Shanghai Electric recently launched a comprehensive training programme tailored for over 700 newly recruited graduates. This move, following a nationwide hiring spree, is aimed at moulding young talent for sectors at the forefront of reshaping the energy industry. As part of the program, the recruits visited Shanghai Electric’s industrial bases, where they gained insights into the company’s corporate structure, innovation processes, digital advancements, and strategies for managing talent.
“Young talent has always been the engine behind our sustained growth and long-term vision. Their innovative spirit and fresh perspectives are what keep Shanghai Electric dynamic and forward-thinking. As we look to the future, we must continue to nurture youth talent, encouraging our latest recruits to embrace creativity and lead with innovation,” said Zhu Zhaokai, employee director of Shanghai Electric Holdings Group.
This year’s recruitment drive at Shanghai Electric underscores the company’s strategic focus on pushing for innovation in high-end, intelligent, and green industrial and energy equipment.
Central to this is the attraction of top-tier talent:
- 348 of the new members hold master’s or doctoral degrees, accounting for 48% of the total intake.
- 78 graduates from world-leading universities, over 90% of whom hail from educational institutions ranked in the QS Top 200.
For intelligent development, Shanghai Electric has targeted recruitment in areas pivotal to its growth in automation and digital technology. The 2024 intake includes:
- 34% of graduates specialising in fields such as artificial intelligence, intelligent science and technology, intelligent manufacturing engineering, and automation – sectors that are increasingly vital for the development of power station operations, automation equipment, nuclear power, and industrial software.
Shanghai Electric is demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability by prioritizing candidates with expertise in green industries.
- The company has actively sought out graduates in environmental science, chemical engineering, renewable energy, and advanced energy technologies, with 40% of its new hires coming from these specialised areas.
Digital transformation and tailored assessments
Digital transformation sits at the heart of Shanghai Electric’s strategy as it explores new solutions to innovate energy and industrial equipment. This year, the recruitment process was optimised with customised online assessments designed to identify the unique potential of each candidate. The training for new hires includes innovative methods like leaderless group discussions and comprehensive case studies, aligning with strategic company objectives.
“Excellence E+” talent development system
To maximise the potential of young professionals, Shanghai Electric has developed the “Excellence E+” talent development framework with three goals pillared, Electric+, Empower+, and Engine+, and structured into five phases, integration, understanding, skill-building, enhancement, and achievement. New hires will engage in talent development programs based on their career paths and stages of growth. Key programmes include an intensive training camp, young talent cultivation projects, management and technical trainee programmes, and a special scheme for developing future technology leaders.
Targeted programmes and hands-on training
Shanghai Electric Wind Power Group, a subsidiary of Shanghai Electric, rolled out a detailed program focused on the understanding phase for young talent, employing a “1+2+2+12” model. A holistic approach ensures that the new employees gain mastery in core procedures, product technology, assembly techniques, and site management, comprising of:
- one month of theoretical instruction,
- two months of hands-on workshop experience,
- two months of on-site learning at wind farms,
- and 12 months of on-the-job training.
Shanghai Electric Power Station Group is also targeting young professionals in the achievement phase to develop future leaders in the renewable energy sector. As the world accelerates its shift towards sustainable energy, this strategic initiative provides intensive training in crucial areas such as electrochemistry, materials science, semiconductors, and physics. This training aims to equip these high-potential individuals with the diverse skills necessary to excel in the competitive renewable energy market.
