CLP Graduate Trainee Programme

Click HERE to learn more about Justina Yim.

Click HERE to learn more about John Ching.

As someone who joined CLP’s Graduate Trainee (GT) Programme 14 years ago, I can personally attest to the transformative experience the programme offers, turning me from an enthusiastic engineering graduate into an accomplished engineering leader.

The two-year GT Programme was very well structured and provided all elements that I needed for the early stage of my career, including technical, commercial and soft skill training, industry exposures, and proper guidance from senior leaders.

Throughout the years, I had also been given the opportunities to develop my profession through a wide range of challenging assignments, including operations and maintenance, emergency services, construction management, operational excellence, and contractor management, in both transmission and distribution systems. I progressed my career through various leadership positions and my current designation is Principal Manager – Construction, who is responsible for leading a branch of professional engineers in managing construction projects to expand CLP’s power network in the northern region, notably to support Hong Kong’s development of the Northern Metropolis.

Reflecting on my own journey, I am extremely grateful to have a decent career while also having the opportunity to serve the community with what I have learnt. As a fellow engineering graduate, I would recommend CLP’s GT Programme without any reservation.

After graduating university, I was thrilled to join CLP as a Graduate Trainee in 2011. The two-year programme provided me with an invaluable introduction to the power utility industry and a strong foundation for my career.

A key aspect of the Graduate Trainee Programme that I found particularly impactful was the mentor assigned to guide me throughout the two-year training.  This experienced professional played a vital role in enriching my technical know-how on operating the power system. From the outset, he provided detailed explanation of the engineering principles and encouraged me to ask probing questions. Whilst I was rotating between line departments, my mentor ensured I gained deep and hands-on understanding on the respective work tasks.  Apart from technical realm, my mentor also exposed me to other key development area such as stakeholders and project management. I was invited to stakeholders’ engagement events and assigned to participate in cross-unit projects, where I witnessed the importance of effective communication and management skills.

Overall, the support from CLP Graduate Trainee Programme was pivotal to my career growth. Now, I am working in the eMobility department and target to drive green transportation. My diverse experiences and capabilities developed over the years in CLP are definitely helpful. I am immensely grateful for the guidance, which has continued to support my career long after completing the programme. 

I joined CLP through the Graduate Trainee program in 2012. This was the first time that CLP recruiting Graduate Trainees from universities in Mainland for Hong Kong office. Throughout the recruitment process, I was inspired by the professional images of CLP colleagues. I gradually built up trust with CLP and eventually had the chance to join this big family!

I left my home and started my new life in Hong Kong in August 2012. With the friendly help of people around me, I was able to adapt into the fast-pace living and working environment quickly. Throughout my career in CLP, I started on-job rotation and was assigned as a Protection Engineer in the first place. I was honoured to have the chance to participate in one of the CLP’s mega projects - Fangchenggang Phase II construction in 2016. After completing my assignment, I progressed to be Commissioning Engineer and later a Project Engineer. In 2018, an opportunity arose in Mainland China's electricity market reform, and I grasped the opportunity of working in CLP China and involving in the project of forming a power distribution company in Mainland China.

CLP has provided me with a platform to learn from Generation to Transmission and Distribution Networks, I have been given opportunities to be involved in different key projects and to gradually assume managerial roles. It is my privilege to be one of the members of the CLP family!

Beginning my professional journey at CLP was a wise decision. Starting my Graduate Trainee Programme in 2016, I was immersed in a dynamic and supportive environment that fostered both personal and professional growth. The structured training programme allowed me quickly acquiring theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience across generation, transmission, distribution, and engineering services.

Throughout my time at CLP, I had the opportunity to work with experts in diverse teams across various departments. My experience in the operation and maintenance of the transmission system enriched my professional competence in high voltage engineering. During emergency repair and refurbishment of transmission equipment, I have been contributing to ensure reliable electricity supply. Additionally, I had the chances to commission major transmission projects, contributing to Hong Kong’s development.

CLP provided numerous opportunities for career advancement and professional development. I was encouraged to take on leadership roles in both transmission projects and business improvement initiatives, significantly boosting my confidence and leadership capabilities. The mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals were instrumental in shaping my career path. Furthermore, CLP offered opportunities to collaborate with experts across the energy sector through professional symposiums and manufacturing factory visits, broadening my engineering horizons.

Reflecting on my journey, I am grateful for the experiences and opportunities that CLP offered. The 2-year training period was a transformative period that laid a strong foundation for my future endeavors in the energy sector.

I started my career at CLP through the Graduate Trainee Programme in 2017, and since then, I have been on my dream job journey in this company.

The 2-year Graduate Trainee Programme was a transformative experience where I gradually developed from a beginner to an engineer. It provided a valuable opportunity to build a strong professional network through rotating across various departments within the group, gaining insights into supply networks as well as the operation of the industry. I formed lasting friendships with peers and supervisors who supported my growth and inspired me to push my boundaries. Exposure to different teams and challenges also gave me chances to understand my strengthens and weaknesses.

Additionally, CLP has provided me with numerous opportunities and continuous fair treatment and respect to develop my career path. From the Transmission Plant Operations & Maintenance team to the Protection Systems team, I acquired practical knowledge in areas, such as asset operations & maintenance, network outage planning and project management skills. My later experience in Operational Excellence Department on conducting contractor management reviews, and then becoming the Technical Assistant to the CLP Power Chief Operations & Transformation Officer, broadened my horizons and enhanced my soft skills such as interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills.

Wish we can learn from each other and make progress together!  

During my time at CLP, I have collaborated closely with my teams and gained invaluable knowledge from the management and colleagues across CLP's operating companies. Their guidance, experiences, insights, and vision are constant sources of inspiration for me.

Since day one, I was welcomed into a culture that truly values high standards and encourages continuous growth. I had the opportunity to shadow seasoned engineers and technicians in the generation business, who were incredibly willing to teach and share their expertise. The hands-on training and mentorship provided invaluable insights, helping me develop the skills necessary to excel in the energy sector.

From the very beginning, I was empowered with authority on owning projects which helped me embrace accountability and fostered my confidence and leadership abilities. The programme's structured career path was crucial to my professional development, guiding me through each stage and clarifying what it takes to succeed.

Beyond productive work outcomes, what truly stood out was the company’s genuine care for sustainable growth in society. The support from the management and colleagues made a significant difference, fostering an environment where I felt encouraged to ask questions and share ideas. This collaborative atmosphere enriched my learning experience and reinforced our commitment to Power Brighter Tomorrows.

Having completed the CLP Graduate Trainee programme, I am well prepared to grow with the company and contribute to its success. This programme has equipped me with the skills and insights necessary for a rewarding career in the power industry, and I believe other graduates will find similar opportunities for growth and development in CLP as well.

I was honoured to be awarded the CLP Engineering Studies Award in 2020 and became a Graduate Trainee in CLP in 2021.

During the training journey of the GT Programme, I had the opportunities to work in various Business Units and Departments across the whole company, where I learnt and understood the daily routines of different engineering stakeholders. Such programme helped me to gain a comprehensive understanding of the company’s operations and be involved in different improvement projects. Meanwhile, it allowed me space to discover my passion and the functional groups that I am most interested in, which led my journey to work as a frontline operator in Transmission Protection Operation & Maintenance, where I exercise and demonstrate my technical expertise.

Being a GT in CLP provided me a lot of opportunities to try different things, I am grateful to become an emcee for many grand events, joining the Oxfam Trailwalker, and being one of the starting members of the Gender Equity Network group of CLP in raising the awareness of gender equity within the company and enriching employee empowerment and inclusivity. The GT Programme is also a great platform for me to connect with The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, such as being selected as a President's Protégé, won the First Runner-Up of the Trainee of the Year Award, and became an Ally of the Engineer Alliance, the official KOL of HKIE.

I am absolutely grateful for all the resources and opportunities available in GT Programme, there are thousands of possibilities to be achieved by GT and I hope young graduates would seize the opportunity of this programme and strive to excel in working in CLP.

I joined CLP as a Graduate Trainee in 2022, it is truly a privilege to be a member of this organization.

What sets CLP apart is its comprehensive approach to training, which goes beyond technical development. The programme encourages us not only to hone our technical skills but also to take on responsibilities like organizing internal events, assisting with company tasks, and contributing to community initiatives through external events. This well-rounded training exposes us to various disciplines beyond our own, broadening our horizons and providing opportunities to explore different fields based on our interests. The programme's flexibility allows us to delve into diverse areas, paving the way for a dynamic and fulfilling future where we can choose the path. CLP's commitment to holistic development ensures that we not only excel in our technical abilities but also cultivate a sense of responsibility towards internal operations and external community engagement. Besides, I appreciate the invaluable support of my engineering supervisor, who was also a Graduate Trainee of CLP, who shares his experiences and provides practical solutions based on his understanding of my challenges, offering me valuable knowledge and insights for my future career.

In conclusion, as I look ahead with anticipation to the journey that lies ahead, I am thrilled to witness the transformative impact this experience will have on my future, and I wholeheartedly encourage aspiring graduates to consider joining the Graduate Trainee Programme, as it truly has the potential to change one's life in profound and rewarding ways.

I am deeply grateful to CLP for providing me with the opportunity to be a 2023 Graduate Trainee and be part of the CLP family. CLP’s commitment to fostering a culture of learning has been instrumental in my growth as an Electrical Engineer.

This year, I rotated in the Generation Business Group (GBG) where I learned about turbines and power plant operation & maintenance, and the Power Systems Business Group (PSBG), where I learned about the transmission and distribution (T&D) infrastructure, the electronic and communication systems governing our equipment, how the system is controlled and operated, and how we approach developments and adoption of new technologies.

My one-year rotation to different business functions emphasized the importance of ensuring a safe work environment and maintaining a reliable supply. Each rotation offered unique insights and challenges. Engineers not only have to focus on maintaining the T&D system, but they also have a critical role in managing the project, contractors, and meeting customer needs.

On top of the rotation, I also attended workshops, conducted small studies, wrote reports to fulfill the HKIE Scheme A training, worked on a cross-business unit project, and supported several company events.

It is certainly a unique time to be part of the electric utility industry, given EV adoption, penetration of distributed energy resources, high demand from AI and data centers, and push for a green future of the grid. I am excited to continue my journey and contribute meaningfully to a greener future.

Joining the CLP family as a Graduate Trainee in 2023 after my summer internship in 2022 has been a fruitful learning journey for me.

During the Graduate Trainee Programme, I was attached to different departments. I have gained valuable insights from experienced seniors across various roles on how to progress from junior level to management level. Seniors also encouraged us to ask questions freely, fostering a culture of curiosity and continuous learning. Additionally, having rotations with batchmates further enriched my learning through discussions and enhanced our collective learning experiences.

Apart from learning through observation and discussion, I gained numerous hands-on experiences that have prepared me for a future as a professional Mechanical Engineer. For example, I participated in workshops that provided me with fundamental mechanical skills and contributed to ongoing projects that have direct impacts on the company.

Moreover, the programme provided me not only with technical expertise but also with essential soft skills necessary for professional success. Engaging in both internal and external events, such as serving as the chairman of an event organizing committee and acting as the emcee at seminars, further broadened my skill set such as project management and presentation skills.

Overall, the Graduate Trainee Programme has equipped me with a diverse skill set and a comprehensive understanding of the industry, transforming me into a well-rounded engineer and preparing me for a successful career ahead.