Q&A: Taking the Degree Apprenticeship route

Who are you, what is your job role and what do you do?

I am a Digital Energy Degree Apprentice at Schneider Electric. Day to day, I am responsible for looking after our partner channel accounts, supporting them, and helping them bid for projects. I also take part in customer visits, promote our digital offers, and serve as a main point of contact. My role involves nurturing relationships with our partners, providing them with the resources and assistance they need to succeed, and representing Schneider Electric's digital solutions to our customers.

My role allows me to gain experience in multiple parts of the business, which helps improve both my professional skills and personal development. This diverse exposure contributes significantly to my growth within the company and the industry. My role also allows me to study, and I am currently working towards my BSc (Hons) Degree in Digital Technology Solutions at Leeds Beckett University.

So far, I’ve had the opportunity to experience placements in areas such as Field Services Engineering, Digital Services, Tendering, System Architecture, Marketing and Sales.

In addition, I have taken an active role in local initiatives that seek to advance women in STEM, apprenticeships and sustainability – topics I’m especially passionate about. 

Can you tell us about any current projects that you’re working on? 

In my role, I'm involved in several projects, with a key focus on designing and developing a Retrofit Playbook. This resource is crucial in supporting our sales team as they promote Retrofit products to customers, aiming to help them transform their buildings into more sustainable and carbon-neutral spaces.

The playbook serves as a guide for both our internal team and our customers, providing valuable insights and strategies. I enjoy this work, as it allows me to be creative while directly contributing to sustainability efforts and supporting others in achieving their environmental goals.

What was your career path and how did it lead you to where you are now?

Before joining the Schneider Electric apprenticeship programme in 2021, I was completing my A-levels as a student at college. While many of my peers were heading to university, I was keen to jump straight into the world of work. I wanted a professional role that offered me comprehensive, hands-on experience and support during the challenging transition from school to the workforce. 

Choosing to pursue a Degree Apprenticeship has proven to be an incredibly rewarding decision for me. It offers a unique blend of work and learning experiences, developing my personal and professional growth. Each day brings new and diverse tasks, which keeps things exciting and dynamic. The endless number of opportunities allows me to explore different areas and actively participate in interesting projects. An added perk is the fact that I am paid whilst studying!

What do you enjoy most about your current role and company?

Schneider Electric is an exceptional company to work for. It truly stands by its sustainability commitments, consistently creating a positive impact in the world. In fact, Schneider Electric has just been recognised by Time Magazine and Statista as the world’s most sustainable company – and this makes work a real source of pride for me.

Initially, I felt slightly apprehensive about joining an energy management company, as women are typically under-represented in STEM roles. However, since Schneider Electric is a leader in building diverse teams at every level, I was quickly reassured. At Schneider Electric women are represented in various roles at every level of the company, helping to bring diversity of thought, skills and background and fostering a culture of inclusivity. In fact, we have committed to an ambitious pledge for 50 per cent of all new hires, 40 per cent of frontline managers, and 30 per cent of leadership roles to be held by women by 2025. As a young woman at the beginning of my career, it’s been invaluable for me to see so many strong role models for me work with and look up to.

On a more granular level, my apprenticeship role has granted me the opportunity to work across a range of diverse teams. In doing so, I have gained a well-rounded perspective on how our business operates and achieves its ambitious goals. From this, I have been able to grow my passion for technology, sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. Now more than ever, I am dedicated to making a difference.

What would be your main piece of advice to students looking to pursue a career in engineering?

There has never been a more exciting time to consider a career in engineering and technology. After all, they are industries of the future and are integral to solving the world’s most critical problems – most notably climate change. In pursuing this career, you can be at the forefront of sustainable solutions that drive innovation, create a global impact, and change lives. 

In addition, the engineering and technology industry encourages a culture of continuous learning and skills development. Those in the industry are given the opportunity to broaden their skillsets by pursuing additional certifications, workshops, and events. 

I found that joining the Schneider Electric apprenticeship programme was the best way to propel me into the industry, and I would recommend this for anyone looking to pursue a career in engineering and technology. The application process encouraged me to harness my interests and goals as a starting point to explore different apprenticeship programmes. There is so much choice out there – I found that there’s something out there for everybody. 

I would encourage anyone looking for an apprenticeship to ensure that the programme aligns with your aspirations and offers a comprehensive learning experience. Don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals or mentors in the field to gather insights and advice. Embrace the opportunity with a positive attitude, work hard and make the most of every learning experience that comes your way.

Lucy Gale, Digital Energy Degree Apprentice at Schneider Electric.

The Student Engineer is a special channel of The Engineer aimed at educating and inspiring engineering undergraduates about the career opportunities in engineering and also offering practical advice on how they can access these opportunities.

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