Six months as a Trainee Engineer

Meet Aiden Crabb, an Onshore Wind Trainee Engineer at SSE Renewables.

From exploring wind farms to tackling exams, our Trainee Engineers gain invaluable hands-on experience from day one. With a dedicated support network behind them, they’re empowered to grow and succeed.

Discover Aiden’s journey—from the recruitment process to his first six months in the role

First, tell us a bit about yourself! What did you study at school? Where are you based, and did you relocate for the Trainee Engineer Apprenticeship programme?

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

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.  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 a 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.