SSE has welcomed 87 new graduates as it steps up investment in the UK's energy system, including first-ever placements in Orkney and within its specialist Safety, Health and Wellbeing team.

The cohort will support a £29bn transmission grid investment programme, and the announcement follows plans for 100 new offshore wind jobs in Montrose unveiled on Monday by the Scottish First Minister.

The leading electricity infrastructure company said the new hires will help build the skills needed to rewire the north of Scotland, creating opportunities for young people just days after backing Alan Milburn's new First Chance programme.

Most of the graduates are joining SSEN Transmission, SSE's electricity transmission network business, and will be based across the north of Scotland in Inverness, Aberdeen and Glasgow, as well as at the company's head office in Perth. They will work on major grid upgrades to bolster economic growth, enhance energy security and accelerate the clean energy transition.

The intake comes as SSE continues to invest in jobs, skills and infrastructure across Scotland. A day earlier, the company set out plans to create 100 new full-time roles in Montrose linked to its Berwick Bank offshore wind farm—an announcement made on Monday by the Scottish First Minister—highlighting growing demand for engineers, technicians and specialists to deliver the energy system of the future.

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This year also marks the first time a full-time graduate will be based at SSEN Transmission's Orkney office, contributing to the flagship Orkney Link project, which will connect Orkney to the GB transmission network for the first time.

The cohort includes the company's first graduate role within its specialist Safety, Health and Wellbeing team, reflecting SSE's commitment to keeping safety at the core of its operations.

Recruited from a broad mix of disciplines—including engineering, environmental sciences, project management and business—the graduates bring fresh perspectives, specialist expertise and innovative thinking to support the group's continued growth.

SSE's graduate programme offers rotational placements across the business. Participants gain hands-on experience in engineering and operational delivery (from onshore infrastructure to offshore HVDC technology), project management, planning and programme delivery, and across land, marine, environmental and health and safety functions to ensure projects are carried out responsibly and sustainably.

Alongside practical experience, graduates receive professional development opportunities and help inspire the next generation through STEM outreach and partnerships with organisations including Engineering Development Trust (EDT), Powering Futures and Developing the Young Workforce (DYW).

On completion of the programme, graduates move into permanent specialist roles to deliver the network infrastructure needed to provide secure, affordable and clean electricity across Great Britain.

Rob McDonald, Managing Director of SSEN Transmission, said: "Welcoming our largest-ever graduate intake is another important milestone in SSEN Transmission's growth and in our commitment to developing the skilled workforce needed for the future.

"The transition to a clean energy system is creating unprecedented opportunities for talented people to build rewarding careers while making a real difference to communities across the north of Scotland and beyond.

Graduates will play a vital role in delivering the infrastructure needed to connect more renewable energy, strengthen energy security and support economic growth. In return, they'll gain valuable experience, develop specialist skills and help shape the future of our energy network.

"I am thrilled to welcome this exceptional group to SSEN Transmission and look forward to seeing the contribution they make in the years ahead."