Graduate Data Specialist, IT & Digital, London

Our IT & Digital function uses disruptive technologies like cloud computing and AI to improve operations. We partner with the business to achieve our vision of a clean, fair, and affordable energy future.

The Electricity Transmission Chief Information & Digital Office (CIDO) Team provides strategic IT&Digital leadership, aligns strategies with business priorities, and manages costs and service quality. We drive best practices in IT and digital needs, roadmap planning, capability deployment, service management, and agile working.

As a Graduate Data Specialist, you will join either our Data & AI team or our Digital Product team. You will gain hands-on experience across various projects and business areas, learning how data and AI help us understand and maintain assets, connect clean energy to the grid, and make faster decisions. The programme offers meaningful project work, structured training, and ongoing support to develop your understanding of data, AI, and digital products within critical national infrastructure.

What You'll Do

Gain experience in data, AI, and digital disciplines to support the operation and development of the electricity network:

• Analyse business data to improve its quality, accessibility, and value.
• Explore how data and AI can support the energy transition, renewable energy connections, and critical infrastructure management.
• Help design, build, and improve data solutions, including cloud platforms, data pipelines, and reporting tools.
• Create insights, dashboards, and visualisations to inform business decisions.
• Support responsible data management through improved data quality, governance, security, and compliance.
• Trial and promote AI tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot, assisting colleagues with adoption.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the business, developing technical, analytical, and project delivery skills through real-world projects.

What You'll Need to Apply

• Achieve a minimum 2:2 in Maths, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Geography, Economics, Environmental Science, or a closely related degree discipline. Graduation date or current study status is not a barrier.
• Interest in data, AI, and digital technologies, with a desire to develop skills through hands-on experience.
• Interest in how data, analytics, and AI can solve problems, improve performance, and inform decisions.
• Interest in the energy sector, infrastructure, or climate action, and the role of data/AI in achieving net zero.
• Desire to develop technical skills in data analysis, data management, coding, data visualisation, or AI technologies.
• Flexibility to travel to other National Grid Offices as required during rotations.

Location

• Holborn, London
• May offer flexible hybrid working.

What You'll Get In Return

• Starting salary of £38,289 with annual increases.
• 26 days' annual leave plus statutory holidays.
• Competitive pension scheme.
• Access to flexible benefits (cycle-to-work, holiday buy/sell).
• Opportunity to participate in Sharesave and Share Incentive Plans.
• £2,000 joining bonus.
• £2,400 payment upon successful completion.
• Accommodation allowance of up to £200 per month during placements.
• Additional annual leave and relocation support when moving between placements.
• Dedicated mentoring, 1:1 coaching, networking, and volunteering opportunities.
• Permanent role with National Grid upon successful completion.

About the Graduate Programme

• 18-month programme with a tailored development pathway.
• Develop leadership, business, and technical skills.
• Attend in-person and virtual development sessions.
• Access to 1:1 coaching and a mentor.
• Complete three 6-month placements across the UK.
• Return to your initial placement area to kickstart your career.

About National Grid

National Grid is the UK's critical energy infrastructure company, operating the electricity network that connects millions of people to energy. We are investing in the next generation of talent to shape the future of energy.