According to the 2014 World Energy Council's World Energy Issues Monitor report, talent scarcity - particularly in terms of a shortage of future engineers and other energy-relevant skills - is one of the major macroeconomic risks and vulnerabilities keeping global energy leaders up at night. The report explores the regional, geopolitical, business and technology issues that can sometimes act as setbacks to securing an energy future for all.
"Additionally, there's a tendency to confuse skills and experience. Quite often, while we have access to qualified locals, what's missing is the experience. There just isn't a labour market to enable people to get experience on the ground," says Eric L'eger, Country President for southern Africa at Schneider Electric South Africa, a specialist in energy management and a market leader in industrial automation and software.
Bearing this in mind, Schneider Electric South Africa has launched a graduate programme for those students who want to become world-class engineers in the field of energy management. The company, which prides itself on enabling people to experience and transform efficiency where they live and work; from home to enterprise, across the grid and the city, is offering five graduates the opportunity to participate on a three-year structured graduate programme with rotations to develop both engineering and business leadership skills. Programme participants will be supported and guided through structured mentorship from experienced engineers, and will have direct access to the company's business leaders.
Schneider Electric South Africa, which was recently ranked in the top 100 Most Attractive Employers in South Africa in the 2015 Universum Talent Survey, will be offering graduates education, experience and exposure with a globally recognised leader in energy management.
According to Phindo Mohlala, vice president of human resources in Africa for Schneider Electric, the company is looking for balanced candidates who demonstrate good technical and behavioural competencies; with a strong academic record coupled with a practical hands-on approach; good interpersonal and leadership communication skills to build relationships and work successfully in a team setting; from a highly driven change agent with an ambition to become a leading energy management professional.
"There will always be a place for bright sparks at Schneider Electric," continues L'eger. "The company has an ingrained heritage of innovation alongside corporate responsibility. We offer employees international opportunities and push them to participate in developing and promoting solutions to the world's energy efficiency challenges."
In order to apply, candidates will need:
* A B-Tech, BEng, BIng and BSc Electrical Engineering graduate degree (Light & Heavy Current);
* A BSc Computer Science graduate degree;
* A one page motivation letter entitled "Why I want to work for Schneider Electric South Africa";
* An updated curriculum vitae;
* The latest academic transcript for the completed engineering degree; along with
* A certified copy of their South African identification document.
Applications should be sent to: Kea Modiga, talent acquisition specialist at kea.modiga@schneider-electric.com.
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