Once again we had a great 2 days at Data Centre World London 2026.
It was a very busy event for our team, with our stand welcoming a steady stream of visitors across both days.
A big thank you to everyone who stopped by to see us. If we didn’t get the chance to catch up during the event, please feel free to drop us a message — we’d still love to connect.
Thanks as well to our brilliant team who represented the business over the two days.
We look forward to seeing everyone again next year.
Today we had the pleasure of recognising an incredible milestone — 25 years of dedicated service to AF Switchgear. 🤝
Mike Ratcliffe joined the Company on 6th March 2001 as Production Manager moving to Operations Manager 4th November 2002. Mike is also the Group’s Health and Safety officer, looks after our Environmental issues and has represented the Company with the ECA – Excellence in Electrotechnical and Engineering Services for over 12 years and has a very active roll at branch level including the honourable position of Branch Chairman for much of that time.
“Those who work with Mike know that he brings a strong work ethic, committed leadership, and a willingness to step in whenever needed.”
It is also important to mention our Apprenticeship program of which Mike has had a lot of involvement with, working very closely with Vision West Nottinghamshire College. The amount of apprentices that have joined, qualified and forged a successful career with AF Switchgear is phenomenal for a business of our size.
Mike Ratcliffe, on behalf of the Directors of AF Switchgear and your colleagues, we would like to thank you for your 25 years of hard work and commitment. 👏🏼
We are delighted to present certificates to our first AF Academy students upon completion of the AF Academy qualification.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 course involves:
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.
We already have our next two courses fully booked, which is a great testament to everybody involved from AF Switchgear and Vision West Nottinghamshire College.
🎉 Apprentice of the Year 2025 🎉
In line with National Apprenticeship Week we are proud to announce ‘Reuben Lowe’ as our AF Switchgear Apprentice of the Year 2025.
Reuben is in the final stages of his apprenticeship, and this award is thoroughly deserved. He has grown enormously during his time with us — professionally, personally, and as a valued team member — and has a very bright future ahead at AF Switchgear.
We’d also like to recognise all of our apprentices for their continued hard work and commitment.
A special mention to Vision West Nottinghamshire College who we work alongside on our Apprenticeship Scheme, and to Protrade Tools & Fixings for supporting our Apprentice of the Year — thank you for your continued support.
Our team are back from the Kickstart Europe Conference in Amsterdam. This event is held annually in Amsterdam, it brings together industry leaders to discuss trends and investments in digital infrastructure.
As always it was a great event for us to connect and network across the industry. We look forward to following on our conversations in the coming weeks.
AF Switchgear Academy Students Reach Halfway Point in Industry Training Programme
Students on the first AF Switchgear Academy cohort have reached the halfway point of their industry training programme, marking a key milestone in the partnership between West Notts College and AF Switchgear.
The five-day blended programme, certified by AF Switchgear, prepares students for careers in the design, manufacture and installation of low-voltage switchgear and control panels — a vital specialist area within the energy, infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.
Training is delivered at West Notts College, which includes a dedicated AF Switchgear facility, as well as at the company’s head office in Nottinghamshire.
The first cohort includes students from manufacturing engineering and electrical installation courses, who are gaining hands-on industry experience alongside their full-time studies. Students say the programme is already helping them develop practical skills, strengthen their CVs and stay focused on future career pathways.
Furkan Benzer, studying the Advanced Award in Manufacturing Engineering, said:
“We’re gaining hands-on experience, and it’s a really good thing to put on your CV because it shows employers you’re going out of your way to get more involved in the career you want.”
Jenson George, who studies Intermediate Electrical Installation, added:
“I’m thinking about a career in electrical engineering, and being part of this programme definitely helps me stay on that path.”
Joel Harrison, Electrical Fitter at AF Switchgear, said the collaboration gives students valuable insight into the industry and could encourage more young people to consider apprenticeships.
He added:
“Having the college and AF Switchgear working together is much better than training separately. It reaches more people, particularly full-time students who might not have considered this kind of work before.”
Year 1 Apprentices – Team Building Day 👏🏼
Our Year 1 Apprentices recently took part in a fantastic team-building day designed to strengthen collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills, led by Hard Days Knight, Peak District. 🤝
Working in three teams along with their mentors, they set out to design and build their own rafts using poles and barrels before putting them to the test on the water. What followed was a great mix of teamwork, creativity, and laughter — with a few unexpected splashes along the way! 🛢️💦🦆
Everyone showed real determination and team spirit, from the initial build through to paddling their rafts around the course and even braving the chilly water. After dismantling their creations, the group warmed up with a well-earned meal and plenty of smiles all round. 🥶 🥣
A brilliant day of teamwork, resilience, and fun — and a great milestone early in their apprenticeship journey.
💫 Honouring Loyalty and Legacy at AF Switchgear 💫
Last Friday marked a truly special moment at AF Switchgear — our 5th Annual Veterans Club Lunch.
Each year, this event brings together an incredible group of people who have dedicated 25 years or more to our business. It’s more than a lunch — it’s a celebration of loyalty, teamwork, and shared success.
This year, we were proud to welcome 8 new members to the Veterans Club, a reflection of how our family continues to grow. Together, our 34 members represent an astounding 968 years of combined service, averaging 28.4 years each — a milestone that speaks volumes about the strength of our culture and the passion of our people.
To every one of our Veterans Club members — thank you. Your commitment, expertise, and pride in what you do have shaped AF Switchgear into the company it is today. We are deeply grateful for all you’ve done and continue to do.
⚡ 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:
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
😊 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! 🎉