In a rapidly evolving world driven by innovation and transformation, staying competitive requires more than delivering advanced technologies and energy solutions. It also means investing in the people who make those innovations possible.

When employees develop, the organization grows alongside them. That’s why learning and professional development are central to GE Vernova’s strategy. Through its technical academies, the company offers structured learning journeys that combine expert-led sessions, classroom instruction, and practical, hands-on experience.

Philippe Piron, CEO of GE Vernova’s Electrification Systems business, highlights the importance of these programs:
“Technical academies create opportunities for knowledge transfer between experienced professionals and newer team members. As we continue expanding globally, developing our people is essential — not just in terms of workforce size, but also overall performance.”

Real People, Real Progress

Through its academy programs, GE Vernova provides employees at every stage of their careers with opportunities to grow and reach their full potential. This approach not only supports individual career paths but also fosters a broader culture of continuous learning across the organization.

For example, Nikhil Sharma began as a lead systems studies engineer and, through participation in the academies, expanded his technical expertise and advanced into a senior engineering role. Today, he leads a team delivering EMT (electromagnetic transient) and RMS (root mean square) studies for customer projects.

“When I had the opportunity to join, I didn’t hesitate,” Sharma says. “I’ve taken part in two learning journeys at GE Vernova. The mix of theory, site visits, and real-world assignments created a very valuable experience. It pushed me beyond my comfort zone and connected me with colleagues I might not normally work with, which helped me understand the bigger picture.”

Another participant, Preetika Dogra, works as a SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) coach and recently completed her own academy program.
“The Analytic Engineering Program gave me a strong foundation to grow in an AI-driven environment,” she explains. “The combination of practical exercises and mentorship made the experience both relevant and impactful. These programs not only build technical skills but also reinforce a culture of continuous improvement.”

A further example is Nicolas Manduley, who transitioned from academy participant to trainer.

“After completing the program, I was invited to become a trainer,” Manduley says. “Since I enjoy presenting and public speaking, it was a great opportunity to apply my PhD knowledge and research background to develop high-quality training materials. Helping others grow in a field I’m passionate about is extremely rewarding.”

He adds that the role also supports his own development:
“Being a trainer allows me to keep learning. Through technical discussions with senior engineers, I’ve been able to expand my expertise and take on broader responsibilities. It keeps me engaged and motivated in my role.”

More Than a Career: Building a Culture of Continuous Growth

GE Vernova’s technical academies cover a wide range of disciplines, including electrical engineering, grid integration, digital analytics, cybersecurity, power systems, software development, and sustainability leadership. Employees can choose between self-paced online learning, peer-to-peer sessions (both virtual and in-person), and “train-the-trainer” programs.

Beyond internal development, the company is also investing in future talent through initiatives like Next Engineers, a global program designed for young people aged 13 to 18 who are interested in engineering careers. The initiative provides hands-on exposure to engineering concepts and offers pathways to scholarships, degree programs, or apprenticeships.

Thomas Bennett, who joined GE Vernova as an apprentice, credits the program with shaping his career direction:
“Next Engineers gave me a solid technical foundation and helped me decide on my career path. Joining GE Vernova took that to another level. From the start, I worked on real projects, learned from experienced engineers, and contributed to meaningful solutions. It’s inspiring to be part of a company that is actively driving the energy transition.”

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