Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, is offering a transformative opportunity for young African graduates and early career professionals to kick-start their careers through the 2026 Graduate Trainee and Apprenticeship Programme. This program has been carefully designed to accelerate professional growth, provide valuable technical exposure, and prepare participants to become the next generation of leaders in the energy and automation industry.
For young Africans eager to gain real-world experience, this programme is more than just a stepping stone — it is a launchpad into a future of impact, innovation, and professional excellence. Schneider Electric believes in empowering individuals to unleash their potential and is opening doors for committed, ambitious, and curious minds ready to take on real challenges in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.
The Schneider Graduate Program (SGP) is a 24-month structured journey that places participants in meaningful roles, projects, and training rotations. The program combines technical development, mentorship, and global exposure, ensuring that young professionals gain the knowledge, confidence, and network they need to thrive. With a choice between a Structured Rotational Track and a Specialized Track, participants can explore diverse functions across Schneider Electric or dive deeply into a specific field of expertise.
By the end of the programme, successful candidates will have acquired not only hands-on technical skills but also leadership capabilities, problem-solving strategies, and a holistic understanding of how global companies operate in the fields of sustainability, electrification, automation, and digital transformation.
Why Join Schneider Electric’s Graduate Trainee and Apprenticeship Programme?
This programme is not just about learning; it is about building a future. Schneider Electric offers participants a unique opportunity to combine structured learning with practical experience. Below are the key benefits of joining:
- Hands-On Experience: Engage in real-world projects involving installation, commissioning, diagnostics, and maintenance of cutting-edge energy and automation systems.
- Technical Development: Strengthen your expertise in electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems while learning to interpret technical documentation, apply safety standards, and use advanced diagnostic tools.
- Structured Learning: Participate in a 24-month structured program that accelerates professional growth and builds a strong foundation for a successful long-term career.
- Mentorship & Support: Work side by side with seasoned professionals who will guide, mentor, and support your development journey.
- Career Launchpad: Gain the skills and exposure necessary to position yourself for future opportunities within Schneider Electric or in the broader energy and automation industry.
- Diverse and Inclusive Culture: Thrive in a dynamic, collaborative, and innovative team environment where your ideas and contributions are valued.
Graduate Trainee Programme
The Graduate Trainee Programme is designed to immerse recent graduates in the world of energy and automation through a variety of roles and responsibilities. Over the 24-month period, trainees rotate across different business units or specialize in a single functional area, depending on the track chosen.
Job Description
As a Graduate Trainee, you will:
- Participate in installation, commissioning, and maintenance activities for Schneider Electric’s systems and solutions across various sectors.
- Contribute to technical support and troubleshooting, ensuring customers’ systems operate at optimal performance.
- Learn to analyze technical documentation and apply international safety and compliance standards.
- Gain practical exposure by supporting field engineers in diagnostics, preventive maintenance, and corrective actions.
- Assist in managing and executing strategic projects that contribute to Schneider Electric’s global mission of energy efficiency and sustainability.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams in sales, services, operations, and digital solutions to gain a holistic perspective of the business.
- Develop problem-solving and project management skills, preparing you for leadership roles in the future.
This track is ideal for those seeking to explore diverse functions before deciding on a long-term specialization within Schneider Electric.
Apprenticeship Programme
The Apprenticeship Programme provides participants with an opportunity to gain specialized hands-on experience in field services and technical operations. This path focuses more deeply on building specific technical competencies.
Job Description
As an Apprentice, you will:
- Support field-based technical operations, including diagnostics, installation, and commissioning.
- Build competence in automation, control systems, electrical infrastructure, and embedded systems.
- Engage in on-site training to understand the realities of energy management in different industries.
- Collaborate closely with experienced engineers who will mentor and coach you throughout the programme.
- Learn to apply problem-solving techniques in real-time situations to enhance system efficiency and performance.
- Gain exposure to project implementation, safety practices, and customer engagement within Schneider Electric’s client portfolio.
This pathway is ideal for graduates who have a passion for hands-on fieldwork and are eager to specialize in technical roles within the company’s diverse service offerings.
Programme Structure
The 2026 Graduate Trainee and Apprenticeship Programme is a 24-month structured journey, featuring:
- Onboarding & Induction – A comprehensive orientation introducing Schneider Electric’s values, culture, and business lines.
- Rotations & Field Experience – Depending on your track, you may rotate across functions or focus on a specific area of expertise.
- Learning & Development – Continuous technical and soft-skills training to enhance leadership, communication, and innovation skills.
- Mentorship & Coaching – One-on-one guidance from experienced professionals and career mentors.
- Global Exposure – Opportunities to interact and collaborate with international teams and stakeholders.
- Performance Evaluation – Regular reviews to ensure progress, growth, and alignment with career aspirations.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for the programme:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields:
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Automation & Control Engineering
- Instrumentation Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Robotics Engineering
- Embedded Systems Engineering
- Must be a recent graduate of the 2025 academic year or graduating within the next six months.
- Must be available and committed to working onsite.
- Should demonstrate a strong interest in hands-on, field-based technical work.
Career Pathways After the Programme
Graduates and apprentices who successfully complete the programme will be well-positioned to take on various roles within Schneider Electric, such as:
- Field Service Engineer
- Automation Specialist
- Electrical Systems Consultant
- Project Engineer
- Technical Support Engineer
- Operations Coordinator
In addition, alumni of the programme will also have an advantage when applying for positions in the wider global energy and automation industries.
Key Details
- Programme Duration: 24 months
- Deadline for Applications: September 30, 2025
- Target Audience: Young Africans graduating in 2025 or within six months of the programme start date
- Contact for Enquiries:
- Phone: +234 909 804 4444
- Email: [email protected]
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to take advantage of this exciting opportunity to launch their careers with Schneider Electric.
To apply for the Schneider Electric 2026 Graduate Trainee and Apprenticeship Programme for Young Africans, please submit your application online through the official application portal.
