AF Switchgear Academy launches to train future engineers
AF Switchgear and West Nottinghamshire College open a dedicated academy to train students for careers in low-voltage switchgear design and manufacturing.
Image for illustrative purposes
UK, England, Sutton-in-Ashfield: A new chapter in engineering education has begun in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, with the launch of the AF Switchgear Academy, a collaboration between West Nottinghamshire College and AF Switchgear, a UK’s privately owned low-voltage switchgear manufacturer.
Building on an eight-year partnership, the academy aims to bridge the gap between education and industry by preparing students for roles in switchgear design, manufacturing, and installation, which are all vital skills for the energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors.
The five-day training programme blends classroom study with hands-on experience at AF Switchgear’s headquarters, offering full-time electrical engineering students practical exposure to industry standards and work environments. The first pilot course begins in November, with up to four programmes planned each academic year. Students will train both at the company’s facilities and the college’s Gene Haas Centre for Advanced Manufacturing, supported by AF Switchgear staff and college educators.
“The academy represents a milestone in our partnership and a major step forward in technical education,” said Benjamin Toule, Head of Engineering at West Nottinghamshire College. “It creates opportunities for learners to gain industry-ready skills and pursue meaningful careers.”
AF Switchgear has long championed workforce development, offering apprenticeships that often lead to full-time positions and progression into senior roles. The company is also investing in staff upskilling through courses such as the Level 3 Award in Industrial and Panel Wiring, developed in collaboration with the college.
The initiative, officially launched on 20 October, was welcomed by representatives from the ECA, JIB, and ECS, who praised it as a model for closing the UK’s electrical skills gap.
Source: Machinery Market
#AF Switchgear#apprenticeships#Benjamin Toule#Engineering Education#England#switchgear#West Nottinghamshire College#workforce