ABB Engineer In Training (Full Time Intern Student)

Are you a recent engineering graduate looking to gain practical industry experience and develop your professional career? Graduate training programmes provide an opportunity to apply university knowledge in real engineering environments while learning from experienced professionals.

ABB is offering an Engineer in Training Programme for South African engineering graduates across several disciplines. The programme is designed to help young graduates develop technical and professional skills through practical workplace experience, collaboration with experienced teams and structured learning activities.

The programme follows the 70:20:10 Learning and Development Model, which combines practical experience, learning through interaction with others and formal classroom-based training.

Graduates will gain exposure to ABB’s business operations and work towards developing the technical competencies needed to establish careers in their respective engineering fields.

About the ABB Engineer In Training (Full Time Intern Student)

ABB’s Engineering in Training Programme is designed to prepare young engineering graduates for professional careers by providing practical exposure to different business operations and engineering functions.

The programme follows the 70:20:10 Learning and Development Model, which is structured around three learning approaches:

70% Practical Experience

Most of the learning takes place through hands-on workplace experience, where trainees perform tasks, participate in projects and develop technical skills under the guidance of experienced professionals.

20% Learning Through Others

Trainees learn by interacting with colleagues, asking questions, collaborating with different teams and receiving guidance from experienced employees.

10% Formal Learning

Classroom training and structured development activities help trainees strengthen their technical knowledge and professional competencies.

In addition to technical development, trainees will participate in training activities, project work, social activities and team-building initiatives designed to expand their professional networks within ABB.

Available Engineering Disciplines

ABB is seeking graduates from several engineering disciplines. The specific exposure will depend on the business division in which each trainee is placed.

1. Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering graduates will gain exposure to switchgear testing across different areas, including:

• Primary switchgear.
• Secondary switchgear.
• Modular switchgear.
• Switchgear commissioning.
• Electrical and mechanical designs for switchgear systems.

This placement provides exposure to electrical equipment, testing procedures and engineering design within ABB’s operations.

2. Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering graduates will gain exposure to:

• Basic engineering design.
• Technical drafting.
• Electrical workings of electric motors.
• Mechanical workings of electric motors.

The placement will help graduates understand motor systems and the engineering principles involved in their design and operation.

3. Control and Instrumentation Engineering

Graduates in Control and Instrumentation will gain exposure to:

• Industrial control systems.
• Field instrumentation.
• Actuators.
• Distributed Control Systems (DCS) design.
• DCS commissioning.

This field is particularly relevant to graduates interested in industrial automation, process control and instrumentation technologies.

4. Industrial Engineering

Industrial Engineering graduates will gain experience in factory operations and process improvement activities.

Exposure will include:

• Conducting time studies.
• Analysing factory operations.
• Identifying opportunities to improve processes.
• Supporting operational efficiency initiatives.

This placement is suited to graduates interested in manufacturing, production systems and continuous improvement.

5. Computer Engineering

Computer Engineering graduates will collaborate across the organisation to support the development and promotion of ABB Ability.

This exposure will provide insight into digital technologies and solutions supporting industrial development and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

Minimum Requirements and Qualifications

To be considered for the ABB Engineer in Training Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a South African citizen.
• Must have completed a BSc, BTech or BEng degree in one of the relevant engineering disciplines.
• Relevant qualifications include Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Industrial or Computer Engineering.
• Must have achieved a minimum academic average of 65% throughout their studies.
• Must be a university graduate with no more than two years of work experience.
• Must have effective written and spoken English communication skills.

Skills and Competencies

ABB is looking for graduates who demonstrate strong technical potential and a willingness to develop professionally.

The following competencies are important:

Problem-Solving and Innovation

• Ability to identify and solve problems.
• Creative thinking and innovative approaches.
• Interest in developing practical engineering solutions.

Communication and Teamwork

• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Ability to collaborate with different teams.
• Confidence when interacting with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Ability to contribute positively to team objectives.

Learning and Development

• Growth mindset.
• Willingness to learn new technical skills.
• Commitment to continuous improvement.
• Openness to feedback and professional development.

Leadership and Professionalism

• Demonstrated leadership experience.
• Confidence and initiative.
• Ability to work towards project deadlines.
• Professional attitude and accountability.

Your Role and Responsibilities

As an Engineer in Training, you will support ABB’s business operations while working with different teams and leaders.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting business activities within your assigned division.
• Collaborating with different teams and experienced professionals.
• Contributing to the achievement of company strategic objectives.
• Performing tasks and responsibilities assigned by your supervisor or team leader.
• Participating in professional development activities.
• Working towards your individual career development goals.
• Supporting projects and meeting assigned deadlines.

Thabang Maimela’s Tip

If you are applying for this graduate programme, pay close attention to how you present your academic performance and technical experience.

ABB specifically requires a minimum academic average of 65%, so make sure your CV clearly communicates your degree, engineering discipline and academic achievements.

Do not limit your CV to listing university modules. Highlight relevant projects, practical assignments, technical software, laboratory work and any exposure to engineering systems related to your preferred discipline.

For example, Electrical Engineering graduates should emphasise their exposure to electrical machines, switchgear, power systems and electrical design where applicable. Industrial Engineering graduates should highlight process optimisation, time studies and manufacturing-related projects.

Also prepare to explain why you are interested in ABB and how your engineering background aligns with the division in which you hope to gain experience.

Closing Date: Not Specified

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