Electric motor and powertrain manufacturer boosted by training programme
Advanced Electric Machines (AEM), a Washington-based company specialising in sustainable electric motors and powertrain systems, participated in a new skills pilot to support its growth following a £23 million investment. AEM, founded by James Widmer and Andrew Steven after spinning out from Newcastle University, was one of the first companies to join the Electrification Skills Training Programme, an intensive bootcamp offered through the ERS Hub.
The company had 25 employees from various departments complete the three-day course, which covered multiple levels of expertise in Power Electronics, Machines, and Drives (PEMD). The feedback was positive, highlighting the program's effective structure for addressing various skill levels.
James Widmer emphasized that the investment would help AEM expand and recruit more staff, while also upskilling existing team members. He noted the importance of the Electrification Skills Training Programme in helping companies address the growing demand for jobs in the sector, many of which still require defined skill sets. The program, developed with Coventry University and North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, will be fully rolled out soon. Petar Igic, academic director of the ERS Hub, praised the pilot's success and encouraged more employers to take advantage of the adaptable training format.