The industries that power our world – data centers, energy systems, and critical facilities – are growing at exponential rates. Data center demand alone is set to expand by 33% per year, driven mainly by the massive growth in artificial intelligence (AI) and the emergence of generative AI. Yet, as these sectors continue to expand at an accelerated pace, the skilled hands needed to support them have grown increasingly scarce.
Bridging this labor gap is not about just hiring people to do the job. Instead, we must develop a workforce equipped to meet the evolving demands of critical facilities. At Schneider Electric, we’re meeting this challenge head-on with a forward-thinking approach that puts our service representatives at the heart of our strategy.
The growing demand for skilled technicians
The numbers tell the story. Accelerating demand for critical facilities, especially data centers, requires infrastructure and highly skilled professionals to maintain and modernize them. And as these industries expand, so does the complexity of the systems they rely on.
This isn’t just a Schneider Electric challenge; it’s an industry-wide issue. As facilities become more complex and technology-driven, the demand for technicians who can install, maintain, and optimize critical systems is outpacing the availability of qualified candidates. The result? A skills gap that could jeopardize the reliability of the infrastructure our economy depends on.
Veterans: The backbone of a mission-ready workforce
One of the most impactful strategies we’ve embraced to fill the gap is recruiting veterans.
Veterans bring a wealth of transferable skills that make them invaluable in customer-facing roles, where their mission-focused mindset and problem-solving abilities ensure successful engagement with our clients. At Schneider Electric, we are proud to provide veterans with opportunities to thrive in civilian careers while continuing to make a difference.
Bill Bentz is a prime example of how well skills developed in military service transfer to the work we do. Bill is a US Navy veteran who has spent 35 years with Schneider Electric Services and has made an indelible mark on our organization. According to Bill, “the military instills a sense of purpose and problem-solving. Those qualities are essential when you’re working in mission-critical facilities where reliability and precision are non-negotiable.”
Our participation in the SkillBridge program further strengthens our ability to support veterans transitioning into civilian careers. The program provides hands-on training and mentorship, helping veterans build the skills needed to succeed as Schneider Electric service representatives.
Bill highlights the success of these programs: “Every time I present our veteran recruitment initiatives to customers, it resonates deeply. Many of them are former military themselves, and they see the value in what we’re doing. It’s not just about filling roles—it’s about creating opportunities for people who’ve already proven they can excel.”
Schneider Electric Services: Breaking silos to build opportunities
Recruitment and training are only part of the solution. We need to rethink career development to retain talent and foster long-term growth. Traditionally, service representatives have been siloed into specific roles—focusing on one piece of equipment or system. While this approach has its merits, it can limit opportunities for growth and innovation.
A more holistic approach—one that allows technicians to develop expertise across multiple systems and applications—can create a more dynamic and fulfilling career path. Our Schneider Electric Services approach breaks down these silos, allowing us to attract top talent while empowering service representatives to take on new challenges, build expertise across disciplines, and drive innovation.
Reflecting on his long career, Bill sees this evolution as a game-changer. “When I started 35 years ago as a service representative, it was more specialized—each role had its box,” he says. “Now, you can learn across disciplines, which makes the work more dynamic and rewarding.
Careers that empower people for the future
Recruiting and retaining service representatives is essential to meeting today’s demands and ensuring a strong, future-ready workforce. At Schneider Electric, we are committed to supporting economic growth and job creation across the United States. With a workforce of 20,000 employees across more than 40 manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, R&D sites, and modernization service plants, our Schneider Electric services team plays a vital role in delivering reliable solutions in nearly every state.
These are not just good jobs—they are great careers. A career in Services offers strong earning potential and an attractive benefits program. It’s all about skills, training, and a willingness to learn.
Bill agrees, adding that the company’s training and career growth investment has been key to retaining talent. “It’s not just a job—it’s a place where you can build a life,” he says. “We’re not just talking about filling a few positions—we’re talking about building an entirely new workforce to keep up with growth.”
Schneider Electric: A military-friendly employer
We are honored to be recognized as a 2025 Gold Military Friendly® Employer and 2025 Military Spouse Friendly® Employer®. These designations reflect our commitment to creating meaningful career paths for veterans, fostering community outreach, and building lasting partnerships that support the military community—including employees, spouses, families, consumers, and even the supply chain.
Building the bridge to a future-ready workforce
By including our service representatives at the heart of our Schneider Electric Services strategy, investing in veterans and embracing multidisciplinary growth, we’re building a workforce as resilient and dynamic as the industries we serve.
We’re building a bridge to the future at Schneider Electric—one skilled hand at a time. If you’re a mission-driven professional looking to join our workforce of the future, explore our careers for military members and veterans or learn more about Schneider Electric Services that support critical industries worldwide.
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