Powering the next generation of Engineers

Powering the next generation of Engineers

 Powering the next generation of Engineers

⚡ Powering the next generation of engineers! ⚙️

⭐ We’re incredibly proud to officially launch the AF Switchgear Academy in partnership with Vision West Nottinghamshire College.

A huge thank you to everyone who made Monday’s launch such a success — from our colleagues and college partners to local employers, industry representatives, and all who attended. Your support means a lot. 🙌

This collaboration marks another exciting step in developing local engineering talent and creating real opportunities for the next generation to build their careers in the switchgear industry. ⚙️

We’re looking forward to welcoming more students through the Academy and helping shape the future of our sector — together. 🔩 🤝

 

Application process:

The Academy will be delivered in partnership with Vision West Nottinghamshire College therefore you MUST be a current full time student at the college to be eligible to apply for the academy course. 

The course involves:

  • A dedicated 5-day training programme.
  • Based around non-college days.
  • Course is college and site based, at our Facility.
  • Training is AF Switchgear certified.

In collaboration with Vision West Notts College the Training Academy offers a great opportunity to explore the opportunities available within the switchgear industry and to experience how AF Switchgear, the largest privately owned Switchgear manufacturer in the UK is embracing future challenges.

Please contact dbunting@afswitchgear.co.uk for an application form

Assembly Fitters

We are looking for Assembly Fitters to join our Production Department.

This role has fantastic career growth, with opportunities to progress and gain qualifications.

Reporting to the Production Managers the role will include, but is not exclusive to:

  • To adhere to the Works File/Job Pack information
  • To refer to and follow the Company Engineering assembly standards where appropriate
  • To remain on the job in a productive and efficient role. This will be monitored via agreed KPI’s and your personal performance regularly appraised.
  • To give guidance and support, where required to fellow team members and sub-contractors
  • To discuss opportunities to increase productivity with the Team Leader in charge.
  • To inform the Team Leader of any urgently required parts
  • To inform the Team Leader of any concerns regarding part/build/equipment
  • Responsibility for complying with and implementing the business management system within their area of activity.
  • To maintain production commitments it may be required to change an operative’s working hours onto a different shift, i.e. a late or night shift.
  • These will only be required in exceptional circumstances and notice will be given where possible. You will be expected to undertake this temporary shift change, if requested.
  • Housekeeping and the implementation of a 5S program is key to the success of the assembly process. You must ensure that your work area is kept tidy at all times and that any tools used when finished with or at the end of each day are returned to the shadow boards. You must where possible add value to the process by contributing to the continuous improvement ethos. This will be monitored via agreed KPI’s and subject to strict audits which will be undertaken at defined intervals.
  • Working closely with fellow team members, including the Team Leader and Works Supervisor to constantly strive for improvements leading to reduced lead times and quality improvements. To review Health, Safety and Environment impacts within the assembly area and the wider company of which your contribution is an essential part of the process.
  • To carry out any other assembly or production support tasks as required, within the post-holder’s capabilities.

Working hours:

Include Total hours 37.5 hours per week

Days (flexible start and finish time)

Monday to Thursday 07:30-08.30 start & 16.00-17.00 finish

Friday 07.30-08.30 start & 11:45-12.45 finish

Benefits:

  • This role has fantastic career growth, with opportunities to progress and gain qualifications.
  • 4.5 day working week – flexible start and finish times
  • Family owned, successful & growing company
  • Progressive pay scale
  • Generous overtime rates
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • BUPA Private Medical Care & 24/7 GP Access
  • 24 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays
  • Death in service benefit
  • Company Sick pay
  • Company Pension
 
Apply to:
Emma Ryan eryan@afswitchgear.co.uk
 
Closing date on-going due to growth of company. 
 

AF Academy Application

The AF Switchgear Academy aims to provide industry-leading training and will prepare students for a role in the design, manufacture and installation of low voltage switchgear and control panels.

The Academy will be delivered in partnership with Vision West Nottinghamshire College therefore you MUST be a current full time student at the college to be eligible to apply for the academy course. 

The course involves:

  • A dedicated 5-day training programme.
  • Based around non-college days.
  • Course is college and site based, at our Facility.
  • Training is AF Switchgear certified.

In collaboration with Vision West Notts College the Training Academy offers a great opportunity to explore the opportunities available within the switchgear industry and to experience how AF Switchgear, the largest privately owned Switchgear manufacturer in the UK is embracing future challenges.

How to Apply

Please follow this link to apply by filling out the online form:

From Apprentice to Full time Contracts

From Apprentice to Full time Contracts

 

From Apprentice to Full time Contracts

😊 We are proud to celebrate a fantastic milestone at AF Switchgear — three of our apprentices have now successfully completed their four-year apprenticeship and have been offered full-time contracts with us! 👏

Two will be continuing their careers as Electrical Fitters, and one will be joining our Site Services team as an Electrical Fitter.

This is a huge achievement and a real credit to their hard work, dedication, and the support of our training and mentoring teams.

We are incredibly proud of what they’ve accomplished and look forward to seeing their careers continue to grow and flourish here at AF Switchgear for many years to come. 🚀

Congratulations to all three — great work! 🎉

Careers Fair 2025 Ashfield District Council

Careers Fair 2025 Ashfield District Council

Careers Fair 2025 Ashfield District Council

We had a great day last week at the Ashfield District Council & Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Careers Fair at Kirkby Leisure Centre in Mansfield!

AF Switchgear were proud to be Gold Sponsors of the event — it was busy from start to finish. We spoke to plenty of students interested in future apprenticeships with us, as well as jobseekers keen to learn more about our current opportunities. 🧑🏼‍🎓

It’s always great to be out there representing the Switchgear industry and flying the flag as a local employer. 👥

Big thanks to everyone who stopped by our stand and to the organisers for a fantastic event! 👏🏼

Controls & Monitoring Estimating Engineer

We are looking for a Controls and Monitoring Estimating Engineer to join our Sales Department.

Reporting to the Sales Estimating Director the role will include, but is not exclusive to:

  • Review consultant / client technical specifications and drawings.
  • Identify the best engineering solutions.
  • List all the Hardware and licence requirements with cost.
  • Estimate all Engineering hours both on and off site for the duration of the project.
  • Liaise with our supply chain for lead times and cost.
  • Liaise with third party PLC Contractors for cost and availability.
  • Liaise with our internal EMS engineering team.
  • Write and present PMS/EMS/SCADA Tech Subs when required.
  • Assist with keeping the company estimate platform up to date with the latest PMS/EMS/SCADA Hardware/Engineering prices (training will be provided with the estimating platform and software use).
  • Attend any site or client meetings as and when required during the tender process.
  • Responsibility for complying with and implementing business management system within their area of activity.

     

    Working hours:

    Total Hours: 37.50

    Monday to Thursday (start / finish time):

    07:30 – 09:00 and 16:15 – 17:45

    Friday (start / finish time):

    07:30 – 08:30 and 12:00 – 13:00

    Essential Qualifications/Experience:

    Be proficient in PMS/EMS/PLC Controls using Schneider, Mitsubishi, Siemens etc.

    Have good communication skills both internal and with clients.

    Desirable But Not Essential:

    Have on site engineering experience, preferred but not essential.

Apply to:
Diane Bunting dbunting@afswitchgear.co.uk 
Closing date: 24th October 2025.
 

How to Apply

  1. Download and fill in the Application Form

 

2. Email your Application Form and CV dbunting@afswitchgear.co.uk 

DCD Connect and Data Centre Marketing Club

DCD Connect and Data Centre Marketing Club

 

DCD Connect and Data Centre Marketing ClubIt’s been a busy few weeks for the AF Switchgear team! 👏🏼

We recently attended the Data Centre Marketing Club event at The Flight Club Shoreditch 🎯.

This Club is gaining momentum with each event and proving to be a great way to meet fellow marketeers from across the industry. We are already looking forward to the next event. 🙌🏼

The same week we attended Datacenter Dynamics ~ DCDConnect London – with two packed days of meeting with industry peers, reconnecting with familiar faces, and making new connections across the data centre community. 🤝

We also enjoyed another successful evening on the Tuesday evening at The Flight Club Islington –another great year teaming up with AVK-SEG and Schneider Electric.

Thanks to everyone who joined us… we can’t wait to do it all again next year!

Championing Wellbeing in the Data Centre Industry

Championing Wellbeing in the Data Centre Industry

Championing Wellbeing in the Data Centre Industry

🌿 Championing Wellbeing in the Data Centre Industry 🌿

AF Switchgear was proud to be one of the sponsors of last week’s Regenerate Wellness UK event — an inspiring initiative focused on the human cost of working in the data centre sector.

Our team, many of whom are set to begin their Mental Health First Aid training in January, had a brilliant day. They thoroughly enjoyed the activities on offer and found the talks particularly insightful. The sessions provided valuable guidance on recognising signs that someone may be struggling, and how best to support colleagues in the workplace.

This learning will be invaluable as our team members step into their First Aider roles next year, helping us to create a culture where mental health is recognised, respected, and supported.

We are proud to stand alongside others in the industry who are making wellbeing a priority. Thank you to the organisers for hosting such an impactful and meaningful event.

National Data Centre Day 12th September 2025

National Data Centre Day 12th September 2025

 

 

National Data Centre Day 12th September 2025

National Data Centre Day 2025

Powering Progress in the UK’s Digital Future

The 12th of September 2025 marks the very first National Data Centre Day (NDCD) – a new awareness day dedicated to recognising the essential role data centres play in powering the UK’s digital economy, supporting Artificial Intelligence (AI), and keeping society connected.

Why the 12th of September?

This significant date marks one year since data centres were officially recognised as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) by the UK Government – placing them alongside water, energy, and transport as vital services that keep the country running.

Why Data Centres Matter

Every time we send a text, share a photo on social media, stream a film, or make an online payment, a data centre makes it possible. These facilities are the backbone of modern life, enabling:

·      AI and Cloud Computing – powering everything from smart assistants to advanced machine learning models.

·      Essential Services – supporting healthcare, finance, education, and communications.

·      Innovation and Growth – driving the UK’s ambitions in digital transformation and the wider tech economy.

And yet, despite being so vital, data centres often remain invisible to the public.

That’s why National Data Centre Day is so important. It shines a spotlight on this industry, the people behind it, and the innovations shaping a more connected, sustainable, and digital future.

Why support National Data Centre Day?

Supporting National Data Centre Day is about recognising how digital infrastructure underpins everything we do. By shining a light on the industry, we can:

·      Improve public understanding of the role data centres play

·      Attract the next generation of talent into STEM and IT careers

·      Highlight sustainability progress, from energy efficiency to renewable power

Visit the NDCD website to find out more – https://nationaldatacentreday.com/

Follow the official NDCD page on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/nationaldatacentreday/

Apprentice Intake 2025

Apprentice Intake 2025

Apprentice Intake 2025

🌟 Investing in the Next Generation at AF Switchgear Ltd 🌟

This week we proudly welcomed our latest cohort of apprentices. 🧑🏼‍🎓👩🏻‍🎓

Since 1981, our apprenticeship scheme has been at the heart of AF Switchgear, providing young people with the skills, experience, and confidence to build long and rewarding careers in our industry.

This year marks our largest intake yet:

• 10 × Electrical Panel Builders ⚡️
• 1 × Metal Fabricator ⚙️
• 1 × Business Support Apprentice 📧
• 2 × Accounts Assistants 🧾

Through our valued partnership with Vision West Nottinghamshire College, our apprentices benefit from a blend of classroom learning and real-world experience, supported every step of the way by our expert teams.

💡 A special thank you goes to TLA Distribution Ltd and Cembre Group for equipping our apprentices with the tools and CPD-accredited training that ensure AF Switchgear continues to deliver industry-leading quality.

At AF Switchgear, we believe apprenticeships are more than just training — they are an investment in people, innovation, and the future of UK engineering. We wish each and every one of our new Apprentices the very best of luck in their journey with us. 🍀

Here’s to supporting the next generation of talent! ⭐️