Schneider Electric is doubling its intake of veteran talent as it looks to address the UK skills shortage. Recognising the valuable, transferrable skills of military personnel, Schneider Electric’s Veterans Talent Programme equips people leaving the armed forces with the industry knowledge and technical skills needed for hard-to-fill operational and senior management roles in the energy management and electrical industry. The demand for skills in these areas is growing fast as the UK increasingly shifts towards cleaner energy and its net zero targets.
Early bird registration for applications is open, and Schneider Electric is looking for potential and passion rather than technical skills.
The 12–18-month programme, on full salary, offers veterans specialist classroom-based and on-the-job training, requiring no prior technical experience. Candidates are selected based on their motivations and interests rather than their specific skills sets.
On joining the programme, recruits receive engineering and business training at Schneider Electric’s dedicated academy in Coventry before moving to on-the-job training with roles up and down the country.
Following a successful first year of the programme in 2024, in which all participants exceeded their performance targets, Schneider Electric plans to more than double the intake in 2025, rising from six to around 13 recruits.
Thoughts from a successful recruit to the programme
“Keeping calm under pressure, the ability to problem solve, and empathise with others have all proved crucial in my role, where I ensure critical buildings remain operational,” said Damion Baines, Digital Power Systems Operations Manager at Schneider Electric, who left the British Army in June 2024 after 26 years of service.
An ex-military tank driver, Damion completed multiple tours across the world, including the Middle East and Eastern Europe, achieving the highest rank available to a soldier before becoming a Captain. After reaching this milestone, Damion decided it was time to explore a new direction.
“The skills I use in my role at Schneider Electric were honed from day one in my military career. The Veterans Talent Programme provides an important pathway to unlocking the full potential of ex-service personnel, enabling them to provide leadership immediately. Working for a company like Schneider Electric means nurturing this talent to accelerate the energy transition and with that, taps into a strong sense of social purpose that veterans share.”
Partnering for success with Redeployable
Schneider Electric’s programme is powered by Redeployable, an AI-driven career transition platform designed to unlock the potential of veteran talent.
Redeployable acts as the bridge between Schneider Electric and a highly skilled veteran workforce. By leveraging smart career mapping, Redeployable identifies where military experience holds the greatest value in the civilian job market. Veterans receive personalised career plans, helping them transition with clarity and confidence.
“Military skills bring unprecedented benefits to the workforce,” said Ben Read, Founder and CEO at Redeployable. “Through our work with Schneider Electric, we are not just matching veterans to jobs—we’re transforming the way businesses view veteran talent, ensuring these professionals step into careers where they can make a lasting impact.”
Redeployable works closely with employers, such as Schneider Electric, to optimise veteran hiring strategies. It offers insights and support to help businesses harness the leadership, problem-solving, and operational excellence that veterans bring to the table.
“At Schneider Electric, we are passionate about growing a diverse workforce, and veterans are no exception,” said Kelly Becker, Schneider Electric’s President, UK and Ireland, Belgium, and Netherlands. “Our programme not only helps us to build talent to support the green transition, but veterans also bring a wealth of skills and unmatched benefits to our company, fuelling more diverse and innovative thinking.”
Schneider Electric’s support network for veterans
In addition to the Veterans Talent Programme, Schneider Electric offers a huge network of support to its veteran employees as they transition to roles in the business world.
In early 2024, it launched a Military Ambassadors Employee Resource Group (ERG) open to everyone in the UK&I, fostering a culture that embraces and empowers veterans and their families.
Applications for the Veterans Talent Programme open in early 2025, with the scheme starting in September.
