Graduate Environment & Sustainability Associate, Strategic Infrastructure, Warwick

Business Unit:  Electricity Transmission
Requisition Number:  13482

About the Position

 

Strategic Infrastructure is part of National Grid Electricity Transmission and is responsible for delivering major electricity transmission projects across England and Wales. Our work will help connect more clean, low-carbon power to the transmission network and support the UK’s transition to a cleaner energy future. This includes the delivery of major projects through the Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) framework, alongside the early-stage development of further strategic infrastructure. 

 

Within Strategic Infrastructure, the Offshore SHES (Safety, Health, Environment and Sustainability) team supports the delivery of some of the UK's largest electricity transmission projects. Working across major offshore infrastructure programmes and alongside joint venture partners, contractors and project teams, the team helps drive high standards of environmental management and sustainable construction. Their work supports National Grid's net zero ambitions by reducing the environmental impact of construction activities, improving biodiversity outcomes and promoting more sustainable ways of delivering infrastructure.
 
 
As a Graduate Environmental and Sustainability Associate, you'll help support the environmental and sustainability activities that underpin major electricity transmission projects. Working alongside experienced SHES professionals, project teams and supply-chain partners, you'll gain hands-on experience across a broad range of environmental and sustainability disciplines, from decarbonisation and biodiversity to waste reduction and sustainable construction. You'll develop an understanding of how environmental considerations are embedded into major infrastructure projects while helping deliver practical improvements that support National Grid's role in the energy transition.
 
 

What You'll Do

 

You'll help drive environmental and sustainability improvements across major electricity infrastructure projects.

  • Support the delivery of environmental and sustainability initiatives that contribute to The Great Grid Upgrade and National Grid's net zero ambitions.
  • Work with contractors and supply-chain partners to promote good environmental management, innovation and sustainable construction practices.
  • Contribute to the achievement of Strategic Infrastructure environmental and sustainability objectives across a portfolio of projects.
  • Support project teams and leaders in embedding environmental sustainability considerations into project planning and delivery.
  • Help develop and implement environmental improvement plans that strengthen environmental performance and management practices.
  • Contribute to projects focused on reducing carbon emissions from construction activities and equipment.
  • Support activities that improve understanding of biodiversity, including opportunities to enhance environmental outcomes within project areas.
  • Help explore circular economy approaches that reduce material use, improve resource efficiency and minimise waste across construction projects.

 

What You'll Need to Apply

You'll need to achieve a minimum 2:2 in Environmental Management, Sustainability, Environmental Science, Ecology, Geography or a closely related degree discipline.

It doesn't matter when you graduated or whether you're currently studying towards your qualification. We're looking for graduates with a passion for environmental and sustainability issues and an interest in major infrastructure and construction projects. You'll be keen to learn how environmental considerations influence project delivery, eager to work with a variety of stakeholders and motivated to help drive positive environmental outcomes as part of the UK's transition to a cleaner energy future.

 

Please note: Due to the amount of travel required for this role, you must obtain a full, valid UK driving licence no later than 27th June 2027 (at least three months before your start date).

If you progress to the assessment centre stage, you must have passed your driving theory test before attending and be able to provide evidence of this.

 

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

 

 

Location

 

This role is based in Warwick and offers flexible hybrid working, where possible.  You'll be expected to attend your contractual office location at least three days per week.

To be eligible for this role, you must currently live within a 60-minute driving commute of CV34 6DA and be able to commute from your existing primary residence. Relocation to meet this requirement is not permitted.

As part of your application, you'll be asked to confirm that you meet this requirement and provide the postcode of your current primary residence. This information will be used to assess your eligibility.

What You'll Get In Return

We are proud to offer a starting salary of £38,472 with annual salary increases throughout the programme.

 

As a first step in your career within the energy industry, our Graduate Programme offers a unique opportunity to develop your skills, gain valuable experience, and build a long-term career with National Grid.

 

Alongside a tailored development programme designed to power your career at National Grid, you'll also enjoy a range of fantastic rewards and benefits, including:

  • 26 days' annual leave, plus statutory holidays.
  • A competitive pension scheme.
  • Access to flexible benefits, including cycle-to-work and holiday buy/sell schemes.
  • The opportunity to participate in our Sharesave and Share Incentive Plans.
  • You’ll develop well-rounded skills through practical experience.
  • A £2,000 joining bonus upon starting the programme.
  • A £2,400 payment upon successful completion of the programme.
  • An accommodation allowance of up to £200 per month as you move around the business during placements.
  • Additional annual leave when moving between placements, plus support with relocating your personal belongings.
  • Dedicated mentoring, regular feedback, networking opportunities, and volunteering opportunities to support your development.
  • A permanent role with National Grid upon successful completion of the programme.

 

About the Graduate Programme

 

As you'll be joining our 18-month graduate programme, you'll have a tailored development pathway to support you as you develop a wide range of leadership, business, and technical skills. You'll attend in-person and virtual development sessions throughout your programme to equip you with the essential skills required, as you begin your career at National Grid. We're committed to the personal development of our colleagues so as well as the support from your line manager as you navigate your new role, you'll also have access to 1:1 coaching and a mentor, from a previous cohort to help you transition from campus to corporate life.

 

All graduates complete the core development programme to develop key skills such as how to make an impact, giving feedback and presentation skills. Aligned to this role is our Engineering pathway and as part of this you’ll develop further key technical skills aligned to your role as well as important learning modules such as working safely. If relevant to your career aspirations, you will be able to access Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) membership and seek support from a National Grid IET mentor to help you secure your chartership.  

 

We believe in the importance of getting as much on-the-job experience as possible and to do this, you will complete three 6-month placements, across the UK, designed to deepen your understanding of your speciality but to also broaden your knowledge of our business. At the end of your 18-month programme you’ll return to your initial placement area to kickstart your career.

 

About National Grid

National Grid is the UK’s critical energy infrastructure company, operating the electricity network and infrastructure that connects millions of people to the energy they use every day, supporting homes, businesses and communities across England and Wales.

 

We know the future of energy won't be shaped by what we know today. It will be shaped by what's possible tomorrow. That's why we're investing in the next generation of talent, giving apprentices, undergraduates and graduates the opportunity to learn from experts, gain hands-on experience and contribute to work that matters from day one.

 

Are you ready to unlock the power of the possible?

More Information

You can apply for only one opportunity across all Early Careers and Career Changer programmes. Before applying, pleaese carefully review all available programmes and choose the one that best matches your interests and career goals.

 

We recruit on a rolling basis across our Early Careers Roles. We may close our vacancies early once we have enough applications. We therefore encourage you to apply as early as possible. 

 

National Grid's Early Careers 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

#gradenvisus