Perth-based electricity networks company SSEN Transmission has marked a major growth moment by welcoming its 3,000th employee, reinforcing its role in building the infrastructure needed for Scotland and the UK's transition to clean power.

The latest addition, Offshore Planning Manager John Ataarem, will be based at the Perth head office and will help deliver a substantial programme of upgrades across the north of Scotland. He joins from the mining and oil and gas sectors, reflecting how electricity transmission is tapping into transferable skills to support a fair, low-carbon transition.

The workforce has expanded from about 400 people in 2019 to 3,000 today, supported by a £29 billion programme over the next five years to reinforce and extend the transmission network across the company's licence area.

Perthshire has seen particularly strong growth, with more than 800 colleagues now working at Grampian House on SSE plc's Perth campus. The building has recently been enlarged with a partial additional floor, creating capacity for around 80 further team members and extra meeting space.

Alongside the milestone, the company plans to create a further 500 roles by the end of March 2027. Positions will be spread across its operating area in the north of Scotland and cover disciplines including project development, engineering, construction, environmental planning, stakeholder engagement and corporate services. Opportunities will be available at all levels across its main offices in Inverness, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Perth.

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The growth will include apprenticeships, graduate schemes and trainee posts, building on last year's pledge to create 600 earn-as-you-learn roles by 2030.

With major subsea transmission projects advancing — such as the Western Isles HVDC Link and Eastern Green Links 2 and 3 — SSEN Transmission is encouraging applications from experienced professionals in sectors like oil and gas, whose expertise will be vital to delivering the UK's energy transition.

The expansion follows the company's recent economic report, Re-energising the North: Transforming Scotland, which highlights how investment in the transmission network can deliver secure, affordable and clean power while unlocking significant long-term economic benefits. The programme is identified as among the largest private infrastructure investments in Scotland's history.

Allie Walker, HR Director at SSEN Transmission, said: "Welcoming our 3,000th employee is a proud moment for everyone at SSEN Transmission and highlights the scale of growth we've experienced in recent years. From around 400 employees in 2019 to 3,000 today, our expansion reflects the critical role our business is playing in delivering the electricity transmission infrastructure needed to unlock Scotland's renewable energy potential and support energy security. Perth remains at the heart of our operations, with over 800 colleagues now based at Grampian House. Our continued investment in both our workforce and facilities demonstrates our long-term commitment to the region, creating high-quality jobs and career opportunities close to home. As we look ahead, we're continuing to grow. The creation of 500 additional jobs across our operating area by March 2027 will help us deliver an unprecedented programme of network investment while bringing further economic benefits to communities across the north of Scotland."

Minister for Energy, Michael Shanks said: "Demand for skilled workers in energy is growing thanks to the UK Government's drive for clean power, which has attracted over £100 billion in private investment. This announcement shows the scale of the opportunity that comes with building the clean energy infrastructure our country needs. From apprentices and graduates to experienced workers bringing skills from other industries, these jobs will support communities across the north of Scotland."

Jim Fairlie, MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, said: "Reaching 3,000 employees is a brilliant milestone for SSEN Transmission, and speaks to the scale of investment being made in Scotland's sustainable energy future. Alongside plans for 500 further regional jobs, this is hugely positive news for employment and skills here, and a clear sign of Perth and Kinross's growing attractiveness as a place to do business. I wish John all the best in his new role, and look forward to continuing to work closely with SSEN Transmission in the months and years ahead."