Placement Year

VPI - 12 Month Engineering Intern Placement

Engineering and Energy and Infrastructure
Salary: 
£23,000
Hertfordshire
2115
Position Start Date: 
September 2025
Application deadline:
14/03/2025

About VPI:

 

  • VPI is a UK-based power company, providing energy to the National Grid. We are part of the UK’s pathway to Net Zero, complementing the increase in renewable energy to power homes and businesses. Our portfolio includes hydrogen and carbon capture projects to help lower emissions and develop a future for decarbonized, dispatchable and flexible generation in the UK. VPI has c.3GW of operational capacity in the UK with a further 600MW under construction.

What is the role? 

 

  • A year in industry with VPI is a great opportunity to put the theory you are learning into practice at one of the largest energy producers in the UK operating 4 Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT), a large Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Plant. 
  • This is a placement where you will have the opportunity to make a tangible difference.
  • Not only will you learn valuable skills as you start out on your career, but you will also be doing so at one of our Operational sites that provide invaluable power and stability to the National Grid. 
  • On your placement, you will get hands on experience with a range of projects and variety of challenges that arise on plant.
  • You will be working collaboratively with your team to find the best solutions, utilising your problem-solving skills, and leveraging your knowledge gained at university. More specifically you will have the opportunity to work on systems ranging from gas and steam turbines, heat recovery steam generators (HRSG’s), and the associated auxiliary system items including compressors, pumps, and pneumatic & hydraulic valves. 
  • Project specific works throughout your placement year will include working with the site team on the annual maintenance of their Gas Turbines, Steam Turbines & Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSG’s).
  • Specifically you will also lead a program, where the relevant site annual Plant Status Report will be updated. 
  • This will involve close collaboration with the Mechanical, Electrical and Control site and engineering teams. 
  • Ideally you will have an understanding of thermal cycles, valves, pumps, and heat exchangers. 
  • A basic understanding of gas turbine fundamentals would also be advantageous but not essential.
     

Who is suitable to apply?

•    You are working towards a degree in a MEng, BEng or BSc in Mechanical, Electrical, C&I or Aeronautical Engineering  - Please include details of modules taken on your CV. 
•    A positive 'can do' mentality, self-motivated, setting the right behaviour's. 
•    An ability to think laterally and flexibly to deliver solutions and a 'process driven' focus to delivery.
•    Good communication skills. 
•    Desire to learn about the UK power market. 
•    Good organizational skills.
•    Strong IT and Microsoft Office capabilities. 
•    Right to work in the UK. 
•    A valid Driving License is necessary.

  • Relocation is not available for this role