Perth-based electricity networks company SSEN Transmission has welcomed its 3,000th employee, marking another significant milestone in the company's continued growth as it delivers the critical electricity network infrastructure needed to support Scotland and the UK's transition to clean power.
The milestone team member, John Ataarem, joins the business as the Offshore Planning Manager based at the company's head office in Perth, where they will help deliver SSEN Transmission's major programme of electricity network upgrades across the north of Scotland.
John joins SSEN Transmission after building a successful career in mining and the oil and gas sectors, reflecting the growing role the electricity transmission industry is playing in creating new opportunities for skilled workers and supporting a fair transition to a low-carbon economy.
The landmark appointment comes as SSEN Transmission's workforce has grown from around 400 employees in 2019 to 3,000 today, driven by the company's £29 billion programme of investment to reinforce and expand the electricity transmission network across its licence area.
The business has seen particularly strong growth in Perthshire, where over 800 employees are now based at Grampian House, located on SSE Plc's Perth campus. To support this expansion, the office has recently been extended to partially accommodate an additional floor, providing increased capacity for 80 new team members as well as meeting spaces to accommodate the company's growing workforce.
Alongside celebrating its 3,000th employee, SSEN Transmission is also announcing plans to create a further 500 jobs by the end of March 2027, underlining its long-term commitment to communities across the north of Scotland and its role in delivering the infrastructure required to connect new renewable energy generation to the grid.
The new opportunities will be created across SSEN Transmission's north of Scotland operating area and span a wide range of disciplines, including project development, engineering, construction, environmental planning, stakeholder engagement and corporate services.
With main offices in Inverness, Aberdeen, Glasgow as well as in Perth, the new roles will be available at all levels, from project management, engineering and construction through to specialist positions supporting community and stakeholder engagement, helping to deliver one of the UK's largest infrastructure investment programmes.
The business also continues to invest in the next generation of talent through apprenticeships, graduate programmes and trainee opportunities. This builds on its commitment, announced last year, to create 600 earn-as-you-learn roles by 2030, helping people develop the skills needed to support the transition to a low-carbon energy system.
With major subsea electricity transmission projects progressing, including the Western Isles HVDC Link and Eastern Green Links 2 and 3, SSEN Transmission is also encouraging applications from experienced professionals in sectors such as oil and gas. Their transferable expertise and technical knowledge will play an important role in delivering the critical infrastructure needed to support the UK's energy transition.
Reaching 3,000 employees follows on from the publication of SSEN Transmission's recent economic report, Re-energising the North: Transforming Scotland, which highlights the central role investment in the electricity transmission network will play in delivering secure, affordable and clean power, while unlocking significant long-term economic benefits for Scotland and the wider UK.
The report identifies SSEN Transmission's programme as one of the largest private infrastructure investments in Scotland's history, with around £29 billion set to be invested across the north of Scotland over the next five years. It also outlines the scale of the opportunity this investment presents, supporting jobs, skills, supply chain growth and economic development across the region.
Allie Walker, HR Director at SSEN Transmission, said:
"Welcoming our 3,000th employee is a proud moment for everyone at SSEN Transmission and highlights the scale of growth we've experienced in recent years.
"From around 400 employees in 2019 to 3,000 today, our expansion reflects the critical role our business is playing in delivering the electricity transmission infrastructure needed to unlock Scotland's renewable energy potential and support energy security.
"Perth remains at the heart of our operations, with over 800 colleagues now based at Grampian House. Our continued investment in both our workforce and facilities demonstrates our long-term commitment to the region, creating high-quality jobs and career opportunities close to home.
"As we look ahead, we're continuing to grow. The creation of 500 additional jobs across our operating area by March 2027 will help us deliver an unprecedented programme of network investment while bringing further economic benefits to communities across the north of Scotland."
Minister for Energy, Michael Shanks said:
“Demand for skilled workers in energy is growing thanks to the UK Government’s drive for clean power, which has attracted over £100 billion in private investment.
“This announcement shows the scale of the opportunity that comes with building the clean energy infrastructure our country needs.
"From apprentices and graduates to experienced workers bringing skills from other industries, these jobs will support communities across the north of Scotland.”
Jim Fairlie, MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, said:
"Reaching 3,000 employees is a brilliant milestone for SSEN Transmission, and speaks to the scale of investment being made in Scotland's sustainable energy future. Alongside plans for 500 further regional jobs, this is hugely positive news for employment and skills here, and a clear sign of Perth and Kinross's growing attractiveness as a place to do business.
"I wish John all the best in his new role, and look forward to continuing to work closely with SSEN Transmission in the months and years ahead."
Find out more about what career opportunities are available at SSEN Transmission by visiting SSE Careers: https://careers.sse.com/