Internal NewsNovember 10, 2025November 10, 2025

Apprentices Team Building Day

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.

Internal NewsOctober 29, 2025October 29, 2025

Honouring Loyalty and Legacy

💫 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.

Internal NewsOctober 22, 2025October 22, 2025

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

Internal NewsOctober 14, 2025October 14, 2025

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! 🎉

Internal NewsOctober 13, 2025October 13, 2025

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! 👏🏼

Internal NewsSeptember 30, 2025September 30, 2025

DCD Connect and Data Centre Marketing Club

It’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!

Internal NewsSeptember 30, 2025September 30, 2025

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.

Internal NewsSeptember 10, 2025September 10, 2025

National Data Centre Day 12th September 2025

National Data Centre Day 2025

Powering Progress in the UK’s Digital Future

The 12^th 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 12^th 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/

Internal NewsSeptember 9, 2025September 9, 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! ⭐️

Internal NewsSeptember 9, 2025September 9, 2025

Another addition to our Veteran Club !

🎉 Celebrating 25 Years of Service at AF Switchgear 🎉

Last week we proudly recognised Pete Severn as he reached his 25-year anniversary with AF Switchgear and joins our Veterans Club.

Pete first joined us in September 2000 as an Electrical Fitter Adult Trainee, grateful for the opportunity to re-train and build a career in a new trade. Over the years, he has taken on a variety of roles, progressing to Team Leader in our Copper Fabrication Department, where he played a key role in driving efficiencies and supporting copper design development.

Most recently, Pete has been seconded to our Engineering Department, where his knowledge and experience continue to contribute to standardisation and development projects.

At his award presentation, Pete expressed his thanks to the company for the support and opportunities he has received throughout his career. His message to colleagues was clear:

“AF Switchgear creates opportunities for personal growth and career development — and he encouraged everyone to seize them when they arise.”

Congratulations, Pete, on this fantastic milestone — and thank you for your dedication and contribution over the last 25 years. 👏