Student Placements (Power Academy)

An engineering scholarship scheme run by the Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET) in partnership with industry and 9 universities, the Power Academy is designed to supply the power industry with the experienced engineers needed to fulfil future industry needs. 

For undergraduates, it’s an exciting way into an industry that is secure, innovative, hands on and has lots of potential. Along the way you will also enjoy a range of financial rewards, get valuable work experience and educational support wherever possible. 

You’re eligible if you’re in any year (except the final year) of an IET-accredited MEng or BEng degree course in an electrical engineering discipline. You must also qualify for home / EU fees or have the right to live and work in the UK (this includes holding a UK or EU passport). 

Universities currently taking part in the Power Academy include:

• University of Southampton 
• University of Bath 
• University of Cardiff 
• Imperial College London 
• Loughborough University 
• University of Manchester 
• Queen's University Belfast 
• The University of Strathclyde 

Students from any year (except the final year) are welcome to apply. 

You’ll find more information at www.theiet.org/poweracademy. 

National Grid Electricity Distribution & the Power Academy 

Sponsorship via the Power Academy includes:

• A bursary 
• Book/ software allowance 
• Paid eight week summer work placement every year of your degree (apart from the final year) 

National Grid Electricity Distribution Placements 

Your first placement with us means joining a Network Services team at one of our local depots where you will get hands-on experience of the distribution network and the processes involved in its construction, maintenance and repair. You will also spend time with different team members and will experience the different work types that take place in the depot, including: 

• Installation of new 11kV plant, equipment, cables and overhead lines 
• Maintenance of 11kV and 33kV plants 
• Planning and design 
• Project management 
• Restoration and repair work, including the local incident desk 

There are opportunities to have more than one placement with National Grid Electricity Distribution, including further placements in Major Projects, Primary System Design and Future Networks, deepening your knowledge of both our company and of the industry as a whole. 

The breadth and depth of operational and technical challenges we face offer a diversity of opportunities to tailor your placements to suit your personal and technical interests. 

How to apply 

Via the Power Academy: 

Power Academy students will automatically be considered for our graduate programmes, with interviews provided at the beginning of the final year of studies.

Click here to link to The Institute Engineering and Technology Power Academy website.