ESPA UK is recruiting a Design Engineering Intern to join the Design Team of a leading UK Independent Connection Provider (ICP) in Weston-super-Mare, United Kingdom. The 12-month, full-time paid traineeship starts on 01 January 2027 and focuses on high-voltage substation design from 11kV to 132kV. The host pays for a private room in a shared house, commuting costs and Certificate of Sponsorship costs, plus a monthly payment towards living expenses. Applications close on 24 November 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we went through the full offer and set out every detail below.
About ESPA UK
🤝 ESPA UK facilitates internships in the United Kingdom and Ireland for students and graduates from a wide range of academic disciplines.
🏙️ ESPA UK is based in Bath, United Kingdom, and operates in Human Resources.
The Host Company: An Independent Connection Provider
The host is at the forefront of the energy transition to a zero-carbon electricity grid. As an accredited Independent Connection Provider (ICP), it can design and build HV electricity networks at voltages up to 132,000 volts.
🧭 It takes each project from concept through detailed civil, electrical and mechanical design.
🏗️ It then handles construction and commissioning.
🔑 Each project ends with handover to the client.
What the Design Engineering Internship Involves
This is an excellent opportunity for a student or recent graduate to join the host's Design Team. You will be mentored throughout and will contribute to live engineering projects, building practical experience in high-voltage electrical infrastructure design.
🔌 You will learn the technical and regulatory considerations involved in substation design.
📐 You will see how engineering designs progress from initial specification through to construction.
⚡ The role covers substation design from 11kV to 132kV.
👷 There are opportunities for construction site visits.
Technical Areas You Will Be Exposed To
🧰 Primary Equipment Specification
🎛️ Control Panel Schematics
📈 Single Line Diagrams
🛡️ Main Protection and Connection Diagrams
🧵 Cable Rating and Routing
🗺️ Substation Layouts
🔩 Earthing Design
Working With Clients and Suppliers
Beyond the technical work, you will have opportunities to develop your professional skills through interaction with clients and suppliers, learning how to communicate effectively with external stakeholders.
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Who Can Apply: Level of Studies and Language
🎓 Level of studies: Bachelor (EQF 6) or Master (EQF 7).
🧱 Field: Building and civil engineering.
📝 Type: Traineeship (during studies), open to a student or recent graduate.
🗣️ Working language: English.
🌐 Visa and work authorization support: yes, with administrative and financial support: the host assists with local immigration filings or covers permit fees.
Expected Skills and Tools
💻 Digital literacy, information skills and basic computer use.
💬 Communicating with colleagues and clients.
👥 Working in teams.
🖥️ Tools: CAD and Windows 11.
Desired Skills for the Role
🎓 Working towards or recently graduated in Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
⚡ A strong interest in electrical power systems, energy infrastructure or high-voltage engineering.
🧮 Good understanding of electrical engineering principles and circuit theory.
📑 Familiarity with electrical diagrams, circuit schematics or technical drawings.
🏭 An interest in power distribution, substations and electrical network design.
🛡️ Basic knowledge of electrical protection systems would be advantageous.
🔍 Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
🗂️ Well organised, with good attention to detail and a methodical approach to work.
✍️ Good written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to work collaboratively within a technical team.
✏️ Familiarity with CAD software or technical drawing tools would be beneficial.
Duration, Schedule and Start Date
📅 Expected starting date: 01 January 2027.
⏳ Duration: 12 months.
🕘 Schedule: full time, 40 hours per week.
What the Host Pays For: Benefits and Living Support
This is a paid traineeship, and the offer is host-funded, with no external programme behind it. The benefits listed in the offer are:
🏠 A private room in a professional shared house, paid for, including Wi-Fi and utilities costs.
💷 A monthly payment towards living expenses.
🚆 Commuting costs paid for.
📄 Certificate of Sponsorship costs paid for.
🩺 Health insurance.
📶 Internet connection.
Students comparing funded placements can read our guide to paid internships abroad for students and recent graduates.
Find more Internships on Youth Works Hub →
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the ESPA UK Design Engineering Internship take place?
The internship takes place in Weston-super-Mare, United Kingdom, within the Design Team of a leading UK Independent Connection Provider (ICP). The role also offers opportunities for construction site visits.
Is the Design Engineering Internship paid?
Yes. It is a paid traineeship: the host provides a monthly payment towards living expenses, a paid private room in a professional shared house with Wi-Fi and utilities, commuting costs and Certificate of Sponsorship costs.
How long is the internship and when does it start?
The internship lasts 12 months, full time at 40 hours per week, with an expected starting date of 01 January 2027.
Which voltage levels does the role cover?
The role covers substation design from 11kV to 132kV. The host is accredited to design and build HV electricity networks at voltages up to 132,000 volts.
Who is the ideal candidate?
A student or recent graduate in Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline, at Bachelor (EQF 6) or Master (EQF 7) level, with a strong interest in power systems, substations and high-voltage engineering.
Do I need a visa to join?
The offer states that visa and work authorization support is provided: the host assists with local immigration filings or covers permit fees, and Certificate of Sponsorship costs are paid for.
Which software should I know?
The offer lists CAD and Windows 11 as tools, and familiarity with CAD software or technical drawing tools is described as beneficial.
Deadline
⏳ 24 November 2026
Links
🖱️ Apply online: https://www.espauk.com/internship/design-engineering-internship/
🌐 ESPA UK website: https://www.espauk.com/
