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Demystifying electrification

What skills might you need

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.

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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.
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