MSSL backs apprenticeships to build future switchgear skills

MSSL is proud to support apprentices at the start of their careers in low-voltage switchgear and control panel manufacturing.

Apprenticeships bring young professionals into the sector early on - giving them responsibility on live projects.

This approach helps to address the skills gap in UK manufacturing while strengthening MSSL’s in‑house expertise.

Managing Director Sean Smith said: “Apprenticeships are essential to the future of our industry.

“Across UK manufacturing there is a clear skills gap in hands-on technical roles, and apprenticeships are one important way for employers, colleges and government to work together to address it.

“Apprenticeships give people a structured route into the sector and give us the chance to train them in the right way for a safety‑critical environment.”

MSSL currently has eight apprentices working across the shopfloor and design.

These apprentices:

• help to build, wire and test bespoke LV switchboards
• support CAD and engineering support
• contribute to research and development

MSSL’s switchboards are designed, built and tested in-house, so apprentices experience every stage of the process, including design, assembly, wiring and factory testing.

Apprentice Charles Ashwell was the first person to complete Leicester College’s 42‑month Level 3 Engineering Fitter apprenticeship while working at MSSL.

He started in a labouring role, then moved into panel building and wiring. He now works on product design and development, including R&D projects to reduce waste and improve performance.

MSSL’s apprentices are fully integrated into the team and support fast turnaround on complex, made-to-order projects and help the company retain key skills as the business grows.

They have been recognised multiple times, including in a Labour Party Conference film recorded on the factory floor with Minister Liz Kendall.

This work on skills sits alongside MSSL’s wider sustainability programme and forms part of the story behind the company’s King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development.