Schneider Electric , a global energy technology leader, is deepening its commitment to learning and development with the integration of Schneider Electric Academy and Innovation Hub into its Services division’s marketing function.

The Academy has been delivering high-quality technical training through both classroom and virtual sessions since 2013. It offers a mix of scheduled customer courses and on-demand training across Schneider Electric’s broad portfolio of products and solutions, including Industrial Automation, Power Products and Digital Energy.

Sarika Andhee, Operational Marketing Leader at Schneider Electric, explains that this strategic move directly addresses the growing skills gap in the market and the need for continuous upskilling in maintenance and operational excellence.

“By integrating the Academy into the Services Business Unit, we are unifying our service-related offerings into a single, cohesive ecosystem, which will enhance operational efficiency while streamlining our organisational structure,” she says.

“Because customer needs are at the heart of the Services lifecycle, this realignment creates unmatched training opportunities grounded in real-world contexts.”

Strategic growth engine

Andhee notes that training remains a cornerstone of Schneider Electric’s value proposition, equipping its customers with the technical expertise they need to excel. The Academy acts as a strategic growth engine, fostering long-term partnerships, driving regional upskilling and empowering customers to achieve their business objectives with confidence.

To address the growing skills gaps in the market, Schneider Electric has also introduced a comprehensive Training Needs Analysis (TNA) service designed to align learning with real business requirements.

“Through on-site visits, our trainers assess the team’s current skills and knowledge, identify gaps and highlight areas for improvement. Based on these insights, we develop tailored learning paths for both individuals and teams, covering our customers and partners,” says Andhee.

The use of Service engineers to deliver training opens a new dimension, where their real-life hands-on experiences and narratives related to Schneider Electric products are shared in the classroom.

Support at every level

The Academy’s programmes support learners at every level, from foundational introductions to advanced technical expertise. Because the courses are product-focused, customers receive training tailored to the specific equipment they purchase, gaining the practical skills needed to operate, maintain, and optimise their systems.

“From a digital perspective, our connected devices leverage the Internet of Things (IoT) to continuously send data to the cloud. Trainers then guide users in generating reports and interpreting this information, turning raw data into actionable insights,” says Andhee.

She says that the company is seeing strong growth in recurring revenue from its software-enabled products, and it plans to certify a targeted number of Schneider‑trained engineers each year through a rigorous curriculum. Learners must demonstrate technical competence by achieving an average score of at least 70% to earn certification.

Ensuring critical skills development

This ensures the development of critical technical skills across Sub‑Saharan Africa, equipping early‑career talent with the confidence and practical capabilities to contribute meaningfully to the workplace and the broader economy.

“A hybrid learning model will be a key enabler, delivering a classroom‑like experience for virtual participants, expanding our reach and maintaining the high quality of training that defines the Academy,” says Andhee.

Academy Offer Manager Avin Ramjeeth and Academy Operations Specialist Dilaine Subban will work closely with the sales team and customers to understand their specific requirements, and based on feedback, the Academy will advise on training solutions to ensure that the most relevant and effective learning is made available to the marketplace.