Operational Technology Graduate Programme

Programme duration
18 months

Job type
Operational Technology Engineering

Start date
October 2026

Locations
Germany, Netherlands and UK

Overview of programme

Locations & application process

Development & training 

What we offer

Our graduate stories

Locations
open for application

Germany, Netherlands & UK (2026)

Overview of programme

Launching new in 2026, our Operational Technology (OT) Graduate programme will prepare you for a career in OT.

OT encompasses all the technology, e.g. SCADA, PLCs or the DCS that controls the physical running of our assets and is a crucial part of safe and reliable power station operations. You will undertake placements in the fields of control and instrumentation (C&I), OT security and operations and maintenance (O&M). These placements, combined with training, both on the job and with our external training provider, will ready you for a career in OT with us.

Our OT Engineers are essential to the safe and reliable operations of our power generation business. During your career, you will undertake rotations in the following areas:

Control and Instrumentation (C&I)

Operations and Maintenance (O&M)

OT Fleet Control

OT Governance

Your rotations could require you to travel or relocate, at our expense, so a willingness to travel and be flexible is essential during your programme and on completion when you’re looking for future opportunities with RWE Generation!

Duration	18 months
Number of rotations	Flexible
Start of programme	October 2026
Company	RWE Generation
Home base locations	Essen, Germany Geertruidenberg, Netherlands Swindon, UK
Rotation locations	Any RWE site in Germany, The Netherlands or the UK

We would like our Graduates to have an outstanding analytical and problem-solving mindset, a desire to learn and develop whilst being geographically flexible.

Academically, to be considered for our scheme you are required to have or be predicted to have a degree, ideally at Masters level in Automation, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Electronics, Mechatronics or similar fields. We will also consider those with Bachelors/Undergraduate level with a 2:1 degree (UK), 2.5 (DE) or Ruim Voldoende (NL) or higher.

Ideally – you’ll also have had some work experience previously, whether as a Year in Industry Placement, part time work or working student.

Locations & application process

Application period	16.03.2026 - 10.04.2026
Pre-selection period	mid-March 2026 to late-April 2026
Assessment centre	first week of June 2026
Please note that the application deadline may be changed at short notice and we will no longer accept applications early on!

Apply now

Development & training

Our scheme offers a combination of high quality work placements, with industry leading training with external trainers. This external training will be both on technical skills and soft skills.

This combination of training should prepare adequately to go into an OT Engineer, or similar role at the end of your scheme – either based at one of our assets or in the central Fleet Control team.

You’ll also be assigned a buddy who previously went through a Graduate programme with RWE and a mentor to guide and support you throughout the experience.

Two men in work uniforms focus on multiple computer screens in a control room, with documents and a coffee mug on the desk.

Why choose us

RWE Graduate Programmes offer a wide scope of the energy industry and the chance to have real impact on a team as you build your career.

Watch the video to find out why you should choose a graduate programme at RWE as your next career step.

What we offer

Opportunity to learn life skills away from the classroom environment. Learning a valuable set of skills to help you become the best version of yourself these include, team working, problem solving and communication.

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In-depth insights into various business segments and areas

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Exciting energy-related tasks and complex international projects

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A broad diverse network of RWE Graduates around the world

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A comprehensive benefit package for your work-life balance

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A tailored journey for your professional and personal growth

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Promotion and career opportunities after completing your programme

Our graduate stories

Top tips for graduates

Be curious, be brave and be yourself – hear from our teams what makes a great applicant.

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Zoe | C&I graduate

“Outage work is the best part of my job, I have just moved into a commissioning role which suits me perfectly as I like seeing the machine come to pieces and then when we put it back together I manage the testing and checks to ensure the machine is safe to run.”

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Sholan | Mechanical graduate

“Engaging with internal and external networks enabled me to meet engineers internationally from RWE Group, and also the chance to learn best practise from outside the organisation.”

More insights of our graduates at RWE

Come along and meet us

Join us at one of the fairs or events we attend.

Get to know us better, get answers to your questions and learn where you can make an impact. No matter if you are still in High School, about to graduate from University or an experienced professional – we want to meet you.

Dates & events