There are mounting threats we read in the news every day, from pandemics to Putin’s assault on Ukraine and the looming crisis of climate change. It’s hard to see the way forward with so much gloom surrounding us. I believe we are going through a significant shake-up, there will be winners and losers, but ultimately if we manage these threats properly, then we will be able to advance ourselves further and quicker than we would have done otherwise. By collaborating, reminding ourselves of our strengths and the opportunities, and being mindful of our weaknesses, humanity’s ingenuity can overcome almost anything!

Trade associations are particularly helpful at guiding businesses in times of uncertainty. We are connected to organisations and institutions which are at the centre of policy change. We distil what our members tell us to influence policy direction, and members can unite to share burdens with likeminded individuals.

In this first quarter, we have reached out to an organisation called the Manufacturer’s Alliance, which we believe excels at developing good leadership – endorsed by none other than our honorary President Shaun Sutton at Central Group. Its facilitation of peer groups has helped like-minded people share challenges and aspirations so that others can learn from it. It has helped hold leaders accountable, and to break through boundaries. We will be initiating our first pilot group with the group in this second quarter – if this interests you, please get in touch with me. 

We have also launched our brand new BSI AEMT Standards Portal, enabling members to access the most current and relevant standards, specifically curated for AEMT members. Members can access over 50 standards via our website for a modest annual fee, including the 60034 series for rotating electrical equipment, ISO quality systems, and 60079 hazardous area standards.

We have also produced a brand new repair label for all members who are committed to quality repairs, which reads ‘Sustainably repaired to IEC 60034-23’. For all machines repaired to this standard, members can affix this label to raise awareness of quality repairs, highlighting your affiliation with the AEMT, and promoting good practice.

For both the BSI Standards portal and the new repair labels, please email us to place an order or refer to the website for more details.

In terms of training, we are excited to be starting our project with York University in May to develop our truly online learning and assessment environment for practical courses. The project will take two years to complete, with phase one being launched one year into the project, which includes online theory learning and assessments. In the meantime, we are filming a course into the repair/rewind of electric motors sponsored by Fletcher Moorland. We hope to have this available for all members by the end of this year.

Finally, our important work with Primary Engineer is bearing fruit, with several members up and down the UK pledging donations towards the charity aimed at raising awareness of engineering careers among young children. At the time of writing, members ADC Electrical in Tyneside, Preformed Windings and Rotary Engineering in Sheffield have already made pledges, with many more in talks with Primary Engineer. If you are interested in supporting this initiative, please contact me for more details.

Internally, we are sad to say goodbye to Nicola Adie, who has been helping us co-ordinate our training courses for over a year. Her replacement, Rebecca, will be starting with us on April 7. She brings a wealth of event coordination and marketing experience, and we believe she is an excellent fit for the role. I hope you will all join me in making her feel most welcome at the AEMT.

If you’ve any comments or suggestions, or would like to speak to me about any of the above points, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, one of the council members or the President. You can email me at thomas@aemt.co.uk or call +44 (0)1904 674 899.