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.
