🌟 AF Switchgear Employee News 🌟
Pictured below are Ben Towlson and Richard Harrison receiving their certificates following completion of an EAL Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering.
Well done to you both 👏🏽
Category: Internal News
CategoriesInternal News
Apprentice News Elliot Swift
🧑🏼🎓 AF Switchgear Apprentice News 🧑🏼🎓
Congratulations to Elliot Swift who has recently achieved his Certificate of Achievement Level 2 Apprenticeship for General Welder (Arc Processes) with Merit. 👏🏼
CategoriesInternal News
4th Annual Veterans Lunch
4th ANNUAL VETERANS LUNCH FRIDAY 25TH OCTOBER 2024
We are pleased to welcome four new members to our distinguished Veterans Club this year: Sharon Armiger, Diane Purseglove, Paul Garrard, and Kev Adams.
This year’s gathering celebrates an impressive milestone—770 years of combined service contributed by just 26 employees, averaging 29.6 years each.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your dedication and commitment to AF Switchgear.
CategoriesInternal News
Recent Data Centre Project
🗂️ Project : Data Centre – 4no 24MW Buildings
A multimillion pound contract for AF Switchgear.
📍 Location: London
🔢 Type & Quantity of Equipment per building :
20no 3150kVA cast resin transformers
20no UPS Input / Output Switchboards
35no Sub Switchboards
20no Remote HMI’s
⚡ Ratings : 5000A
⭐ Special Features:
~Incorporating EMS monitoring utilising Schneider StruxureWare
~Fully thermogenic
On site presence of installation.
CategoriesInternal News
EAL Level 3 Panel Wiring for Engineering Applications
Today we focus on celebrating the achievements of our people and wishing all the best to those embarking on the next steps of their career within AF Switchgear.
AF Switchgear is at the forefront of advancing adult education within the electrotechnical industry’s sub-sector of specialist control and distribution panel manufacture and installation.
Building on our long-established apprenticeship program, we identified within our own business a need to develop the skills of our semi-skilled electrical fitters allowing them to progress to become fully trained and competent Electrical Fitters. A pilot scheme reviewing experienced worker route qualifications was an ideal industry platform in finding a solution that would benefit our business and the wider Panel Building community.
The pilot group was made up of key industry bodies including JIB, ECA, BEAMA and Company representatives who all recognised the need for an alternative pathway for seasoned professionals. The initiative aims were to ensure alignment with emerging and updated ECS and competency requirements.
In response, a relevant and standalone qualification, the EAL Level 3 Panel Wiring for Engineering Applications, has been introduced by the EAL Awarding Body. This qualification is specifically designed to address the niche area of panel assembly and wiring. The comprehensive assessment includes both theoretical and practical components: a 90-minute knowledge exam and a hands-on three-part practical assessment covering preparation, assembly, and commissioning.
AF Switchgear, in collaboration with Vision West Notts College and the EAL, has played a pivotal role in implementing and delivering this qualification as part of the pilot project.
The pilot assessment was successfully completed, with all four of AF Switchgear’s experienced workers achieving the EAL Level 3 Award in Industrial and Panel Wiring. This assessment model has proven effective for certifying skilled workers, requiring minimal additional training.
The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) Steering Committee has endorsed the proposed Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA) route for Panel Builders, utilising the EAL Level 3 qualification for Panel Wiring for Engineering Applications.
“This is a significant step forward for our industry,” said Andy Reakes, Director of Growth and Development at the JIB & ECS. “It ensures that the valuable skills of experienced workers are recognised and rewarded, aligning with our commitment to raising standards and providing clear career pathways. It addresses a critical gap and offers a much-needed alternative to traditional apprenticeships for those who have already dedicated years to this occupation, while maintaining the rigour and practical assessment that has come to be embodied in the award of an ECS Gold Card.”
Additionally, AF Switchgear, in partnership with Vision West Notts College, has developed a qualification aimed at up-skilling current Mechanical Assembly Fitters to become Semi-Skilled Electrical Fitters. This qualification, the EAL Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Operations, is a one-year program commencing in October 2024, with one night per week attendance at Vision West Notts College.
With these two qualifications, AF Switchgear is investing in the future of its workforce, empowering our employees to gain the qualifications necessary for career advancement within both the company and the wider industry.
Pictured are our four recent graduates who have successfully completed the EAL Level 3 Award, including Claudia who is our first female Electrical Fitter.
Additionally, we are excited to announce that this week, 18 new students have begun their journey towards earning this prestigious qualification.
CategoriesInternal News
World Mental Health Awareness Day 10th October 2024
🌍💜 Today is World Mental Health Day! 🌍💜
This year’s theme focuses on mental health in the workplace. Since we spend so much time at work, it’s crucial to support one another and engage in open conversations with our colleagues.
We invite all our employees to ‘tea and talk’ today, with free biscuits available in all our break out areas. Connecting with others can make a big difference in navigating life’s challenges.
Mental Health Foundation
CategoriesInternal News
CBRE UK Event 3rd October
Thursday 3rd October we attended the CBRE UK 2024 event. This is a 1 day event where businesses come together at Old Billingsgate London. Thank you to our new and existing customers that called by our stand, it was great to see you all.
CategoriesInternal News
Steve Owen Apprenticeship
Today we focus on celebrating the achievements of our people.
A huge congratulations goes to Steve Owen. Steve started working for AF Switchgear in January 2014, he joined the team as a semi-skilled electrical fitter. In late 2018, he was offered the opportunity to take on an apprenticeship.
In January 2019 Steve started at Vision West Notts College, completing a Level 2 qualification in Electrical Engineering.
January 2021 Steve started his Level 3 in Electrical Engineering and in June 2024 he completed the apprenticeship and achieved his qualification.
“The apprenticeship transformed me into a more confident and capable worker. It sparked a passion for lifelong learning and positioned me as a role model for other adult apprentices. It’s never too late to invest in personal growth and strive for excellence.” Steve Owen.
CategoriesInternal News
Paul Garrard 25 year Service Award
⭐️ 25-Year Employee Milestone Award 🏆
We are proud to celebrate and recognise Paul Garrard for his remarkable 25 years of dedicated service to AF Switchgear.
Paul began his career with us as an Apprentice in August 1999, shortly after finishing school. After completing his apprenticeship in 2003, he worked as an Electrical Fitter for two years before earning the title of Approved Electrical Fitter in 2005.
In 2018, Paul was promoted to Team Leader, and as of September 1st, 2024, he assumed the role of Production Manager.
Congratulations, Paul, and thank you for your outstanding commitment and contribution to AF Switchgear over the past 25 years!
CategoriesInternal News
DCD Data Center Connect Event 2024
This week saw representatives from AF Switchgear attend #DataCentreConnect Data Center Dynamics two-day event. This event brings together 3,350 senior decision-makers from across EMEA’s data center ecosystem at London’s Business Design Centre.
The focus of the first day was on targeted networking in small groups with both existing and prospective clients, fostering relationships, engaging in Q&A sessions, and sharing best practices among industry leaders.
AF Switchgear was honoured to participate in the Tech Exchange Session, where Harry Foster Sales Manager and Stuart Garnham Sales Director had the opportunity to present our business and host a Live Q&A on the innovative technology and services we provide.