WHY LIFELONG LEARNING MATTERS IN ENGINEERING AND STEM COMPANIES
Workers who feel supported to upskill and have access to learning are more motivated.
<p>PwC<sup>4</sup></p>
Companies that implement skills transformation strategies - such as modern learning technologies, growth-oriented organizational culture, and data-driven workforce planning - can outperform competitors.
<p>Study in Strategic HR Review<sup>5</sup></p>
Mature career development initiatives correlate with positive outlook for profitability, and confidence to attract and retain talent.
<p>LinkedIn<sup>6</sup></p>
Lifelong learning is essential for equipping engineers with critical skills for a rapidly changing work environment.
<p>American Society for Engineering Education<sup>7</sup></p>
HOW ABB ENABLES PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN PRACTICE
<p>As a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling colleagues from across businesses and countries to grow their careers is integral to a culture of integrity, performance and innovation. ABB is committed to providing diverse opportunities as its employees navigate dynamic markets, embrace technological advancements, and help run what runs the world.</p> <p>ABB’s Learn, Connect, Grow approach enables professional development across its global organization of 110,000 employees across more than 100 countries. It was implemented in 2023 and fosters an environment for lifelong learning and where employees take ownership of their career.</p>
Learn
<p>Considering the professional skills and behaviors needed to make ABB colleagues successful now and in the future, every employee is encouraged to make learning and upskilling a regular habit. Everyday work experiences are also valuable, recognizing that learning happens continuously.</p>
Connect
<p>Working in teams gives ABB colleagues the chance to learn from each other every day. By openly giving and asking for feedback, employees show care, build trust, and accelerate progress together. Expanding networks, both within ABB and beyond, exposes colleagues to diverse perspectives that fuel creativity and innovation.</p>
Grow
<p>We understand that growth isn’t one-size-fits-all. Employees are encouraged to set their own growth and career plans, while understanding how their work and professional development is aligned with ABB’s purpose. Employees can take up new projects, explore career paths, access career resources and apply to new positions.</p>
HOW IT WORKS AT ABB: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES
<p>During the last couple of years, the number of learning hours per employee has doubled, meaning that ABB colleagues are consuming more learning resources. Below are some of our programs and initiatives supporting our colleagues to learn, connect and grow:</p>
Early talent programs
<p>Early-in-career talent can start their career at ABB with the ABB Discovery Program and Global Early Talent Program. They are structured with rotations, mentorships or additional professional skills training, depending on the program. At the local level, some business specific programs may also be available.</p>
Leadership development programs
<p>These signature programs are designed to fuel a high-performance leadership culture across ABB’s operations, from first-line managers to senior executives. They range from in-house initiatives to collaborations with world-class partners like Harvard Business Publishing, IMD Business School and more.</p>
Business academies, including for engineering and STEM experts
<p>Every business offers a wide variety of programs to cover the needs of ABB’s technical population, including engineers, programmers and other personnel. This includes an electrification, automation and motion businesses.</p>
Live trainings throughout the year
<p>Through a series of events throughout the year—including Digital Workplace Weeks, AI Summer Camp, and Learn, Connect, Grow Day—ABB offers in-person, online and hybrid trainings on a variety of topics, such as digital and GenAI skills, career growth, and more.</p>
Digital tools driving self-paced learning
<p>ABB offers a diverse range of online learning tools and resources, so colleagues can continuously adapt and enhance their skills at their own pace and from any location. They include videos, learning pathways, toolkits, and other resources from reputable partners including Harvard.</p>
Open job market and career mobility
<p>Colleagues are encouraged to discover internal opportunities through ABB’s online career hub platform to foster career growth across corporate teams as well as Electrification, Automation and Motion business areas.</p>
Community engagement
<p>Colleagues can network, engage with each other, share their journeys and learn from best practices in an online community dedicated to “Learn, Connect, Grow”.</p>
HOW COLLEAGUES GROW THEIR CAREERS
<p>Our colleagues share how they are developing themselves through our programs, courses, certifications, mentorships and on-the-job learning.</p>
Mentorships and professional development
Nikolina Dekanovic is an R&D Power Electronics Engineer in Switzerland. Mentorship has profoundly shaped her growth. Through ABB’s mentoring programs, she connected with senior leaders from different businesses, gaining insight into leadership and long-term career development. “At first, you might think there’s a big hierarchy,” she reflects. “But once you start talking, you realize they are just human beings with incredible experience who genuinely want to support you.”
Discovering a new career path
Daniel Essandoh is a Product Marketing Specialist in the United States. Joining ABB’s early talent rotational program, Daniel was pushed beyond what he thought suited him. Instead of staying within engineering, he was encouraged to try a commercial role in global account management. Initially hesitant, he leaned in and discovered something transformative. “I found out that what I enjoyed about engineering wasn’t just building solutions,” he explains. “It was interacting with people, understanding problems, and solving them.”
Building expertise through certifications and training
Renáta Pesinová is an ICS Cyber Security Engineer in Czechia. Since joining ABB, Renata has actively developed her expertise through professional certifications, internal training, and global collaboration. “From the moment I joined, I had strong support from my manager,” she says. “I was able to complete many certifications that I needed for my role, and ABB offers multiple training courses.”
Developing leadership skills through stretch opportunities
Matthew Doley is the National Market Development Manager in Australia. The company’s culture of trust, mentorship, and learning has helped him expand his leadership skills and step beyond his comfort zone. “At ABB, the opportunity to step outside your comfort zone is always available,” he explains. “Whether it’s public speaking, presenting, or training, I’ve used those opportunities to build my brand and become a stronger leader.”
HOW ABB EMPLOYEES USE GENERATIVE AI IN THE WORKPLACE: TRAINING, TOOLS, AND IMPACT
At ABB, integrating AI, specifically generative AI, into daily work is not just about adopting new tools - it is about making a mindset shift. This article explains how ABB employees are using AI in the workplace today, so they can increase their impact through enhanced productivity, exploration and self-development.
HOW CAN AI SUPPORT CAREER DEVELOPMENT?
We held an inspiring LinkedIn Live session with Guillaume Delacour, our Head of People Development, on the role of AI in education and upskilling. Watch the recording and discover insights on adapting to a rapidly changing digital world and the skills needed to thrive. Click play to learn more.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION DRIVING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
When everyone can come as they are, it unlocks the full potential of ABB’s people and business. That includes how ABB colleagues have opportunities to learn, connect and grow.
Professional Development at ABB: How Learning, Connection and Growth Enable Careers
At ABB, enabling our colleagues to grow their careers is integral. Our Learn, Connect, Grow approach fosters a culture where employees take ownership of their career development.
How ABB employees use generative AI in the workplace: Training, Tools, and Impact
This article explains how ABB employees are using AI in the workplace, specifically GenAI, and how we support them with tools, AI training, and resources.
Careers for Young Professionals: Internships, Apprenticeships & Entry-Level Roles at ABB
Explore internships, apprenticeships, scholarships, and entry-level opportunities at ABB. STEM careers, graduate programs, and global early talent initiatives.
Women in STEM and beyond: ABB’s gender diversity initiatives
We will explore how ABB is fostering gender inclusion through its policies, programs and career opportunities.
LGBTQ+ Inclusion at ABB: Celebrating Pride Month in Engineering and STEM
Explore ABB’s approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion in engineering and STEM, including allyship programs, em-ployee resource groups, workplace recognition and Pride Month celebrations.
Cultural diversity in global engineering teams: how ABB enables collaboration and innovation
At ABB, cultural diversity strengthens engagement, collaboration, performance and innovation in complex industrial environments.
The importance of company values: Supporting our people with Care
Company values shape how employees make decisions and behave. The core value of Care is a key driver of caring for ourselves, each other and our customers.
The importance of company values: Curiosity as key to innovation, engagement, and success
We explore ABB’s values-driven culture. The core value of Curiosity is highlighted as a key driver of staying open minded, innovation, and going beyond.
Generations in the workplace
At ABB, we believe having multiple generations in the workplace is one of our strengths. Through a variety of initiatives, we're fostering inclusion.
The Ashesi-ETH Master's program: empowering engineers for a sustainable future
Global education partnerships strengthen engineering skills and innovation. Learn how ABB collaborates with academic institutions to build future talent.
Embracing every ability in the workplace
Our abilities are part of what makes each of us unique. People with chronic illness, disabilities, and neurodivergent conditions are valued and welcomed.
Gender-neutral parental leave supporting inclusion
We introduced a gender-neutral parental leave program to support employees, and foster an inclusive and engaging workplace.
Education: the foundation of sustainable development
Education and skills development are essential for a sustainable future. Discover how ABB supports learning initiatives for the energy and industrial transition.
Celebrating women in STEM: talent, skills and life-long growth
Women in STEM play a vital role in shaping the future of engineering. Explore how ABB promotes inclusion, diversity, and equal opportunity.
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