National Grid Graduate Scheme 2027: Dates, Stages & How to Apply
Closing soon Applications are closed. National Grid says they reopen later this autumn for September 2027 intakes.
27 October 2026
National Grid runs graduate programmes across Engineering, Finance, Commercial and IT&D. Its early careers page currently says applications are closed and will reopen “later this autumn” for September 2027 intakes. No opening date has been published, so this page separates what National Grid states from what third parties report.
National Grid graduate scheme 2027: key facts at a glance
| Item | What we know | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Applications | Closed now, reopening later this autumn for September 2027 intakes | Official |
| Exact opening date | Not published | Not published |
| Eligibility | Final year on track for a 2:2 or above, or recently graduated | Official |
| Areas | Engineering, Finance, Commercial, IT&D | Official |
| Interview style | Strengths-based since 2023/24 | Official |
| Sponsorship | In most cases unable to sponsor | Reported |
| Programme length | Often 18 months, three placements | Reported |
| Starting salary | Third-party figures conflict | Not published |
Checked on 27 October 2026 against National Grid careers pages.
When does the National Grid graduate scheme open and close?
| Applications | Currently closed; reopening later this autumn for September 2027 intakes. | Official |
| Exact dates | No opening or closing date published on the pages we checked. | Not published |
| Recruitment style | Reported to be rolling, so earlier applications may be easier to place. | Reported |
Join the graduate talent community on the official early careers page to be told when applications open. Compare other closing dates in our graduate scheme deadlines calendar.
Who can apply to the National Grid graduate scheme
National Grid says its graduate programmes suit final-year students on track for a 2:2 or above, and recent graduates. Third parties report that you can apply for only one programme per campaign, and that sponsorship is usually unavailable, so check the right-to-work wording on the live posting.
National Grid graduate scheme stages
National Grid describes four steps: apply online, a “getting to know you” stage about your skills and experience, a video interview with two team members, then a decision, with a reply aimed within a few days after interviews (official hiring process). Graduate listings reported by third parties add an assessment centre with group tasks and interviews. Treat the assessment centre as Reported until the 2027 posting confirms it.
Strengths-based interviews
Since 2023/24 National Grid says it has moved from competency-based to strength-based assessment. It asks open questions about what energises you and how you use your strengths. Preparing means reflecting on your own strengths and examples, not rehearsing STAR stories only. Use our graduate online tests guide and assessment centre guide for the other stages.
Using AI in your application
National Grid encourages AI for research and preparation and for refining a CV, if the content stays truthful. It asks candidates not to rely on AI to write applications, and not to use AI tools during interviews or assessments, including recorded or live ones.
What a graduate says
1. Apply online
Submit your application for the role that best fits you. National Grid says it can consider you for other roles if there is a match.
2. Getting to know you
Share skills and experience that were not in your application so National Grid can assess fit with the role and its values.
3. Video interview
Usually a video interview with two team members covering you, the role, your background and some formal questions.
4. Decision
National Grid aims to reply within a few days after interviews. Third-party listings add an assessment centre; treat that as Reported.
What a graduate says
“It’s a really good time to be in the industry – definitely do it!”
Agape, Graduate, National Grid, on the official early careers page. One person’s view.
Checklist
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How National Grid compares with other graduate schemes
National Grid sits with the utilities and infrastructure employers on our list. See Shell, Network Rail and Bank of England, or browse the graduate scheme hub.
National Grid graduate scheme FAQs
When do National Grid graduate applications open?
National Grid says they reopen later this autumn for September 2027 intakes. No exact date is published.
What degree do I need?
National Grid says final-year students on track for a 2:2 or above and recent graduates can apply. Entry requirements vary by programme.
What is the National Grid interview like?
National Grid says it uses strengths-based assessment. It describes a video interview with two team members and asks about your skills, values and how you work.
Can I use AI in my application?
AI is fine for research and preparation, but National Grid asks you not to rely on it to write applications or use it in interviews or assessments.
Does National Grid sponsor visas?
Third parties report that sponsorship is usually unavailable. Check the right to work wording on the live 2027 posting.
What is the starting salary?
National Grid does not publish a single current figure on the pages we checked, and third-party listings disagree, so check the live posting.
