Advanced Electric Machines (AEM), which was spun-out of Newcastle University by James Widmer and Andrew Steven, is one of the first companies to take part in the Electrification Skills Training Programme – an intensive bootcamp that businesses and individuals can sign up to through the ERS Hub.
The company put 25 of its employees through the three-day course, touching almost every part of its business and involving people in production, procurement, mechanical engineering, electrical and power electronics engineering.
Positive feedback was received, especially around the fact the content has been pitched at different levels of Power Electronics, Machines and Drives (PEMD) expertise, starting at fundamentals and then moving up to intermediate and through to advanced.
James Widmer, co-founder of AEM, said: "We are in an exciting position, having recently raised £23m to support our ongoing expansion and meet demand for our electric powertrain solutions that are free from rare earth materials.
"Part of this funding will help us recruit many more people over the coming years and this will mean upskilling our own team members, as well as bringing engineers in from other sectors. That's why we wanted to get involved with helping shape and test drive this new Electrification Skills Training Programme.”
"This is a topic that is much bigger than AEM. Jobs are being created faster than our sector can fill them. A lot of the skills companies need are also still being defined and that is another challenge.
"I firmly believe this pilot is an important first building block in addressing some of these issues and can be applied to apprentices, graduates or existing members of staff that need a 'refresher' or those keen to advance their knowledge."
AEM secured a £23m investment last year. The Series A funding round was led by Legal & General Capital and Barclays Sustainable Impact Capital with significant additional investment from Par Equity.
The Electrification Skills Training Programme - developed in close partnership with Coventry University and the North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSL) - will be rolled-out in full over the next few months.
Petar Igic, academic director of the ERS Hub, added: "These bootcamps have been collaboratively led by extensive research with employers and field experts. The AEM delivery allowed us to further tweak the content and delivery methodology, giving future clients even greater value and an engaging experience.
"The overarching reaction from individuals taking part was extremely positive, so we're confident we've got a format that is adaptable and versatile to suit specific requirements and now need more employers to come forward to take advantage."
