Apprentice update

Apprentice update

🙌 We are beyond proud to celebrate the next generation of our achievers:

In a significant step forward for the panel building industry, 2024 marked a milestone with The Electrotechnical Joint Industry Board (JIB) finally recognising the industry’s experienced workers.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of AF Switchgear and Vision West Nottinghamshire College, experienced workers who complete the Level 3 Panel Wiring for Engineering Applications qualification are now eligible to obtain the prestigious ECS Gold Card.

Building on the success of this achievement, AF Switchgear submitted a formal request to the JIB in October 2024 to extend similar recognition to apprentices completing the Level 3 Engineering Fitter Apprenticeship (Electrical Pathway).

We are delighted to announce that as of January 2025, apprentices who successfully complete this apprenticeship will now qualify for the Panel Builder Gold Card. This development ensures that the contributions of apprentices are fully recognised and highlights the industry’s ongoing commitment to nurturing and celebrating emerging talent.

This is fantastic news for our recently qualified apprentices pictured below.

Apprentice update
Screenshot

 

Diane Purseglove receives her 25 year gift.

Diane Purseglove receives her 25 year gift.

In October 2024, we had the honour of welcoming another dedicated employee to our prestigious Veterans Club, which celebrates team members who have achieved an incredible milestone—25 years of service with AF Switchgear. We are delighted to recognise Diane Purseglove for her remarkable contribution over the past quarter of a century.

This week, Diane, who continues to work with us on a semi-retired basis, was presented with her special 25-year gift to mark the anniversary date of this significant achievement.

During the celebration, Diane shared how much Sharon, her long-time colleague, has influenced her journey at AF Switchgear. She said, “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Sharon.” Their professional partnership has been a cornerstone of their success, evolving into a lasting friendship that both Diane and Sharon are incredibly proud of.

Together, they’ve witnessed AF Switchgear grow from one factory with just four computers to an impressive operation spanning five manufacturing sites equipped with hundreds of computers. Their shared experiences and contributions have played an integral role in shaping our company’s journey.

We are immensely grateful to Diane for her dedication, resilience, and loyalty over the years, and we are equally inspired by the incredible bond she shares with Sharon. Here’s to Diane and all our Veterans Club members who continue to make AF Switchgear a remarkable place to work!Diane Purseglove receives her 25 year gift.

AF Switchgear achieve Constructionline Gold Membership

AF Switchgear achieve Constructionline Gold Membership

AF Switchgear is delighted to announce that we have achieved Constructionline Gold Membership—a milestone that reflects our commitment to excellence and quality in everything we do.

This is a fantastic achievement, and we are extremely proud of the hard work and dedication from our entire team that made this possible. A huge thank you goes out to everyone involved in securing this prestigious accreditation.

What is Constructionline Gold Membership?

Constructionline Gold is a highly regarded accreditation that demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of governance, risk management, and operational efficiency. Achieving this membership means our organisation has been rigorously assessed and meets the increased scrutiny required to operate at this level.

The key benefits of Constructionline Gold include:

  1. Exceeding PAS 91 requirements:We have gone above and beyond the industry-standard prequalification questionnaire.
  2. Meeting the Common Assessment Standard:We adhere to a widely recognised benchmark for quality, compliance, and sustainability in the construction industry.
  3. Pre-qualifying for the UK’s largest buyers:This accreditation enhances our visibility and eligibility to work with leading organisations across the UK.
  4. Achieving SSIP Certification:We’ve demonstrated excellence in health and safety management, adding further confidence for our clients and partners.

This achievement highlights AF Switchgear’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards in the industry, and we look forward to building on this success as we continue to deliver exceptional solutions for our clients.

AF Switchgear achieve Constructionline Gold Membership

AF Switchgear visit to The Manor Academy, Mansfield.

AF Switchgear visit to The Manor Academy, Mansfield.

Last week, we had the pleasure of visiting The Manor Academy in Mansfield to engage with students interested in pursuing an apprenticeship with our organisation.

The event brought together students from nine schools within the Two Counties Trust, providing an excellent opportunity for them to explore career pathways.

We were thrilled with the positive feedback and the strong interest shown in our apprenticeship program.

Pictured is Ben (Apprentice Electrical Panel Builder) alongside Bradley (Apprentice Works Fabricator), they were accompanied by Gaby & Sandie from our Central Services Department. 

AF Switchgear visit to The Manor Academy, Mansfield.

4th Annual Veterans Lunch

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.

4th Annual Veterans Lunch

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your dedication and commitment to AF Switchgear.

Engineering Assistant

Purpose of the Position:

To work in conjunction with West Notts College to attain a qualification in Electrical Panel Building.

A 4-year apprenticeship leading to Engineering Fitter Level 3 –Electrical Pathway, including: Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering BTEC Diploma in advanced Manufacturing Engineering.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Learn how to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.

Be trained on how to assemble a range of control panels.

Learn how to inspect and test components.

Learn how to maintain control panels, machines and equipment.

Learn about the wiring of panels and how to diagnose and rectify faults.

Gain a good understanding of the sector and the products and services supplied by AF Switchgear.

Attend college and produce work of a high standard.

Reporting to:

Production Managers / Team Leaders / Operations Manager

Hours of Work:

08:00 – 16:00 Monday to Friday

Essential Qualifications / Experience :

Minimum GCSE Level 4 (Grade C) in Maths / English

Time management skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Smart professional appearance

Self motivated and reliable

Confident with meeting / speaking to new people and

conversing with ease

Genuine interest in the sector

If you would like to be considered for this role, please apply via the link below:

Apprentice Electrical Panel Builder 

Sales Office Administrator

We are looking for a Sales Office Administrator in the Sales Department.

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

  • Responsibility for complying with the Q&E management system within their level of activity.
  • Log new enquiries as they arrive, either by post or via email.
  • Record details of new enquiries on to the estimating system.
  • Print all relevant documentation.
  • Create quote folder and place appropriate printed information into folder.
  • Act as general point of contact for the Sales/Estimating Office for enquirers that do not request a specific member of the team.
  • Take calls on behalf of colleagues who are either not at their desk or otherwise engaged.
  • Assist with updating the estimating system including amending the database when new supplier prices are received and or discount structure changes.
  • Prepare duplicate quotations already completed by an individual estimating engineer followed by the emailing process to the customers and the filing of copy quotations into the quotation folder.
  • Assist the remote sales team with their administrative tasks and ensure new information is communicated to them and all electronic file are up to date.

AF Group is an Equal Opportunities employer.

Apply to: Diane Bunting by Friday 26th July. 
dbunting@afswitchgear.co.uk 
 

Sales Estimating Engineer

We are looking for a Sales Estimating Engineer in the Sales Department.

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

  • Evaluation and preparation of sales tenders in conjunction with other members of the sales team, internal and external.
  • Liaison with potential new customers at enquiry stage.
  • Compliance with the companies engineering standards and procedures when preparing Estimates and tenders for the Company’s products.
  • Liaison with customers at the order stage to ensure compliance with the Company’s credit control procedures.
  • Preparation of contract folders ready for handover to engineering and attend handover meetings.
  • Continue liaison with customers at the post enquiry stage and post order stage as necessary to maintain continuity and goodwill.
  • Close liaison with Engineering department to ensure conformity with the agreed build specification for our products and any works to be undertaken on site.
  • Liaise with the engineering team providing support as required regarding any cost variations to the contracts.
  • Assessment of new supply products and techniques in conjunction with other sales and engineering staff.
  • Attend meetings as required and requested either internally or at customer offices or sites.
  • If skilled in CAD and as workload demands assist with the Creation of Sales General Arrangement Layout drawings and single line Power schematics using AutoCAD working from sketches produced by yourself or other members of the Sales team.

AF Group is an Equal Opportunities employer.

Apply to: Diane Bunting by Friday 26th July. 
dbunting@afswitchgear.co.uk