Ross Craig - Engineering Graduate

First, tell us a bit about yourself! What did you study at university? Where are you based, and did you relocate for the grad programme?

I studied an integrated Masters in Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde. I’m based in Glasgow and have been all my life.

Which sectors did you consider applying to for your graduate role? What made you choose SSE Renewables?

Through university, I’d always leaned more to the electrical side of my degree, focussing on renewables, networks, power studies etc. In my latter years of my degree, I decided to focus more on renewable subjects as I felt this was an ever-expanding industry due to our push for Net Zero.

I had considered applying to consultancies but felt the work there would only get me involved in one stage of a project – I wanted to be somewhere where I could get involved across all stages ranging from initial design to operations of assets. I felt this would provide me with a greater depth of knowledge. I chose SSE Renewables over other grad schemes as I really liked the idea of being able to choose the placements I wanted to go to and for how long I wanted. This was something that wasn’t offered in the same way with other companies. I feel this really lets me take control of my career and how I develop as an engineer.

How did you find the recruitment process?  Do you have any advice for students considering applying for the SSE Graduate Programmes?

The aptitude test at the beginning of the process were the hardest part. There are several useful websites with practice tests available so my advice would be to practice the various types of questions that may come up to best prepare yourself. The following stages allow your personality to show through video interviews and presentations. I’d also say to do general research into the company about current projects, facts and figures. Showing your interest in the business goes a long way in the interview process and can be really helpful when answering questions.

Tell us a bit about your experience on the graduate programme?

I’ve been on 4 placements now – 2 onshore placements and 2 offshore placements. I’ve been able to see a vast amount of projects SSE Renewables work on, along with the incredible teams that help make these projects possible. The highlight for me across all my placements has been able to get on site visits. Most recently, I got to go offshore up at Beatrice Offshore Wind Farm to assist with cable inspections, where I also got to appreciate the incredible work that goes into getting these projects operational.

Personally, I feel I’m able to understand far more when I’m standing next to a transformer or circuit breaker than looking on a diagram. Every team I’ve been in has really encouraged getting to site and learn, and I feel I’m a better engineer for it.