Powering the future: SSEN Transmission commits to 600 ‘earn as you learn’ roles

Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, has welcomed a major skills commitment from SSEN Transmission during a visit to SSE’s Training Centre in Perth. The company has announced 600 new ‘earn as you learn’ roles to be created between now and 2030 reinforcing their commitment to developing the talent needed to deliver the north of Scotland’s rapidly expanding electricity transmission network.

The First Minister praised the significant investment as a vital contribution to Scotland’s green energy ambitions, supporting high-quality, future-focused career pathways at the heart of the net zero transition.

SSEN Transmission has undergone substantial growth in recent years, expanding from around 400 employees in 2019 to 2,500 today. As part of its ongoing recruitment drive, the company has committed to ensuring at least 5% of its workforce is in ‘earn as you learn’ roles at any given time. These opportunities span engineering, environmental specialisms, planning and other disciplines critical to the energy sector, opening doors for young people and early-career professionals to join Scotland’s growing clean energy economy.

The roles will be delivered through expanded trainee programmes, summer placements, graduate schemes and apprenticeships, providing hands-on experience and long-term career prospects across a wide range of infrastructure projects. The commitment will also support reskilling within SSE’s existing workforce and help attract talent from other industries, including oil and gas, in line with the company’s Just Transition strategy.

These new positions will be located across the north of Scotland, an area central to the country's renewable energy revolution.

SSEN Transmission is currently delivering its ambitious Pathway to 2030 programme, part of a planned £22 billion investment in new substations, subsea and underground cables, and overhead lines. This programme will unlock Scotland’s homegrown clean power, strengthen energy security and deliver significant economic benefits for local communities.

SSEN Transmission: Company Profile

SSEN Transmission is one of Scotland’s leading energy infrastructure companies, playing a central role in delivering the nation’s transition to net zero. Headquartered in Perth, the company is a major employer in the region and a cornerstone of the local clean energy economy. From its Perth base, SSEN Transmission oversees the development, operation and maintenance of the high-voltage electricity network serving the north of Scotland—one of the most important renewable energy regions in the UK.

The company is currently delivering its ambitious Pathway to 2030 investment programme, with plans to invest at least £22 billion in new substations, overhead lines and subsea and underground cables. This work, much of it coordinated through its Perth operations, will unlock Scotland’s vast renewable energy potential while supporting energy security across the UK.

With significant ongoing recruitment, training and early-career opportunities, SSEN Transmission continues to strengthen Perth’s position as a hub for green energy innovation and skills.

Find out more on the SSEN Transmission Website >