Schneider Electric has increased its recruitment of ex-military personnel to help close the UK’s skill gap in energy management, automation and other areas. The French multinational intends to double the number of recruits through its Veterans Talent Programme by 2025. This will increase from 6 to 13 recruits.
The program, which includes classroom and on-the job training for 12 to 18 months, is designed to provide ex-military personnel the knowledge and skills they need to work in roles such as energy management and electrical engineers.
Candidates are selected on the basis of their motivation and interest, rather than specific skills.
Veterans who join the scheme will receive training at Schneider Electric’s Coventry academy before moving into roles throughout the UK. The programme is designed to meet the growing demand for qualified professionals as the UK strives towards its net-zero targets.
Veterans bring valuable skills to the industry
Schneider Electric recognizes that veterans have transferable skills from their military career. Damion Baines is a former British Army Tank Driver who retired in 2024, after 26 years of service. He now works as a Digital Power Systems Operation Manager for the company. He attributes his military background to helping him achieve success in this role.
Baines stated that “keeping calm under pressure, being able to solve problems and having empathy for others are all skills I use in my job, where I make sure critical buildings stay operational.”
Baines, a veteran of multiple tours in the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Africa, saw this programme as a chance to change careers.
“The skills that I use today in my job at Schneider Electric are ones that I developed in my military career from the very beginning. “The Veterans Talent Programme is an important way to unlock the full potential of former service personnel and enable them to lead immediately,” said he.
Career Transition Support
Schneider Electric also offers additional support to veterans who are transitioning from the military sector into corporate life. Early in 2024, the company launched the Military Ambassadors Employee Resource Group. This is a network that employees from the UK and Ireland can join to help veterans and their family members.
Kelly Becker, Schneider Electric’s President for UK, Ireland Belgium and The Netherlands, stated that the program plays a crucial role in talent development as well as business growth.
She said, “Our program not only helps build talent for the green transition but veterans bring a wealth and benefits unmatched to our company. They fuel more diverse and innovative thought.”
Resettlement magazine Pathfinder International has more information about hiring veterans, and an area to advertise veteran jobs.
