2026 Quantity Surveyor Industrial Placement, Infrastructure Delivery 1

About us

National Grid is at the heart of the UK energy network keeping people connected and society moving. We develop, own and maintain the physical infrastructure, such as pylons and cables needed to move the electricity generated from windfarms and power sources around the country. Every time a phone is plugged in, or a switch is turned on, we've played a part, connecting you to the electricity you need - and we're leading the transformation towards a greener future, dreaming bigger to bring a more affordable energy future to everyone.

But it's our people that provide our true superpower. They drive and sustain our growth, their unique differences only making us stronger. But it's no small feat and we need the best to join us in our mission. So, join us and power the future of energy. 

About The Role

As a Quantity Surveyor Industrial Placement student within Infrastructure Delivery at National Grid, you’ll be part of the team responsible for executing major projects that enhance and expand the UK’s energy network. This includes delivering critical infrastructure such as substations and transmission lines, which are essential for the efficient and reliable distribution of electricity and gas.

Infrastructure Delivery manages the full project lifecycle—from feasibility studies and stakeholder engagement to construction and commissioning—ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. The team plays a vital role in supporting the energy transition, improving network resilience, and integrating renewable energy sources into the grid. A key initiative is the Great Grid Upgrade, which aims to connect more clean, low-carbon power to the transmission network across England and Wales.

What You’ll Do

• Help prepare detailed cost estimates for materials, labour, and overheads to support accurate budgeting
• Monitor project budgets and expenditures to ensure financial control
• Assist in managing contracts with clients and subcontractors, including reviewing terms and ensuring compliance
• Contribute to value engineering activities to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality
• Support risk assessments and help develop mitigation strategies
• Measure and value completed work on-site to facilitate accurate payments
• Prepare financial reports and updates for internal and external stakeholders
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and architects to support timely project delivery
• Help resolve cost and contract-related issues and ensure compliance with legal and industry standards, including health and safety

Our Industrial Placement

Our 12-month Industrial Placement offers you the opportunity to kickstart your career within the energy sector and discover your unique superpower. Throughout your placement, you’ll receive a tailored development programme designed to support your growth and development. This includes a combination of in-person and virtual training sessions led by our development team, as well as access to a range digital learning tools to help further enhance your skills.

Throughout your placement you’ll have opportunity to make connections amongst your cohort as well as regular check ins with a mentor and our Early Careers Team. Day-to-day, your placement manager will provide you access to a variety of on-the-job opportunities where you’ll take on real assignments and projects to make a genuine impact within your respective function. By the end of your placement, you’ll have developed your understanding of our business and the energy sector for your future career.

What you'll need to apply

You’ll need to be in your penultimate year and expecting to achieve a minimum 2:2 degree in Quantity Surveying &  Building Surveying. Degrees such as Construction Management and Civil Engineering may also be considered. 

Due to the amount of travel to our site locations, you'll need to currently have a full valid UK driving license at the time of application. 

You’ll need flexibility to travel within role and throughout your rotations as required as in order to carry out the requirements of this role you'll need to travel to sites, substations, depots and our training centres.

Location

 This role is based in Bristol, with travel required to various sites across the South West & Wales Portfolio. You’ll be expected to work across multiple locations within this region as part of your responsibilities. 

What You'll Get In Return

As a first step to your career in the energy industry, our Industrial Placement programmes are like no other. You’ll gain an insight into how we work at National Grid, providing you with a taster of the opportunities that await you. In addition, you’ll also receive some great rewards and benefits:

• Starting salary of £24,109
• 26 days holiday
• A chance to land a place on our Graduate Programme subject to your performance during your placement.
• Pensions plan, share-option scheme and flexible benefits
• 3 days development training, volunteering opportunities, close mentorship and regular feedback
• Invitation to join Newnet, our new starters network and employee resource group

You’ll gain more than just experience. We believe in nurturing talent and recognising exceptional performance. If you excel during your placement, you may receive an offer to join our Graduate Programme after you successfully complete your degree.

More Information

You can only apply for one Industrial Placement opportunity during this recruitment cycle. We kindly ask that you review all our student opportunities and apply for the one that aligns closest with your aspirations and interests.

We recruit on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close our vacancies once we have enough applications/based on volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to ensure you obtain the place you want in the application process. 

Assessment centres will be held between November - April 2026

National Grid's Graduate & Student opportunities in the UK are open to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria including an existing and valid right to work in the UK. As part of the application process this will need to be evidenced and verified before you can start the programme.

Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.

Please be aware that it’s your responsibility to explore avenues of working in the UK, as we're not able to provide advice on this. For information about visas please visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas