Tell us about Schneider Electric.
Schneider Electric is a multinational business that specialises in digital automation and energy management. We are a sustainability practitioner that provides a combination of electrical equipment, software platforms and specialist consultancy to help customers reduce their emissions and become more energy efficient. Since 2018, we’ve helped customers to avoid 553 million tonnes of CO2. We practice what we preach and we’re using our own technology to become carbon neutral in operations by 2025. This was reflected when we topped TIME Magazine’s and Statista’s "World's Most Sustainable Companies for 2024" list.
Our UK and Ireland business is focused on developing innovative new solutions to support decarbonisation and new energy use cases such as EVs, microgrids and net zero buildings. We are currently investing in new smart factories and facilities throughout the region, powered by 100% electricity and renewables. We employ 5,000 people across the UK and Ireland. A large section of the workforce is made up of engineers, focused on engineering, manufacturing or R&D roles.
We have a strong heritage in engineering and manufacturing that has laid the foundations for our digital services and consultancy arm that audit and assesses our customers’ energy management requirements. We help businesses adopt circularity to extend the lifecycle of assets - reducing material waste and environmental impact - and adopt digital tools that enable predictive maintenance and reduce downtime.
What career opportunities do you have for graduates and young engineers?
We are currently recruiting for roles in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, IT and Building Services. We have a thriving graduate recruitment programme that offers career opportunities for graduates with engineering qualifications, but we’re also looking for graduates from other disciplines to help us grow, add new skillsets and perspectives. We also invest heavily in apprentices and candidates with more of a vocational background.
At Schneider Electric, we have clear workforce plans in place for apprentices to become qualified within five years, which also enables us to plan our workforce more effectively. Apprenticeships offer an alternative career path to nurture the next generation of industry workers, while creating robust talent pipelines for key green industrial hubs up and down the country. For example, more than a quarter of our UK apprenticeship placements will be in Leeds, one of our key manufacturing bases. This year, we have increased the number of apprenticeships we offer across the UK and Ireland to around 60.
We’ve also noticed that younger applicants are attracted to roles at companies like ours because they’re actively looking for organisations with strong ESG credentials, reflecting a wider trend among the younger generation.
What other qualities are you looking for?
We’re looking for well-rounded individuals who are open to new ideas and are willing to contribute to driving innovation. We’re excited by the opportunities the green economy offers and we want to work with graduates and apprentices that share our passion for sustainability.
Applications are open to everyone, regardless of their academic and vocational background, although a good level of English and Maths are normally required.
Our UK&I graduate scheme is open for applications now and offers students a pathway into a career focused on the digital transformation of energy management.
Our apprenticeships scheme is open from February until April every year, and training lasts between 2-5 years depending on the level and type of qualification. It’s worth pointing out that apprenticeships offer young people a dynamic and fulfilling route to success, fostering both technical and interpersonal skills and the flexibility to shift roles based on business learning, allowing them to progress quickly.
At Schneider Electric, a good number of our senior people have scaled the ranks by starting out as apprentices. Our programme offers an alternative career path for those who want to benefit from multiple placements and gain a well-rounded perspective of how our business operates.
As a potential applicant, how can I make myself stand out from the competition?
Academic and vocational qualifications that are applicable to the role are always useful, as well as any previous interest in engineering, IT or sustainability.
Above all, however, we are on the lookout for candidates who can demonstrate a willingness and ability to learn. Part of our apprenticeship application process involves candidates submitting a short video. Successful applicants then go onto a manager interview and assessment centre. The individuals that stand out are obviously engaged in the process and show an appropriate level of confidence in talking and answering questions about themselves. It helps their application if a candidate can demonstrate knowledge about Schneider and explain why they want to join us.
Ultimately, the applicants that stand out are curious, have done their research about us and, importantly, can hold a conversation with a hiring manager about their background, interest, and motivation.
Why should I consider a career at Schneider Electric?
Schneider Electric offers lots of opportunities for young people looking to embark on a career in sustainability and energy management. The roles are multi-faceted, allowing graduates and apprentices to develop skills in engineering, technology and manufacturing.
Apprenticeships tend to be more technically focused, but on-the-job training also allows apprentices to learn softer skills too – and this mix of technical and interpersonal skills supports quicker progression routes while equipping apprentices with the skills they’ll need for future roles.
We are committed to creating equal opportunities for all and are on the lookout for passionate people who can help us innovate at every level, bridging progress and sustainability.
Diversity and inclusion are high on the agenda for the UK and Ireland business. We’re committed to building a culture at Schneider Electric that empowers everyone to make a difference, where everyone feels valued and respected.
Kelly Becker, President, Schneider Electric UK and Ireland, Belgium and Netherlands.
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