Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management, has announced a partnership with the Institution of Engineering and Technology. The partnership will support the professional development of Schneider Electric’s engineers and technicians, with the aim of establishing and maintaining a culture of commitment to keep technical skills up to date, gaining a professionally registered workforce and enriching experience through continued professional development (CPD).
The UK is experiencing one of the strongest economic recoveries in Europe. Almost two million new jobs have been created as business confidence and investment return following the recession. Meanwhile, the percentage of the population in work is at an all-time high of 73.3%. Yet despite this, the UK’s skills shortage is still one of the biggest threats to continued economic growth. The talent gap between the skills that companies need and those available is one of the worst in Europe, exceeded only by Ireland, Portugal and Spain.
Last year a study by the Institution of Engineering and Technology showed that six out of 10 engineering employers fear that a growing shortage of engineers will threaten their business in the UK, underlining concerns that the skills shortage could hold back the recovery in parts of the economy.
In 2013, the Perkins Review called for urgent action to address the UK’s chronic shortage of engineers. “If we are to compete in the global race,” argued the report “we need to equip our people with the skills to adapt, innovate and flourish.”
As part of its commitment to addressing the skills gap, Schneider Electric has over 50 apprenticeships in the UK aimed at 16 – 25 year olds. One of the main benefits of becoming a Corporate Partner with the IET is that Schneider Electric will now be able to work together with the IET to create a tailored package of products, services, support and accreditation workshops, as well as being a professional Home for Life for employees at every stage of their career. The partnership will enhance skills and elevate Schneider Electric engineers to a higher status in terms of education and knowledge, as well as giving them the chance to network with other engineers from other industries.
Schneider Electric is focused on offering continual professional development (CPD) to their staff, whether that is online through the Energy University, or face-to-face CPD through lunch and learn training sessions. The Energy University offers more than 350 courses and has been helping professionals since 2009 make smarter choices about the top issues impacting the energy industry today.
A series of road shows ran during April and May at all Schneider Electric sites to ensure the local IET co-ordinators got to know all the engineers and technicians to start them on their journey to accreditation.
