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Future skills hub

Demystifying electrification

What skills might you need

Enginuity Future Skills Hub

The engineering and manufacturing sector is rapidly evolving, making it challenging for employers to identify the skills necessary to stay ahead. Future Skills Hub offers a comprehensive collection of resources on various technologies and their impact on skills demand, all presented in an accessible, bite-sized format.

What skills might you need?

As a small or medium-sized engineering or manufacturing enterprise, the electrification of industry may provide opportunities for your business across a range of areas, including electrical contracting, e-mobility, electrical grid expansion, heat pumps, solar, wind, and digitisation.

Worker and electricity tower silhouette against sunset

Skills explained

Electrical engineering

Design and implementation: Ability to design, develop, and implement electrical systems and components, including electric motors, batteries, and control systems.
Circuit design: Knowledge of electrical circuit design and analysis to create efficient and reliable electrical systems.

Automation and control systems

PLC programming: Proficiency in programming and maintaining programmable logic controllers (PLCs) for automation and control of electrified systems.
SCADA systems: Skills in Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for monitoring and controlling industrial processes.

Energy management

Energy auditing: Ability to conduct energy audits to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement in energy usage.
Renewable energy integration: Knowledge of integrating renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and energy storage systems into manufacturing operations.

Mechanical engineering

Electromechanical systems: Understanding of the interplay between electrical and mechanical systems, particularly in the design and maintenance of electromechanical machinery.
Thermal management: Skills in managing heat generation and dissipation in electrical systems to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Information technology and data analytics

IoT and connectivity: Expertise in Internet of Things (IoT) technologies for connecting and integrating various systems and devices within a manufacturing facility.
Data analysis: Ability to analyse data collected from sensors and other sources to optimise operations and perform predictive maintenance.

Battery technology and energy storage

Battery management systems: Knowledge of battery management systems (BMS) for monitoring and optimising the performance and lifespan of batteries.
Energy storage solutions: Understanding of different energy storage technologies and their applications in manufacturing.

Sustainability and environmental compliance

Environmental regulations: Familiarity with environmental regulations and standards related to emissions, energy use, and sustainability.
Sustainable practices: Skills in implementing and managing sustainable manufacturing practices, such as waste reduction and resource efficiency.

Project management

Planning and execution: Proficiency in planning, executing, and managing projects related to electrification, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
Change management: Skills in managing organisational change to ensure smooth transitions to new electrified systems and processes.

Maintenance and troubleshooting

Preventive maintenance: Ability to perform preventive maintenance on electrical systems to minimise downtime and extend equipment life.
Troubleshooting: Skills in diagnosing and resolving issues with electrical and electromechanical systems quickly and effectively.

Safety and risk management

Electrical safety: Knowledge of electrical safety standards and best practices to ensure a safe working environment.
Risk assessment: Ability to conduct risk assessments related to the installation and operation of electrified systems.

Training and development

Employee training: Skills in training staff on the operation, maintenance, and safety of new electrified equipment and systems.
Continuous learning: Commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with the latest advancements in electrification technologies.

Financial and economic analysis

Cost-benefit analysis: Ability to conduct cost-benefit analyses to justify investments in electrification and assess their economic impact.
Funding and grants: Knowledge of available funding opportunities, grants, and incentives for electrification and sustainability projects.

Who might need them?

Electrical Engineers

Roles: Electrical Design Engineers, Power Systems Engineers, Electrical Technicians.
Skills needed: Circuit design, electric motor systems, energy storage, renewable energy integration.

Automation and Control Engineers

Roles: Automation Engineers, Control Systems Engineers, PLC Programmers.
Skills needed: PLC programming, SCADA systems, IoT connectivity, sensor integration.

Mechanical Engineers

Roles: Electromechanical Engineers, Maintenance Engineers, Systems Engineers.
Skills needed: Electromechanical systems design, thermal management, preventive maintenance.

Energy Managers and Sustainability Officers

Roles: Energy Managers, Sustainability Coordinators, Environmental Compliance Officers.
Skills needed: Energy auditing, energy management systems, sustainability practices, renewable energy sources.

IT and Data Analysts

Roles: IT Specialists, Data Analysts, IoT Specialists.
Skills needed: IoT and connectivity, data analytics, cybersecurity for industrial systems.

Project Managers

Roles: Project Managers, Operations Managers, Implementation Coordinators.
Skills needed: Project planning and execution, change management, risk assessment, cost-benefit analysis.

Maintenance and Repair Technicians

Roles: Maintenance Technicians, Electrical Technicians, Service Engineers.
Skills needed: Preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, electrical safety, equipment repair and re-use.

Safety Officers

Roles: Safety Officers, Risk Managers, Health and Safety Coordinators.
Skills needed: Electrical safety standards, risk management, safety training.

Training and Development Specialists

Roles: Training Coordinators, HR Managers, Employee Development Officers.
Skills needed: Employee training programs, continuous learning, technical skill development.

Financial Analysts and Accountants

Roles: Financial Analysts, Accountants, Budget Analysts.
Skills needed: Cost-benefit analysis, financial planning for electrification projects, understanding of incentives and grants.

Production Managers and Supervisors

Roles: Production Managers, Shift Supervisors, Plant Man[agers.
Skills needed: Understanding of electrified systems, process optimisation, equipment scheduling.

Business Development and Strategy Personnel

Roles: Business Development Managers, Strategy Consultants, Innovation Officers.
Skills needed: Market analysis for electrified products, strategic planning, understanding of industry trends.

Supply Chain and Logistics Managers

Roles: Supply Chain Managers, Logistics Coordinators, Procurement Officers.
Skills needed: Sourcing of electric components, logistics for electrified systems, inventory management.

Quality Control and Assurance Personnel

Roles: Quality Control Inspectors, Quality Assurance Managers, Compliance Officers.
Skills Needed: Standards compliance, quality assessment of electrified systems, process improvement.