choose SSE Renewables Onshore Wind?

I always knew I wanted to work in the renewable energy industry, but during school, I was unsure of the best route to take. Initially, I applied for civil engineering at university, but I soon realised it wasn’t the right fit for me. I kept researching alternative pathways and came across the SSE Trainee (TST) programme quite late in the academic year. With no hydro or offshore sectors near where I live, onshore wind was the ideal opportunity to get started in renewables. SSE stood out to me because of the value they place on their employees and the strong support they provide for career development. The company is always evolving and looking for ways to improve, which made it even more appealing for the next step in my engineering journey.

How did you find the recruitment process?

The recruitment process was challenging and intense but really enjoyable. It was clear that SSE is genuinely invested in selecting the right people for their team. The process involved multiple stages, including an online test, an online interview, and a group assessment followed by an in-person interview.

Do you have any advice for students considering applying for the SSE Apprenticeship Programmes?

My advice for students considering applying is to be yourself and take the time to research the company beforehand, make sure it is a company you feel fits your values and what you are looking for in a workplace. Understanding SSE’s values, projects, and goals will help you feel more prepared and confident during the interview.

Tell us a bit about your experience on the apprenticeship programme, including any placement highlights and opportunities.

My experience on the apprenticeship programme has been busy and exciting, with every day bringing something new. I spend most of my time out onsite, covering various locations across Ireland North. Throughout the programme, I’ve had continuous support from my mentor and the company, which has made a huge difference in my development. A key part of my training has been gaining the necessary qualifications to work on site safely. I’ve completed training for working at height, administering first aid, and performing advanced rescues, which took two weeks to complete. It was an intense but incredible opportunity that has given me valuable skills for my role. One of my biggest highlights so far has been visiting Yellow River during its construction phase. Seeing the site progress from bare fields to a fully operational wind farm was a fascinating experience. I was also involved in the Omicron training for testing the transformer, which provided great experience and insight into the technical side of the industry.

Tell us about the work you have been doing.

I have been working closely with my mentor, who is an electrical engineer, and every day brings something new. A significant part of my role involves testing and sampling components in the substation and turbines, then analysing the results to ensure everything is operating efficiently. I have also had the opportunity to witness HV switching, which was a great experience, and I hope to gain the qualifications to carry it out myself in the future. I’m excited to continue developing my skills over the next three years of the programme. I plan to spend time with different teams to expand my knowledge across various sectors, which will enhance my overall learning experience. SSE is very supportive of apprentices exploring different areas of the business, helping us identify our strengths and develop a well rounded skill set.

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Sam - A Quantity Surveyor apprenticship at SSE Renewables

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Joining SSE as an quantity surveyor apprentice

Sam talks about his experience so far as a quanitity surveyor apprentice at SSE Renewables.

What made you choose a quanity surveyor apprenticeship with SSE?

When exploring career options, I initially considered the engineering sector, as I’ve always been interested in how things are designed, built, and maintained.

I was particularly drawn to offshore oil and gas engineering due to its technical challenges and the scale of operations involved. However, after researching the construction and energy industries more broadly, I became drawn to quantity surveying-based apprenticeships - especially within the renewables sector due to it’s fast paced growth and demand. SSE Renewables Offshore Wind stood out to me because it combines large-scale infrastructure with the urgent global need for clean energy, with one solution being Doggerbank Windfarm – due to be the world’s largest constructed & operational windfarm. The opportunity to work as an Apprentice Quantity Surveyor within SSE Renewables Offshore Wind appealed to me because it offers hands-on experience in managing costs, contracts, and procurement on complex, large-scale projects. I was particularly drawn to the responsibility the role carries in ensuring projects are delivered efficiently and within budget - skills that are vital in the successful delivery of renewable energy infrastructure. The apprenticeship provides a structured pathway to develop both technical & commercial knowledge while contributing to real-world outcomes while learning from those with a wealth of personal knowledge – thus providing experience that a full-time university student could only dream of. Being part of a team that supports the transition to clean energy, while learning directly from experienced professionals, made this role the ideal choice for my career development.

Do you have any advice for students considering applying for the SSE Apprenticeship Programmes?

For those searching for their next step as a school leaver or a new career path, the key to success in acceptance is persistence – with this statement not being limited to SSE apprenticeships strictly. With the massive demand for roles like this the processes can seem daunting, however if it is really something you care about, the tasks like aptitude tests, assessment centres & presentation days, which SSE use can be seen as a perfect way to distinguish yourself from the crowd, all of these give you a perfect opportunity to display your research and understanding of what you are applying for, but mainly allows you to show confidence and willingness, which assessors will – in my opinion – be more impressed with than poorly & dully presented facts and info. They also allow you to show how you communicate, work with others, and think on your feet—skills that are difficult to capture on paper. Speaking clearly, actively contributing, and arguably most importantly, taking the lead and organising tasks all signal enthusiasm and a proactive attitude. Even if you feel nervous, showing up prepared and giving your best effort reflects a strong commitment to the role and a genuine interest in learning which are all factors which can set you apart from the competition.

Tell us a bit about your experience on the apprenticeship programme, including any placement highlights and opportunities?

Almost 2 years on from my first day at SSE I have gone from just taking small admin tasks from busy team members to taking over the commercial side of the projects Non-Package & Manpower budgets. Within this time, I have also been able to travel round almost all the sites which culminate into the construction of Doggerbank Windfarm, ranging from Haugesund, Norway, Maasvelakte 2 in Netherlands and Habokken, Belgium. Within these visits the sheer scale and complexities which cannot be envisaged from the office in Glasgow making the day-to-day work easier to relate to the eventual outcomes.

Tell us about the work you have been doing?

Since I started, I have balanced the fulltime working as well as cramming the Quantity Surveying University course into 1 day per week, as well as all of the studying which comes with this. Balancing my studies has allowed the university course to be relatable and allows me to have background knowledge on topics or seek out practical examples of areas where I struggle or find it hard to visualise etc.

Day to day, I carry out traditional QS tasks such as drafting and reviewing contracts, cost reporting/forecasting as well as reviewing and evaluating contractor variations. Within all of these tasks I meet new people on the project and have the ability to build reputations and relationships which builds new bridges for future work whether this be help/advice or simply taking on new challenging tasks to further develop. Due to the large scale of Doggerbank, there is also disputes, often of large sums & complexities, allowing me to get first hand experience within dispute resolution procedures which may be unattainable for most at my age and experience level.

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