A firm, Schneider Electric, has launched a six-month mentorship programme pairing electrical engineering students in Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya with company engineers, aiming at equipping young graduates with the practical skills needed to boost the energy and technology industries amid high youth unemployment.

Launched in May and running through October, the firm in a statement, revealed that the initiative, part of the company’s global corporate volunteering and citizenship programme, was already delivering results as students and mentors alike report real and tangible progress.

It noted that in Nigeria, the programme has taken root at the University of Ibadan and the Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech), where students are matched one-on-one with Schneider Electric engineers for hands-on guidance rarely available inside a classroom.

The firm emphasised that the essence of the initiative was to address youth unemployment which is currently at 53% according to the State of the Nigerian Youth Report 2025, released by Plan International Nigeria and ActionAid Nigeria.

“It is precisely that gap Schneider Electric is betting mentorship can close. Advancing Energy Tech sits under VolunteerIn, the Schneider Electric Foundation’s global platform for employee-led giving and skills-based volunteering,” the firm said.

The energy firm further explained that the programme was structured for the participants to learn engineering application rather than theory, navigating cross-functional teams, engineering standards and compliance, and professional workplace conduct.

“The programme pushes further still, sharpening students’ read on the industry landscape, helping them identify target employers and the skills those employers want, and building out their professional network, personal brand, and elevator pitch well before graduation,” the statement added.

Speaking on the programme, Access to Education Program Coordinator, West Africa, Funmilayo Olakitan, stressed that the initiative was launched to empower the students to play a part in building a more sustainable and resilient future, noting that the future of energy depends on the skills and ideas of young engineers.

“By linking students with industry professionals, we’re building a stronger bridge between education and employment,” she said.

One of the beneficiaries of the initiative, Onisobuana Osuamkpe said the six-month scheme has given him a much deeper understanding of the professional workspace, and how to navigate real-world engineering environments effectively.

“My mentor provided guidance on how modern engineering workspaces operate and advised me on structuring my professional documents. The guidance from experienced mentors provides practical insight into how the industry works, helping you build professional skills, communicate effectively, and prepare for your career,” he said.

Mentor Innocent Ugwu described noticeable progress in his mentee’s engagement and development since the programme began.

“The most rewarding aspect has been helping him understand the importance of being proactive, both personally and professionally,” Ugwu said, noting that the mentorship has reinforced initiative-taking and effective teamwork.