PMO Graduate/Power System Engineering Graduate/ Procurement Graduate/ Project Control Analyst Graduate Review

From my very first day at National Grid, I felt valued and genuinely part of the team. My contributions to team tasks were recognised and appreciated, and I consistently felt heard and involved in work that truly matters.
There was a strong sense of job security, and I was always encouraged to speak up if things were not working as expected. This created an open and supportive working environment.
I received excellent support from my line manager, placement managers, business coordinator, and the National Grid Early Careers team, all of whom were approachable and invested in my development.
The training opportunities and company-wide networking were also excellent. Graduates were encouraged to set clear objectives and personal development plans, with strong support from line managers and the Early Careers team to ensure these goals were achieved.
I would also like to highlight the competitive pay and accommodation incentives, which were greatly appreciated and added to the overall positive experience.
Overall, National Grid is a great place to work, offering flexibility in day-to-day working arrangements that can be tailored to individual circumstances. I truly enjoy working here and would highly recommend it.

The graduate scheme was structured around three six-month rotations across different National Grid business areas, which gave me the opportunity to gain experience as a Project Management Office (PMO) graduate, a Power Systems Engineering (PSE) graduate, and a Procurement and Project Controls graduate.
Each placement came with distinct responsibilities aligned to the specific team I was working with. During my time as a PMO graduate, I was challenged to contribute meaningfully to project governance activities, including drafting sections of the Change Control process for a Project Management Plan. I also worked closely with the Document Control team to track documents issued for review and approval, and collaborated with the governance team to help develop standardised ways of working across projects.
As a Power Systems Engineering graduate, I gained valuable exposure to the transmission side of the business. This placement allowed me to develop a strong understanding of how customers are safely connected to the grid, in line with industry safety codes and standards. I also learned a great deal about safety and network design studies, which are fundamental to the network planning and design process.
In my final placement as a Procurement and Project Controls graduate, I was further exposed to the commercial and procurement aspects of projects, including supplier engagement and negotiation processes. I also supported project teams through effective reporting, change management processes, and cost control activities. This role significantly stretched my skills and contributed positively to my overall career development.
If I were to choose a placement I enjoyed the most, it would be my final role as a Procurement and Project Controls Analyst graduate. By this stage, I had developed a strong understanding of the National Grid business and was challenged beyond my comfort zone to learn new skills while adding substantial value to the teams I worked with. I was also able to apply the lessons learned from my previous placements, which made my final rotation both rewarding and impactful.

Yes

I would highly recommend National Grid to a friend because it is genuinely a great place to work. The support system is strong, and inclusion and diversity are clearly reflected in the company’s values and day-to-day ways of working. The flexible working arrangements have allowed me to maintain an excellent work–life balance that fits well with my family life.
In addition, National Grid offers excellent opportunities for growth and development, actively supporting employees to build both technical and soft skills. There is also a strong culture of respect, where employees feel valued, listened to, and encouraged to contribute. Overall, it is an organisation that truly invests in its people, making it an enjoyable and rewarding place to work.