EDF's Data & Tech Graduates answer candidates' most common questions

How much coding or technical experience do you need before joining the programme, and what opportunities are there to develop your skills once you start?

While some graduates came in with coding experience from university, the reality is that working in industry is very different from completing coursework. You'll be working with established codebases, development pipelines, agile delivery teams, and business stakeholders, so everyone has a lot to learn regardless of their background.

The good news is that teams don't expect you to arrive as an expert. In fact, every placement is designed with the understanding that you may have little or no experience in the technologies being used. You'll have access to experienced colleagues, a wide range of learning resources, and plenty of support to help you get up to speed. Tools such as EDF’s internal learning and development platform, MyLearningHub, and Microsoft Copilot can also be incredibly useful for understanding unfamiliar technologies and codebases.

Most of the learning happens on the job through real projects, which is where we've seen our skills develop the fastest. There are also opportunities to complete external training and certifications, such as AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, but we've found that working alongside experienced teammates and getting hands-on experience is by far the most effective way to learn. It's genuinely surprising how much progress you can make in just a few months.

If you're wondering whether you need to learn specific languages before joining, we'd say curiosity and a willingness to learn are far more important than arriving with expertise in any particular technology. The programme is designed to help you develop those technical skills along the way!

How did you find the application process, and what advice would you give to prospective applicants?

The biggest piece of advice we'd give is not to worry if you don't come from a traditional technical background. Many successful candidates studied subjects outside of Computer Science, and the assessment process is designed to evaluate your potential, curiosity, and approach to problem-solving rather than your existing technical knowledge. Even if you're presented with technical concepts or scenarios, you're not expected to know all the terminology or have the "right" answer. What matters is how you think through a problem and communicate your reasoning.

If you're asked to prepare something in advance, focus on understanding your chosen topic well enough that you can speak about it confidently without relying on a script. Practising with friends, family, or peers can be really useful for refining your delivery and making sure your key messages are clear. You may be asked follow-up questions, but these are typically designed to help you expand on your work rather than catch you out.

When preparing for the assessment centre, it helps to research EDF's values, culture, and ambitions, particularly its role in powering An Electric Britain. You don't need to be an expert in the energy sector, but demonstrating genuine interest and a willingness to learn can go a long way. It's also worth preparing examples from your academic, professional, or personal experiences that highlight your strengths and how you've approached challenges in the past.

Most importantly, try to enjoy the experience. The assessment centre is generally a relaxed and supportive environment, and the people involved are genuinely interested in getting to know you. Stay positive, manage your time carefully, follow the instructions provided, and remember that there is no single "perfect" candidate. The programme is looking for people who are eager to learn, take initiative, and bring their own unique perspective.

What was it like starting at EDF, and what surprised you most when you joined?

Starting at EDF has been an incredible learning experience. Since joining, we've had opportunities to develop across a wide range of areas, from software development and DevOps to data preparation and visualisation. One of the things that stood out most was the amount of support available from both managers and fellow graduates. Everyone is genuinely invested in helping you learn, grow, and succeed.

The most interesting part of the experience so far for many of us has been the opportunity to visit EDF's nuclear power stations and see firsthand the scale of the work taking place across the business. The biggest surprise, however, was how little emphasis there is on arriving with extensive technical knowledge. The expectation isn't that you already know everything. What matters most is having the curiosity, determination, and willingness to learn.

How would you describe the culture at EDF?

The culture is open and collaborative. People are approachable, supportive, and happy to share their knowledge regardless of their role or level of experience. We've found that it's easy to connect with colleagues across teams, ask questions, and get involved in new opportunities.

There's also a strong social side to the company, with regular team events, office socials, and graduate activities. Many of us on the graduate scheme have built close friendships and often spend time together outside of work as well. While people tend to dress smart-casual in the London office, the overall environment feels welcoming and relaxed rather than overly corporate or formal.

What skills have you developed since joining, and what do you enjoy most about the role?

The answer will be different for everyone, as it depends on the skills and experiences you bring with you. Some of us came in feeling more confident in areas such as communication, presenting, and organisation, so much of our growth has been in developing our technical skills.

One of the benefits of the programme is the support you receive from your career manager, who works with you throughout the scheme to help you achieve your development goals. For example, if you wanted to become more confident presenting, you will be encouraged to speak at an event and be given the support needed to make it happen.

The skills that seem to matter most are curiosity, proactivity, and a willingness to keep learning. There isn't a single definition of success on the programme. Some people focus on becoming technical specialists, while others seek opportunities to lead projects, speak at events, or build networks across the business. The scheme gives you the flexibility to shape your own path.

As for our favourite parts of the job, it's the feeling of solving a problem you've been working on for days and finally seeing everything come together. Technology involves a lot of trial and error, which can sometimes be frustrating, but that's what makes those moments so rewarding. It's even more satisfying when your work has a positive impact on others, whether that's saving time, improving a process, or helping people do their jobs more effectively. Combined with the variety of projects, continuous learning, and great people you get to work with, that's what makes the role so enjoyable.

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