Internal NewsSeptember 9, 2026September 9, 2026

Apprentice Intake 2026

Investing in the next generation 👏

This week, we are delighted to welcome 18 new apprentices to AF Switchgear – our largest-ever apprentice intake.

Apprenticeships have long played an important role in developing talent across our business, with 79 apprentices developed to date through our apprenticeship programme, run in conjunction with Vision West Nottinghamshire College.

The opportunities do not stop once an apprenticeship is complete:

🔹 Around 85% have continued their careers with us
🔹 15% have progressed into leadership and managerial roles
🔹 Some have even progressed all the way to Director level

A very warm welcome to all 18 – your career starts here!

Internal NewsSeptember 9, 2026September 9, 2026

25 year Work Anniversary

🎉 Celebrating 25 years at AF Switchgear!

A huge congratulations to Paul Courtley, Senior Sales Estimating Engineer, who last week celebrated an incredible 25 years with AF Switchgear – and officially joins our Veterans Club!

During his 25 years with AF, Paul has seen the business change and grow considerably. He also played an important part in modernising our estimating processes, helping introduce the company’s first computer-based estimating system – quite a change from the pricing sheets and calculators used when he first joined us !

For Paul, one of the highlights of his time at AF has been the friendships he has built, both within the Sales Office and across the wider business.

With Paul set to retire early next year, this milestone is an especially significant one.

Congratulations on 25 years, Paul, and welcome to the AF Veterans Club! 👏🎉

Internal NewsSeptember 9, 2026September 9, 2026

Group Metropolitan Charity Bike Ride

A huge congratulations to Group Metropolitan and everyone including our very own Conor McGuigan who took part in the Lake District Challenge over the weekend! 🚴‍♂️🥾⛰️

Over two challenging days, participants took on either 200 miles by bike or 50km on foot, all in support of the incredible work of Reverse Rett and inspired by Lily. 💜

AF Switchgear were proud to support the challenge as one of the event sponsors and help contribute to such a worthwhile cause.

Internal NewsAugust 27, 2026August 27, 2026

25 year Work Anniversary

A huge congratulations to Steven Garrard, who today celebrates an incredible 25 years with AF Switchgear! 👏

Steve joined us as an Apprentice and has progressed through a number of roles during his career with the business.

In 2013, he joined the Engineering department as an Applications Engineer, before progressing to Contracts Engineer and then, in 2021, Engineering Manager.

His career continued to progress, becoming Engineering Director in 2023 and, earlier this year, being appointed Group Engineering Director.

From Apprentice to Group Engineering Director, Steve’s 25-year journey is a fantastic example of career progression within AF Switchgear.

Congratulations Steve, and thank you for your continued commitment and contribution to the business over the past 25 years! 🎉

Welcome to the AF Veterans Club 😊

Internal NewsJuly 29, 2026July 29, 2026

AF Switchgear sponsor Alfreton Town FC

⚽️ AF Switchgear are proud to announce that we are an official sponsor of ALFRETON TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED for the 2026/27 season. ⚽️

Supporting our local community is something we genuinely value and we are delighted to be partnering with ALFRETON TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED.

We wish everyone at Alfreton Town the very best of luck for the new season ⚽️

Internal NewsJuly 15, 2026July 21, 2026

AF Preedcrete climb Ben Nevis

On Saturday 11th July a team of six from AF Preedcrete completed a trek up Ben Nevis in aid of the British Heart Foundation and St Catherine’s Hospice Sussex and Surrey.

Follow the link to discover why they took on this challenge and learn more about the two incredible charities they climbed for. Every bit of support brings us one step closer to making a real difference.

https://givewheel.com/fundraising/16731/af-preedcrete-ben-nevis-challenge/

Internal NewsJune 26, 2026June 26, 2026

Apprentice wins West Notts College Award

Congratulations to our apprentice, Rhys Hall, on winning the ‘Most Enthusiastic Learner’ award at this weeks Vision West Nottinghamshire College Vision Awards.

This fantastic achievement places Rhys in the top 1.8% of learners at the college and is recognition of the enthusiasm, commitment and dedication he brings to his apprenticeship.

We are extremely pleased and proud to say that this award also reflects the attitude and application Rhys demonstrates every day at work. His willingness to learn and positive approach make him a valued member of the team.

A huge well done, Rhys – thoroughly deserved!

Internal NewsJune 23, 2026June 23, 2026

AF Academy Students

Last week we presented certificates to our latest cohort of students who have completed their 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:
⚡️ 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.

The course is run in collaboration with Vision West Nottinghamshire College.

It is a great pathway for students to explore the opportunities available within the Switchgear industry and to experience how AF Switchgear is embracing the future for our younger generation.

Internal NewsJune 16, 2026June 16, 2026

Gen+1 Conference June 2026

A lot of hard work goes into delivering an event like the GeN+1 Conference, and last Thursday the Gen+ team absolutely delivered.

Being an ‘Impact’ sponsor of the event, we were delighted to attend and bring along several of our younger generation colleagues.

The conference was a fantastic opportunity for young people to explore the wide range of careers and opportunities available within our industry, we heard from experienced professionals, and gained a much better understanding of the different paths available within the sector.

A particular highlight for us was seeing our very own Harry Foster take part in a panel discussion on ‘early careers’. Harry shared his insights and experiences of supporting the next generation entering the industry.

It was also great to catch up with friends and colleagues, and to see so much enthusiasm from those considering a future career in the industry.

Internal NewsJune 10, 2026June 14, 2026

Data Cloud Global Congress 2026

Last week we attended the Data Cloud Global Congress in Cannes France. This is an annual event that we have been attending for many years.

One again it was a very busy week, we were able to meet up with our existing customers and to meet new ones.

So from us, thank you to everybody we touched base with and we look forward to seeing you all next year.