Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader, welcomed almost 100 female engineering students from its education partner Sedibeng TVET College, Sebokeng to its Midrand headquarters in Johannesburg for its Mandela Day Mentorship Café initiative, transforming a day of service into a day of inspiration, learning and opportunity.

Sedibeng TVET College has been a valued Schneider Electric partner since 2016, with support from the Schneider Electric Foundation providing the college with practical training equipment to help develop industry-relevant skills.

The Women in STEM Mentorship was supported by Schneider Electric employee volunteers and formed part of company's global Youth Impact Through Learning’s Youth Education & Entrepreneurship programme and Women in STEM initiative.

Delivered through Schneider Electric’s VolunteerIn initiative, a global programme that enables employees to share their time and expertise with local communities, and supported by the Schneider Electric Foundation, the day highlighted how employee engagement can create meaningful opportunities for young people while supporting tomorrow’s workforce.

“It’s a privilege to welcome 100 female engineering and technical students from Sedibeng TVET College to Schneider Electric’s Mandela Day mentorship. This initiative shows our commitment to nurturing the next generation of female talent and opening doors for women in STEM,” says Tanya Ramlagan, Vice President for HR, Sub-Saharan Africa at Schneider Electric.

“At Schneider Electric, diversity, equity and inclusion are core to who we are. Innovation thrives on diverse perspectives, and empowering women in engineering and energy is key to building a more inclusive, sustainable future.”

The Mandela Day Women in STEM Mentorship also aligns with Schneider Electric's long-term commitment to equipping three million people with the skills needed for electrification and sustainability for inclusive progress by 2030.

Furthermore, it builds on the global momentum generated recently during London Climate Action Week, where Schneider Electric reaffirmed its commitment to expanding opportunities for women in STEM through education, mentorship and leadership development.

Mentorship that builds confidence and careers

Students participated in interactive conversations in a mentorship café format with Schneider Electric professionals, exploring topics such as overcoming adversity, building resilience, developing self-confidence, addressing imposter syndrome, navigating careers in the energy sector, expanding professional networks and discovering opportunities in technical careers such as renewable energy.

"Today's conversations transcended career advice; focusing on building confidence, expanding networks and helping future female engineers and technicians recognise their potential and the impact they can have on society,” adds Ramlagan.

The Mandela Day Women in STEM Mentorship also introduced students to Schneider Electric's broader talent development ecosystem, highlighting opportunities through its bursary, internship and graduate programmes. Schneider Electric is connecting technical education, mentorship and early career opportunities which, in turn, creates a continuous pathway that supports young women from the classroom into the engineering workforce.

Students also toured Schneider Electric's world-class Innovation Hub – the first of its kind in Africa – where they experienced first-hand how digital innovation, automation and electrification are shaping the future of industry and energy.

From Mandela Day to long-term impact

In South Africa, initiatives like the Mandela Day Women in STEM Mentorship play an important role in encouraging more young women to consider careers in STEM that will contribute to the country's energy future while strengthening diversity across the engineering profession.

Inspiring the next generation

For the students from Sedibeng TVET College, the experience was both inspiring and educational.

“The mentorship programme reminded me not to let anyone define who I am or what I can achieve. It has given me greater confidence in myself and my future as an engineer,” says Bonolo Matima, an Electrical Engineering Level 4 student at Sedibeng TVET College.

Fellow Electrical Engineering Level 4 student Yolanda Mokoena says the programme reinforced the importance of believing in herself. “Women are powerful, and with determination anything is possible. We should never allow anyone to tell us otherwise. The programme opened my eyes to new opportunities and showed me that there is a place for women to lead in engineering."

As Schneider Electric honours Mandela’s legacy, initiatives like the Women in STEM Mentorship shows how education and mentorship can drive lasting impact, shaping a more inclusive engineering profession and sustainable future for South Africa.