BAM UK & Ireland has hired 300 specialists over the past 12 months to work on critical green energy projects for SSEN Transmission. The company is set to begin recruiting for further roles this autumn, with the majority of the new positions based in the north of Scotland.

The new hires reflect BAM's growing role in delivering low-carbon infrastructure and align with the UK Government's £725 billion Infrastructure Strategy. This strategy champions long-term investment in clean energy, workforce development, and resilience.

BAM is currently delivering key civil engineering works on several major SSEN Transmission projects, which are part of the £22 billion 'Pathway to 2030' upgrade programme.

These projects include:

• Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2): A 525kV HVDC subsea transmission line that will link Scotland and England.

• Creag Dhubh substation: A project aimed at boosting renewable capacity and grid strength in Argyll.

• Orkney Link Project: The first connection between Orkney and the mainland grid via a 220kV HVAC subsea link.

• Crossaig substation and upgrades: This project will enhance transmission capacity for local renewables in Argyll.

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These projects are part of a major transformation of the UK energy system, connecting clean energy sources, such as onshore wind and tidal power, into the National Grid.

John Wilkinson, COO at BAM UK & Ireland, speaking from Peterhead (part of EGL2), said: "SSEN Transmission's long-term project pipeline has enabled us to invest confidently in the people and skills needed to deliver a stronger, greener UK grid. These projects are not only enabling the flow of clean energy but are also creating meaningful employment, skills, and training opportunities across the UK. By creating sustainable career pathways, we are helping to address the industry-wide skills gap while delivering nationally significant infrastructure."

Rob McDonald, Managing Director of SSEN Transmission, added: "BAM's recruitment of 300 new roles highlights how our grid transformation is driving jobs and economic growth across the north of Scotland, while its focus on apprenticeships and early career opportunities reflects our shared goal of building a skilled workforce for the future.

"At SSEN Transmission our latest graduate intake was our largest yet, contributing to a five-fold increase in employee headcount in just five years. We now have more than 2,500 employees, many of whom have arrived from other industries, and for 2025/26 we plan to recruit around 600 new roles. Upgrading the transmission network is vital for national energy security and clean power targets, it is our investment in people and skills that is delivering this ambition, while supporting livelihoods and creating a positive economic impact in the local communities we serve."

As the UK prepares to double electricity capacity by 2050, the infrastructure and the workforce delivering it will be essential to meeting net zero targets and unlocking clean growth.

Many of the 300 roles are based in rural communities, directly boosting local economies. BAM has prioritised early careers, apprenticeships and the retraining of workers from other industries, including oil and gas, the armed forces, and career returners.

A second wave of recruitment, supported by a targeted digital advertising campaign, is planned for the autumn, with BAM recruiting for a range of roles across Scotland, underlining its commitment to building a skilled, future-ready workforce.