Learn, Connect, Grow: How ABB Supports Career Development and Lifelong Learning

Professional Development at ABB: How Learning, Connection and Growth Enable Careers

Organizations and workers alike recognize that continuous learning and career development are important for business and individual success. At ABB, we enable colleagues from across businesses and geographies to take ownership of their careers through the Learn, Connect, Grow philosophy.

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3min

2026-05-07

What is career development today?

Career development is much broader and more dynamic than the idea of “climbing the corporate ladder.” It’s about creating opportunities over time, as industries, technologies, and work models change quickly.
The World Economic Forum emphasizes continuous people development, adaptability, resilience, and lifelong learning because industries and job requirements are rapidly evolving.¹
Career success has evolved significantly over time, moving from promotions and salary alone, towards measures like alignment with personal goals, meaningful and fulfilling work, and well-being, according to research published in Frontiers of Education and Science Direct.^2,3

Why lifelong learning matters in engineering and STEM companies

Workers who feel supported to upskill and have access to learning are more motivated.

PwC4

Companies that implement skills transformation strategies - such as modern learning technologies, growth-oriented organizational culture, and data-driven workforce planning - can outperform competitors.

Study in Strategic HR Review5

Mature career development initiatives correlate with positive outlook for profitability, and confidence to attract and retain talent.

LinkedIn6

Lifelong learning is essential for equipping engineers with critical skills for a rapidly changing work environment.

American Society for Engineering Education7

How AI and skills gaps impact the workplace

Digital skills are not only for tech teams. Digital upskilling, including on AI technologies, can help all employees thrive and make companies more competitive.⁸
Skills gaps remain the predominant barrier to transformation across most industries.⁹

How ABB enables professional development in practice

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. 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.

Learn

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.

Connect

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.

Grow

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.

"We want our colleagues to learn, connect and grow in a way that is meaningful for them and at the same time contribute to the purpose and continued success of ABB. We support our people with their growth, providing them with lifelong learning opportunities and a feedback culture that enables continuous improvement."

- Carolina Granat, CHRO

How it works at ABB: Professional development programs and resources

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:

Early talent programs

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.

Leadership development programs

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.

Business academies, including for engineering and STEM experts

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.

Live trainings throughout the year

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.

Digital tools driving self-paced learning

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.

Open job market and career mobility

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.

Community engagement

Colleagues can network, engage with each other, share their journeys and learn from best practices  in an online community dedicated to “Learn, Connect, Grow”.

Learn, Connect, Grow Day fostering continuous learning culture

ABB hosts Learn, Connect, Grow Day in ABB sites across the world each year. It features career activities, keynote speakers and inspiring stories. Click “play” to learn more about the day and hear from ABB colleagues on their careers.

At the most recent Learn, Connect, Grow Day, over 45,000 colleagues participated in live and virtual events across more than 300 offices and production sites in over 50 countries.

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.

Join the team that runs what runs the world

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