My Early Career Journey – Kieran DeBanks, Tendering Engineer

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International Youth Day aims to celebrate the role of young people and how they tackle global issues and achieve sustainable development through their voices, actions, and initiatives.

Written by Kieran DeBanks, Tendering Engineer

Since starting my career at Schneider Electric I have come to believe the company represents how to effectively platform its Early Talent and educate them on the importance of sustainability. Read on as I dive further into reflecting on my early career journey at Schneider Electric UK&I.

My Early Career Apprenticeship Journey

I have been a part of the Schneider Electric UK&I community for just over 4 years. I originally joined as a panel wireman, however, after one year I was encouraged by my line leader to apply for the Apprenticeship programme. After some research and discussions with colleagues, I soon identified this opportunity as a great way to progress within an organisation I had come to admire. I have now completed the Apprenticeship Programme and moved into my current role as a Tendering Engineer. However, I’d like to take this opportunity to reflect on my journey during these 4 years.

I originally joined as a panel wireman, however, after one year I was encouraged by my line leader to apply for the Apprenticeship programme.

There are many features that attracted me to the Apprenticeship Programme offered by Schneider Electric. Firstly, the structure consisted of various rotations across a variety of departments in the business, providing me with insight into the diversity of jobs Schneider Electric had to offer. This also gave me the opportunity to meet and network with lots of new people from many areas of the business, enabling me to gain a greater understanding and experience of how the organisation functions.

Duke of Edinburgh programme

Aside from making my way around different departments within the business, Schneider Electric has also given me many opportunities along the way. For example, whilst undergoing my Apprenticeship I was given the option to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) programme.

The DofE programme requires participants to set objectives in five key areas:

• Volunteering (undertaking service to individuals or community).
• Physical (improving in physical activity).
• Skills (developing practical and social skills).
• Expedition (completing an adventurous journey in the UK or abroad).
• Residential (working away from home for 5 days).

Although working towards the programmes gold award took a slow start due to current circumstances in the world – we are now back in full stride! Recently, we have completed our second residential, to which we stayed at an adventure site, taking part in a range of activities such as mountain biking, map-reading, and team building. Most importantly, we also helped around the activity centre to further contribute to the volunteering aspect of the award.

The objectives we have set to contribute to the volunteering aspect of the award revolve around decarbonization and drive to NetZero. As such, we will be working at our local UK&I Schneider Electric sites to identify opportunities to create gardens and areas for wildlife. Additionally, we will expand this offer out to the local community, within schools as well as elderly and sheltered accommodation.

Furthermore, the DofE programme has given me the chance to meet my peers within the business who are also early on in their careers. It has also enabled me to develop transferable skills, which I can utilize in my day-to-day work and personal life, such as, taking initiative and responsibility, problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork skills.

Overall, Schneider Electric has already significantly contributed to my personal and professional development and continues to do so to this day. Throughout my early career journey on the Apprenticeship Programme to progressing into my full-time role, whilst also now starting my HNC. I am increasingly grateful for the investment the company has given me.

Search opportunities and start your early career at Schneider Electric by searching our careers site www.se.com/students