By Andre Atallah, CEO of EP Advisory
Graduate programmes · Engineering, Finance, Data and Technology, Commercial and more · UK
Finance expected Jan 2027 · othersFinance: check ad · others expected Sep 2027Missed it? Your options
Short answer: EDF expects Finance to open in January 2027.EDF expected Finance in January 2027, so check its ad. It expects the others in September 2027.It expected the others in September 2027. The main window closes on 1 October.The main 2027-intake window has closed. Join EDF’s free Talent Community to hear when applications open. You get one application. Then come an Arctic Shores game-based assessment, a Willo video interview and a 5 to 6 hour assessment centre. The 2027-intake ads paid £35,000 to £37,500.
Where are you now?
Independent guide. EP Advisory is not affiliated with EDF.
EDF runs UK graduate programmes in engineering, finance, data and technology, commercial, supply chain and nuclear. Its 2027-intake ads said the programmes start in September 2027.
This playbook covers every stream, with Finance as the next opening.This playbook covers every stream, Finance included. For nearly 10 years, we’ve helped more than 5,000 professionals get hired. Want to know if your CV will pass screening in the UK? Check your CV for free: a score in 30 seconds, then a fix for each problem.
01/11
Your route to an offer
Pick your stage and tick each step when done. Stages and rules are EDF’s, checked 18 October 2026. Prep times are ours.
1. Apply: Finance first, January 2027Finance: check its ad
One application per person, with no cover letter. Prep 1 to 2 days, and start now.
2. Online test: 45 to 60 minutes, game-based
A game-based behavioural assessment from Arctic Shores. No prep needed, but try the practice task.
3. Video interview: 4 questions, on Willo
A one-way video interview with four questions. Prep 3 to 5 days.
4. Assessment centre: 5 to 6 hours
A group exercise, a micro-exercise and an interview, often on Teams. Prep 1 to 2 weeks.
Your ticks save on this device.
02/11
Get ready now
Use the months before your window opens. Each step below comes from EDF’s own guides.
Join the Talent Community
EDF’s page says join it and “be the first to hear when applications open”. It is free. Sign up yourself on EDF’s graduate page.
Pick one programme
EDF says “We can only accept one application per person”. Check the degree subject and grade in your stream’s ad.
Get your CV ready
There is no cover letter, so your CV or LinkedIn profile does the work. EDF suggests asking someone to review it.
Try the practice task
The Arctic Shores demo is free, with no account. It does not count.
Learn EDF’s net zero story
The group exercise covers “EDF’s commitment to help Britain achieve net zero”. EDF’s tech graduates suggest researching An Electric Britain.
Build your stories
Two STAR stories each for problem solving, teamwork, adaptability and a learning mindset.
From EDF’s graduate page and its application form guide, read on 18 October 2026. You can also set up EDF job alerts. EDF says “we don’t require you to have any previous work experience”.
03/11
The programmes at a glance
Two pay bands, many streams, one application. Pay and length come from the 2027-intake ads. Finance comes from the 2026-intake Finance ad.
£35,000
Business streams, 2027-intake ads
£37,500
Science and engineering
16 to 24 months
Most streams; Finance ran three years
2:2 or higher
Degree, where the ad states one
September
Start month in the 2027-intake ads
1
Application per person
| Stream | Where | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial | London, Gloucester or Exeter | Two years |
| Supply Chain | Hinkley Point C, Bristol or Bridgwater; or Leiston and Sizewell B | Two years |
| Data and Technology | Remote, with time in London, Brighton or Exeter | Two years |
| Mechanical Engineering | Heysham | 16 months |
| Engineering, EPR | Bristol or Bridgwater | 16 months |
| Civil Engineering | Gloucester or Glasgow | 16 months |
| Instrumentation and Control | Hinkley Point C | 16 months |
| Maths, Fault Studies | Gloucester | 16 months |
| STEM Nuclear | Hinkley Point C | Two years |
| Electrical Engineering, EDF power solutions | Edinburgh, London or Durham | 16 months |
| Commercial, Renewable Energy, EDF power solutions | Edinburgh, London or Durham | 24 months |
| Finance, 2026 intake Finance ad | London, hybrid | Three years |
Where these facts come from
- Pay. The 2027-intake ads paid £35,000 for business streams and £37,500 for science and engineering. They added the “potential for an annual bonus, and a market-leading pension scheme”. Compare salaries in the UK.
- Finance. The 2026 intake Finance ad paid £35,000 on a “three-year programme”. It offered the CIMA qualification, “fully funded by us”. It asked for a 2:2 or higher in “Finance, Accounting, Business, Maths or another numerical subject”. No 2027-intake Finance ad was posted when we checked.
- Degree. A 2:2 or higher where the ad states a grade. Commercial in London and Data and Technology took any subject. The other streams named subjects, such as engineering, maths or a numerical degree.
- Data and Technology. EDF’s tech graduates say the scheme runs as “four six-month placements”.
04/11
What EDF looks for
EDF hires on skills and behaviours, not experience. Its skills-based hiring guide names six traits it measures.
Persistent effort
Show it by: a goal you kept at after a setback.
Learning agility
Show it by: a skill you picked up fast for a project or job.
Focused attention
Show it by: detailed work you finished without errors.
Cognitive agility
Show it by: a time you changed your plan when facts changed.
Inductive reasoning
Show it by: a pattern you spotted and acted on.
Quantitative reasoning
Show it by: a number on your CV that proves a result.
The six traits are from EDF’s skills-based hiring guide. The “show it by” lines are ours. EDF’s video interview clip adds “proven [problem] solving skills, teamwork, adaptability, and learning mindset”.
05/11Stage 1 · Apply
How to apply
Finance is the next chance: EDF expects it to open in January 2027.EDF expected Finance to open in January 2027. Check the Finance ad. All other graduate programmes are expected in September 2027.EDF expected the others in September 2027. Check their ads.
EDF’s graduate page said “Expected opening dates: Finance graduate opportunities: January 2027” (read 18 October 2026, 22:05 BST). It also said “All other graduate programmes: September 2027”. Our reading: that is the next window, for the following intake.
The main 2027-intake window is open.The main 2027-intake window has closed. EDF’s 2027-intake ads said “We aim to close applications on the 1st October”. On 18 October 2026, each ad said “This vacancy has now expired”. To hear when your stream opens, join EDF’s free Talent Community from its graduate page.
1
Pick one programme
One application per person
2
Fill the short form
Your details and qualifications
3
Add your CV
Or your LinkedIn profile
4
Online test
If your form meets the criteria
EDF’s application rules
- One application. “We can only accept one application per person, so take the time to explore our programmes and pick the one that’s right for you” (EDF’s form guide).
- No cover letter. “For our training programmes, a covering letter isn’t required”.
- Closing dates. “Occasionally, we may close roles early if we reach our application numbers.” EDF is “not able to accept late applications”.
- Screening. EDF uses automated decisions to check the degree and grade in your form. Then a pass score “for each assessment per programme”.
- Email. EDF’s FAQ reports “some infrequent issues” with iCloud email addresses, so apply with another address.
- Hearing back. EDF aims “to update you on progress within 7 working days”.
Key dates: last cycle and the next windows
Sep 2025
2026 intake: most programmes opened
Jan to Feb 2026
2026 intake: Finance and Procurement opened later
Sep 2026
2027 intake: the main window aims to close on 1 October2027 intake: the main window ran, aiming to close on 1 October
18 Oct 2026
The 2027-intake ads had expired
18 Oct 2026
The 2027-intake ads had expired
Jan 2027
Finance expected to open, says EDF
Jan 2027
EDF expected Finance; check its ad
Sep 2027
All other programmes expected to open, says EDF
Sep 2027
EDF expected the others; check their ads
Last cycle: what the 2026 intake shows
- Main window. On 4 September 2025, EDF’s page said “Our graduate programmes open for applications in September 2025” (archived copy).
- Finance and Procurement. In December 2025 the page counted down to 5 January 2026. On 2 February 2026, the Finance tile said “Opens February 2026” (archived copy).
- The lesson. Finance opens later than the rest. The main window is short and falls in September, so be ready before it opens.
Your CV: do and don’t
Do
“Led a 4-person project modelling a solar farm’s output; our forecast came within 5% of the real data”
A role, an action and a number. It also shows the quantitative reasoning EDF measures.
Don’t
“Passionate about sustainability and keen to help reach net zero”
It could fit any energy firm. EDF also warns against letting AI “overinflate your skills and experience”.
With no cover letter, your CV is the application. Our CV achievement examples show how to turn each role into a result. Getting ready to apply for jobs in the UK? Check your CV for free: see it the way a recruiter does, then fix each problem.
Save EDF and over 2,000 other UK schemes to one free calendar. See what closes next and what you have applied to.
Track my schemes freeFree account, no card.
Missed the main window? Your options
- Finance. EDF expects Finance graduate opportunities to open in January 2027.EDF expected it in January 2027. Check the Finance ad.
- The next main window. EDF expects all other graduate programmes to open in September 2027.EDF expected the others in September 2027. Check their ads. Join the Talent Community to hear first.
- Still studying? On 18 October 2026, EDF listed 12-month industrial placements for 2027, paying £26,050. They need you to be “studying towards” a degree (placements page).
- Job alerts. EDF takes no speculative applications. It says to “register your details on our careers website and set up alerts”.
06/11Stage 2 · Online test
The Arctic Shores online test
Stage 2 is a game-based behavioural assessment from Arctic Shores. EDF says “You don’t need to prepare in advance”.
45 to 60 min
EDF’s own estimate
Practice
An optional task first
A report
Personalised feedback, afterwards
“Some tasks may be timed (depending on the programme), but you’ll have breaks between each one.” You can take it “on a desktop, mobile or tablet”. EDF adds “There’s no right or wrong way to approach the tasks” (EDF’s assessment guide).
Practice task: does not count
Read the rules
Before you play, short steps explain the keys: Q for the orange lightbulb, P for the blue cog. Employers set their own version, so yours may differ.
Press Q or P
An icon flashes up in one of the three boxes. Press the matching key on your keyboard, not the mouse.
See if you were right
Ticks fill all three boxes when you are right. Crosses show when you are wrong or miss one.
Finish or play again
Play again as often as you like, then press Continue. The practice does not count.
Your moves
- Play on the device you will use for real.
- Use the Q and P keys.
- Replay until the keys feel natural.
Direction: a tutorial example
Tutorial first
Each task starts with a short tutorial. Here it says press P when the centre arrow points right. Employers set their own version, so yours may differ.
Answer with Q or P
Press Q if the centre arrow points left and P if it points right. This screen is our reading of the tutorial.
Your moves
- Each task begins with a tutorial. Read it in full.
- EDF says you can revisit the instructions if needed.
Our own simplified drawings of Arctic Shores-style screens, not screenshots. Employers set their own version, so EDF’s may differ.
On the day: invite, adjustments and the pass score
- Invite. An email from Arctic Shores. Check your junk folder.
- Set-up. EDF asks for “a stable internet connection” and the latest version of your browser, in a quiet space.
- Adjustments. The details are in your invite email. The test maker’s 2026 guide says to declare them before you begin.
- Pass score. “A pass score will be chosen by the EDF Recruitment Team for each assessment per programme.” It is not published.
- Challenge. You can contest an automated decision within 5 working days of the rejection email.
Data and Technology: an extra Logical Thinking Exercise
The 2027-intake Data and Technology ad added a “Logical Thinking Exercise”, held online before its assessment centre. EDF names no test maker and publishes no sample. Read your invite for the format.
EDF’s AI rules: allowed and banned
Allowed
- Research on the sector, company and role
- Finding suitable job openings
- Help with your application “in an authentic way”
- Practice interview questions
Banned
- AI influence on your tests
- Agents that transcribe or prompt in interviews
- AI that overinflates your skills
- Mass, untargeted applications
From EDF’s AI guidance. If you would use AI as support for a disability, EDF asks you to raise it first.
Go further: the best outside help
Our own picks, checked on 18 October 2026. We are not linked to any of these sites and earn nothing from them.
From the employer
- Early Careers: Guide to your Online AssessmentEDF · no account neededEDF’s own word on length, devices, timed tasks, the practice task and your feedback report.Free
- The Use of AI in Recruitment at EDFEDF · no account neededWhat AI use is fine and what is not. It also explains the pass score and how to challenge a decision.Free
From the test maker
- Arctic Shores demo taskArctic Shores · no account neededThe same kind of practice task you get on your invite page. Learn the Q and P keys here.Free
- A Guide to Your AssessmentArctic Shores · 2026 PDF · no account neededThe onboarding pages, adjustments and the rules before you start, from the test maker.Free
- How does a task-based assessment work?Arctic Shores on YouTube · May 2024 · 6 minThe test maker shows what its tasks measure and why there is no right answer.Free
Skip paid “EDF test” practice packs. EDF says you don’t need to prepare in advance, and the official practice task is free.
Next: see how other employers use reasoning and behaviour tests in our guide to psychometric and logic tests.
07/11Stage 3 · Video interview
The Willo video interview
Stage 3 is a one-way video interview on Willo, with four questions. EDF says “you don’t need to have ‘done it all’ already”.
15 to 20 minutes
“no more than 15-20 minutes, with 4 questions in total”.
Up to 3 minutes each
Thinking time before each question, and “the option to re-record”.
Within 5 days
Do it at a time that suits you, within 5 days of getting the link.
Scored by people
“reviewed by our trained Recruitment Team – no computers involved!”
The questions focus on “your motivation for applying to the role” and “the key skills that are important to the role and programme”. EDF wants to see “how you approach challenges, how you tackle tasks, and how you behave in work-based scenarios” (EDF’s video guide). An audio-only option is possible as an adjustment.
How to answer: STAR
EDF’s own stage clip says “Using framework like STAR can help”. Keep each answer under 3 minutes.
S
Situation
Where and when, in one line
T
Task
What you had to do
A
Action
What you did, not the team
R
Result
A number, or what you learned
See also our guides on how to pass a job interview and the toughest interview questions.
Practise: questions built on EDF’s focus
Motivation questions
EDF publishes no interview questions. These are our own, built on the focus EDF states in its video guide.
Why EDF
What excites you about joining EDF?
What they’re testing: “your motivation for applying to the role”.
Show a strong answer
- Name one EDF project or goal, such as its net zero work. Link it to something you have done or studied.
Your programme
Why did you choose this programme over the others?
What they’re testing: that you chose with care, as you get one application.
Show a strong answer
- Say what the role involves, in EDF’s words from the ad. Then say which part fits your degree or experience.
Net zero
What part could you play in helping Britain reach net zero?
What they’re testing: interest in EDF’s purpose, which the group exercise also covers.
Show a strong answer
- Pick one link between your stream and net zero. Keep it concrete, such as cost, supply or safety.
Your future
Where do you want this programme to take you?
What they’re testing: learning agility and a plan that fits EDF.
Show a strong answer
- Name two skills you want to build on the programme and one way you would use them at EDF.
Skills and scenario questions
Our own questions, built on the skills EDF’s stage clip names: problem solving, teamwork, adaptability and a learning mindset.
Problem solving
Tell us about a problem you solved with limited information.
What they’re testing: “how you approach challenges”.
Show a strong answer
- Say what you knew, what you assumed and how you checked it. End with the result.
Teamwork
Describe a time a team you were in disagreed. What did you do?
What they’re testing: how you behave with others under pressure.
Show a strong answer
- Show that you listened first, then helped the group agree on a next step.
Adaptability
You join a site team and the plan changes on day one. How do you respond?
What they’re testing: “how you behave in work-based scenarios”.
Show a strong answer
- Ask what changed and why. Agree your new priority with your manager, then act on it. Mention safety on a site.
Learning mindset
Tell us about something new you had to learn quickly.
What they’re testing: learning agility, one of EDF’s six traits.
Show a strong answer
- Say how you learned it, how long it took and what you did with it after.
Your story bank: a worksheet to print or copy
Two STAR stories per skill, for both interviews.
| Skill | Story 1 | Story 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Problem solving | ||
| Teamwork | ||
| Adaptability | ||
| Learning mindset | ||
| Persistent effort | ||
| Why EDF and net zero |
Go further: the best outside help
Our own picks, checked on 18 October 2026. We are not linked to any of these sites and earn nothing from them.
From the employer
- Early Careers: Guide to your Video InterviewEDF · no account neededFour questions, thinking time, up to 3 minutes each, re-records and 5 days to finish.Free
- Early Careers: Guide to your Assessment Centre and InterviewEDF · no account neededThe net zero group exercise, the micro-exercise, the interview and EDF’s top tips.Free
From the platform
- Willo Support: How It WorksWillo · linked from EDF’s video guide · no account neededHow recording, re-recording and tech checks work on the platform you will use.Free
Interview method
- The STAR methodNational Careers Service · no account neededThe UK government’s short guide to STAR answers, which EDF’s clip suggests.Free
- Assessment centresProspects · Jun 2025 · no account neededWhat group exercises and presentations look like, and how assessors score them.Free
Skip paid “EDF interview” question packs. EDF publishes no questions, and its own guides are free.
08/11Stage 4 · Final
The assessment centre and your offer
The final round is an assessment centre that usually lasts 5 to 6 hours. Virtual centres run on Topscore, “via Microsoft Teams”.
Group exercise
On “sustainability at EDF and EDF’s commitment to help Britain achieve net zero”. Up to one hour, with “a maximum of 6 candidates in each group”. You present your conclusions at the end.
Micro-exercise
One to one with an assessor, on “why life at EDF is for you and how you’ll do your best work in the role”. It lasts 30 minutes, in three parts.
Interview
“a scenario-based / technical interview”. “You may also be asked to deliver a presentation”, with details well in advance.
Meet the graduates
A Welcome Session, and Q&A sessions with current Early Careers staff through the day.
From EDF’s assessment centre guide, 18 October 2026. Interviewers are “Hiring Managers, Recruiters, and HR colleagues”, says EDF’s FAQ.
Do
“Can I take notes for us? Priya, you mentioned cost earlier. Shall we start there?”
EDF says have “a notetaker and timekeeper”. A graduate it quotes says use fellow candidates’ names and really listen.
Don’t
“I think the answer is obviously wind, so let’s just go with that.”
EDF says you are “not being assessed on whether you reach the ‘right’ answer (often there isn’t one)”.
EDF’s tips, dress code and the outcome
- Tech. Check your Wi-Fi, Microsoft Teams, microphone and webcam, and charge your device.
- In the group. “listen and don’t interrupt”. Use the raise-hand function on a virtual call.
- Dress. “interviewees usually dress in business-wear”, even on video.
- Adjustments. Ask when you confirm your attendance.
- Outcome. EDF aims to update you “within 7 days of an assessment centre”.
09/11
Visa sponsorship
Our reading: EDF does not rule out sponsorship, but it is not the norm. If you need a visa, ask EDF before you apply.
EDF’s FAQ says “it is essential that you have the right to work in the UK”. Some ads add “Whilst sponsorship may be a possibility, we reserve the right in our decisions to give priority to those who already have the right to work in the UK” (2027-intake ad).
Check the vetting rule too. Twelve of the 17 2027-intake ads said “To be appointed to this role, you will need to meet the criteria for Security Vetting, which will, ordinarily, require you to have been a resident of the UK for at least three of the past five years.” It was missing from Commercial in London, the three Renewable Energy Commercial ads and Data and Technology.
The Graduate visa and right to work
- Graduate visa. It lasts “2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026” and “18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027” (GOV.UK). Most streams run 16 to 24 months.
- Right to work. EDF checks it during onboarding. See how to prove your right to work.
Need sponsorship? See our guides to UK companies that sponsor visas and staying in the UK after studying. This is general information, so check GOV.UK.
10/11
Key takeaways
Before you apply
- EDF expects Finance to open in January 2027.EDF expected Finance in January 2027. Others are expected in September 2027.It expected the others in September 2027.
- Join EDF’s free Talent Community to hear when applications open.
- You get one application, with no cover letter, so pick your programme and polish your CV first.
- The 2027-intake ads paid £35,000 for business streams and £37,500 for science and engineering.
- The Arctic Shores test takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Try the free practice task first.
- The video interview has four questions on Willo. The assessment centre lasts 5 to 6 hours.
When a scheme gives a close date, we email you a few days before it closes. Save EDF once and the reminder is set.
Set my reminders freeFree account, no card.
11/11
Frequently asked questions
When does the EDF graduate scheme open?
EDF’s graduate page gives expected opening dates. Finance is expected in January 2027.EDF expected Finance in January 2027. Check its ad. Other graduate programmes are expected in September 2027.EDF expected the others in September 2027. The main window closes on 1 October.The 2027-intake ads have expired. Checked 18 October 2026.
How much does the EDF graduate scheme pay?
The 2027-intake ads paid £35,000 for business streams and £37,500 for science and engineering. They added the potential for an annual bonus and a pension scheme. The 2026-intake Finance ad paid £35,000.
Can I apply to more than one EDF graduate programme?
No. EDF says it can only accept one application per person. Pick the programme that fits your degree and your goals before you apply.
What is the EDF online assessment?
A game-based behavioural assessment from Arctic Shores. EDF says it takes about 45 to 60 minutes, and you can try a practice task first. Afterwards you get a personalised feedback report.
What is the EDF video interview like?
Four recorded questions on Willo, in no more than 15 to 20 minutes. You get thinking time, up to 3 minutes per answer and the option to re-record. Finish it within 5 days of getting the link.
What happens at the EDF assessment centre?
It usually lasts 5 to 6 hours and is often held on Microsoft Teams. It includes a group exercise on net zero, a 30-minute one-to-one micro-exercise and a scenario-based or technical interview.
Does EDF sponsor visas for graduates?
EDF says the right to work in the UK is essential. Some ads say sponsorship may be a possibility, with priority for people who already have the right to work. Most streams also need security vetting, so ask EDF first.
