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R&B Switchgear Academy brings together apprenticeships, T Level placements and graduate programmes designed to ignite careers and develop the next generation of power engineering professionals.
R&B Switchgear Academy sits at the heart of everything we do to develop future talent in power engineering. Built on the belief that hands on experience is the best way to learn, the R&B Switchgear Academy reflects our founder’s own journey starting his career as an apprentice and going on to build a business rooted in skill quality and engineering excellence.
Since officially launching in 2023 the R&B Switchgear Academy has been the first and is now the leading Switchgear Academy of its kind dedicated solely to switchgear manufacturing installation servicing and lifecycle support. Through apprenticeships, T Level placements and graduate programmes the R&B Switchgear Academy provides a clear structured pathway into the power engineering industry.
At the R&B Switchgear Academy learners gain real world experience from day one working alongside experienced engineers on live projects across the UK. Industry led training recognised qualifications and personalised mentoring ensure every individual develops the practical skills and confidence needed to succeed.
Our commitment to early careers was recognised nationally when R&B Switchgear Group won North West SME Apprenticeship Employer of the Year at the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2024 reinforcing the impact and success of the R&B Switchgear Academy in shaping the next generation of switchgear engineers.
Our Electrical and Mechanical Programme at the R&B Switchgear Academy is tailored for Apprenticeships, T Level Placements and Graduate Programmes. It is designed to give you the foundations to build a successful and future focused career at R&B Switchgear Group.
Through the R&B Switchgear Academy you will gain practical experience from day one working alongside experienced engineers and developing real world skills across switchgear manufacturing installation testing and servicing. With structured training mentoring and recognised qualifications you will be supported at every stage to reach your full potential.
A programme designed for aspiring engineers, by experienced engineers.
The R&B Switchgear Academy has led a dedicated T Level awareness campaign to promote technical education as a genuine and accessible pathway into power engineering. Delivered in partnership with the Gatsby Foundation, the campaign focused on meaningful employer engagement, high quality industry placements, and showing how T Levels translate directly into real engineering careers.
This work has been recognised across leading industry publications. Electrical Times featured the R&B Switchgear Academy during National Manufacturing Day, highlighting our engagement with schools and students and our commitment to encouraging young people into engineering and STEM careers. The campaign was also showcased in the Electrical Times July 2025 magazine, further reinforcing the role of the R&B Switchgear Academy in supporting T Level pathways and early careers development.
Our T Level campaign has also been referenced by The Manufacturer, which explored how employers are using T Levels to build sustainable talent pipelines and create long term opportunities within manufacturing and engineering. This coverage reflects how the R&B Switchgear Academy is helping bridge the gap between education and industry through structured placements and real world experience.
Alongside media coverage, the campaign included school visits, careers events and on site engagement designed to bring T Level pathways to life. These activities demonstrate how the R&B Switchgear Academy supports learners from classroom to workplace, offering clear progression routes into apprenticeships, graduate roles and long term careers in power engineering.
Through the R&B Switchgear Academy, we offer career pathways for all academic levels including school leavers, college and sixth form students, graduates and those already in work who are ready for their next big challenge.
Applications for graduate programmes are now closed.
Our apprenticeships through the R&B Switchgear Academy offer a unique blend of practical experience alongside electrical and mechanical theoretical knowledge. At R&B Switchgear Group, this creates a clear pathway for individuals to develop their skills while working closely with experienced professionals.
Applications for apprenticeships are now closed until Spring 2027.
Through the R&B Switchgear Academy, R&B Switchgear Group is leading the way with our 45 day nine week placements. These placements provide second year students with a direct route to electrical and mechanical practical proficiency and career readiness.
Over the past two years, five of our twelve placement students have progressed into further education and training opportunities with the business. Students gain valuable, practical and role specific on the job experience, alongside a clear pathway into continued learning and long term careers within the organisation.
Applications for T Level placements are now closed until Spring 2026.
We welcome graduates from all levels—undergraduates, postgraduates, and those in sandwich programs—to thrive and succeed with us. Our rotation plan allows the exploration of different business functions, inc. Manufacturing, Services, Projects, Sales & Estimating.
Applications for graduate programmes are now closed.
View our live vacancies online here with the R&B Switchgear Academy and apply with your CV and cover letter, or email your application to careers@rbswitch.com.
Suitable candidates will be invited to one of our assessment days.
Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to an interview.
Successful candidates will begin their career journey here at R&B Switchgear Academy.
Discover how the R&B Switchgear Academy is developing the next generation of power engineering professionals through real experiences achievements and career journeys.
Hear from them personally about what they think of life at R&B…
As an apprentice, working at R&B has been one of the most enlightening experiences.
Through working with other experienced colleagues and trainers, such as our Technical Training Manager Gavin, I have learned the basics and the caveats of becoming a professional engineer. And that valuable knowledge is sometimes only found in a place like R&B.
They have taken care of and provided for me with the hospitality of their office staff and the equipment that every engineer needs.
My skills and knowledge are a testament to R&B’s ability to make brilliant engineers out of anyone who is willing to try.
I am amazed by how much I have learned in so little time. I’m enjoying working with different types of engineers from different backgrounds within the workshop. I feel extremely supported while at work and cannot wait for the new experiences to come.
I would recommend this placement to other students on the T Level course. Unlike some other companies, R&B has many engineering opportunities and career paths. In addition, it is a good working environment where everyone feels welcome.
I have only been working at R&B for a short time but I am impressed with how my journey has been going so far. Everyone is so patient and willing to help and I look forward to seeing how far I’ll progress working at R&B
Since starting my apprenticeship with R&B I have learnt more about my mechanical hand skills and planning ahead prior to starting the job, I feel like both of these skills have equipped me with what I need to progress my engineering career.
I really enjoyed my first week and can’t wait to be back in for my next placement block. What’s cool is how approachable everyone is, even senior engineers. I felt comfortable to ask any question I had.
I would recommend this apprenticeship to other students as it opens new doors for them into the world of engineering, surrounded by good a support network of people and a great training environment.
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