From wind to solar, to the developing technology of hydrogen, graduates within EDF Renewables UK have the unique opportunity to contribute to projects that will have a huge impact on the UK’s net zero ambitions.
The latest round of graduate placements have just opened for applications.
Lisa Kaigutha, a current EDF Renewables UK Science and Engineering Graduate within Asset Operations, gives an insight into what the graduate scheme has done for her and her future career prospects.
What parts of the business have you worked in and how long does the graduate scheme last?
The graduate scheme took 15 months to complete. I got the opportunity to rotate around five different parts of the business every three months, supporting the battery storage, operations and maintenance, grid applications, construction project management and electrical operations teams. One of the tasks I am most proud of include conducting energy yield assessments to determine whether or it is feasible to install a photovoltaic system at the desired location. I also got the chance to write a technical specification for an external transformer replacement for one of our wind farms.
What benefits do you believe being part of the graduate scheme at EDF Renewables UK has brought for you?
It has been a life changing experience for me. Not only have I improved my technical know-how but I have also learnt a lot about the importance of soft skills, emotional intelligence and how to work with each across different teams. Personally, anyone can be qualified but how well you work with others really determines whether you can execute EDF Renewables UK’s targets and its net-zero vision.
Having studied a Bachelors in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and a Masters in Electrical Power, mainly covering renewable subjects, I always wanted to work on site to put my theory into practice. This graduate scheme offers a vast amount of on-site exposure to different technologies and projects involving wind turbines, photovoltaics and battery technology.
Why would you recommend the graduate programme to others?
EDF Renewables UK is such a people led company so it is no surpirse that it has ‘People’ as one of its strategic pillars. It is a place for those passionate about renewables to grow and develop their careers. It is a company that believes in togetherness, embracing peoples differences and enabling everyone to thrive in an inclusive culture in order to be the best they can.
I love the flexibility that comes with the job. You get to work from home and also work from your assigned office location or visit other offices across the UK. This way I have been able to build a good working relationship with a vast network of people across the business and different stakeholders that we work closely with.
Moreover, I love that you get a taste of the different business units before you can make a final decision on which team you get to select at the end of the scheme.
How do you feel doing the graduate scheme has helped set you up for your future career?
The amount of new skills I have acquired from training during the scheme is unimaginable. I took every placement as an opportunity to immerse myself in the work and to always learn something new.
EDF Renewables UK is a growing company and expanding at a fast rate. The head count continues to increase with more than enough room for career progression opportunities. The placements are but a sample of the teams you can join if you feel like you want a new and challenging role within the company.
To find out more about the current graduate placement opportunities within EDF Renewables UK visit: https://www.edf-re.uk/careers/
