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.
