Energy technology company Schneider Electric has launched its Advancing Energy Tech mentorship programme, which is designed to assist electrical engineering and technical students as they transition into the energy and technology industries, across South, East and West Africa.

There is often a gap between what students learn in the classroom and what industry expects when they start their careers. The Advancing Energy Tech mentorship programme is designed to help bridge that gap by supporting electrical engineering and technical students as they transition from university or college into the workplace, says Schneider Electric Corporate Citizenship leader Carina van Zyl.

The six‑month mentorship programme also gives Schneider Electric's employees an opportunity to share their knowledge and experience, which creates lasting value for students and mentors, she adds.

The mentorship programme focuses on electrical engineering and related students, with institutions nominating candidates who are then matched to Schneider Electric mentors and aligned with their goals.

These employee‑mentors bring engineering expertise, offering students practical insights into today’s energy and industrial sector.

The mentorship programme is part of Schneider Electric’s global VolunteerIn initiative, which supports its Sustainability Impact 2030 Empower Local Communities ambition by enabling employees to contribute to the next generation of engineering talent.

“Students have a strong technical foundation, but many will benefit from exposure to industry and experienced professionals before entering the workforce. Through the Advancing Energy Tech mentorship programme, we aim to provide guidance, practical insight and encouragement that helps students build confidence and prepare for successful careers in the energy sector,” Van Zyl says.

During the six months, students participate in a structured mentorship journey covering several key areas, including career clarity and goal setting. This is aimed at helping students identify their career ambitions, development areas and pathways into the energy sector.

Another focus area is understanding the engineering workplace, which provides students with insight into industry expectations and the practical application of engineering principles.

For industry-relevant technical development, the programme exposes students to tools, practices and knowledge aligned with current engineering environments. For reflection and continuous growth, it encourages students to document their progress and define future development goals.

The programme is designed to support not only high-performing students, but also those who may need additional guidance in recognising their strengths, understanding industry expectations and identifying future career opportunities.

Further, a basic impact assessment will be conducted at the end of the programme to measure the value and effectiveness of the mentorship experience for both students and Schneider Electric volunteers, helping to inform future programme development.

Participating institutions include the University of Ibadan and Yaba College of Technology, in Nigeria, together with Cape Peninsula University of Technology and the University of Johannesburg, in South Africa.

Further, St. Kizito Vocational Training Institute, in Kenya, and Ecole Technique de Kabgayi, in Rwanda, will also participate in the programme.

Students from these tertiary institutions are paired with Schneider Electric mentors who have technical engineering backgrounds.

The Advancing Energy Tech mentorship programme will run throughout this year, with future editions planned as part of Schneider Electric's ongoing commitment to youth development, skills advancement and sustainable community impact across Africa, says Van Zyl.