AEMT Conference 2024

Thomas Marks

General Manager , AEMT

Thomas has worked for the AEMT since joining the organisation in 2013 as the marketing and events manager. He became the association’s secretary in 2017 and General Manager in 2021. He works directly with the Officers of the association and the Council to ensure the association remains current and relevant to today’s members.

Having acquired his Ex Theory and Hands-on certificates of assessment in 2013, Thomas also supports the lead lecturers on the Ex training courses.

Thomas is a passionate craftsman and finds great joy in handtool woodworking. He believes in the right-to-repair movement and through the with the electrification of things the rewind/repair industry has a bright future ahead of it.

Through his work with the AEMT Thomas champions the rewind/repair industry and is always looking for ways to promote the good work the industry does.

Chris Corkan

Region Director for the Midlands & East of England, Make UK

Make UK (formerly known as EEF) is the largest voice supporting UK manufacturing employers. Chris’s role as Region Director for the Midlands & East of England is to engage Make UK’s members and to assist them in advancing their business. By providing bespoke introductions, industry insight, a programme of events & networking opportunities, promoting their business and ensuring their views are heard with government at both a local and national level. A key part of his role is to engage with stakeholders as the main industrial ambassador in the region for representing industry’s views. Including with the media, Local Enterprise Partnerships, Combined Authority Mayors and the Midlands Engine. Additionally, Chris is also responsible for Make UK’s Affiliate Partner network of sector-specific trade association and regional cluster networks across the country, ensuring all four corners of manufacturing are represented with the highest levels of UK government.

Megan Hale

Co-founder and CEO, team.repair

I want to see a world where everyone has the confidence to repair

Growing up I loved taking broken things apart, figuring out the science behind how they work, and fixing them. This experience inspired me to become an Engineer and live more sustainably by reducing my waste.

At Team Repair, we are instilling this same repair mindset into the next generation. By doing this, we want to solve two problems:

- The STEM skill shortage, that is costing UK businesses £1.5 billion a year
- The E-Waste crisis, which means 60 million tonnes of electronics are being thrown away every year.

We are a circular business that teaches children science using real products - either at school or at home.

Since starting on this journey 2 years ago, I have been interviewed by the BBC, named on the WISE100 2024 list, awarded as an inspirational woman in STEM at the House of Lords 2023, and as an Innovate UK Young Innovator 2022. Team Repair has also won multiple competitions such as Santander X Global, the Mayor's Entrepreneur Award and has been featured by the World Economic Forum, The Times and the BBC.

John Hillis

Employer Partnerships Manager, Unifrog

John Hillis is the Employer Partnerships Manager at Unifrog, where he leverages his extensive experience in managing secondary schools and colleges in the UK to support careers education for young people. His role focuses on building and nurturing partnerships that help schools and employers connect, providing valuable resources and opportunities for students to explore their future career paths.  

Paul Korb

Group H&S, Compliance and Sustainability Manager, Rotamec

Paul is responsible for the Groups Health & Safety, compliance and Sustainability, with years of experience and qualifications including a Cert Ed in teaching to match. Paul’s drive and enthusiasm to teaching the next generation of engineers makes him the perfect candidate for the bridge between the colleges and the business. Paul has been awarded and been a finalist for many business awards for training and the apprenticeship schemes within the industry and education sectors. Paul has also played a critical part in helping Rotamec be one of the first engineering business to trial out the T-Level Scheme for Weston College. He has help implement lesson plans and schemes of work to assist apprentices on their learning journey which has been endorsed by Weston College.

Tom Blythe

Engineering Apprentice, Rotamec

Thomas started studying at Weston College in 2020 on the BTEC Level 3 Advanced Engineering Diploma course. Upon the completion of his course, he was promoted to a junior engineer role and spent 2 months in the repair and fault diagnostic department. As such was his passion and attitude for the job, he was offered a position in the rewind department where he is enhancing his skills. Whilst upskilling in rewinding he has further completed the AEMT EX course, being one of Rotamec’s youngest engineers to be put forward for the training. Such is his passion for this industry, Tom has helped train work experience, T-Level and apprenticeship students in the business. Tom is a true example of how the apprenticeship scheme has benefited this business and is an inspiration for all future engineers.

Thomas Marks

General Manager , AEMT

Thomas has worked for the AEMT since joining the organisation in 2013 as the marketing and events manager. He became the association’s secretary in 2017 and General Manager in 2021. He works directly with the Officers of the association and the Council to ensure the association remains current and relevant to today’s members.

Having acquired his Ex Theory and Hands-on certificates of assessment in 2013, Thomas also supports the lead lecturers on the Ex training courses.

Thomas is a passionate craftsman and finds great joy in handtool woodworking. He believes in the right-to-repair movement and through the with the electrification of things the rewind/repair industry has a bright future ahead of it.

Through his work with the AEMT Thomas champions the rewind/repair industry and is always looking for ways to promote the good work the industry does.

John Hillis

Employer Partnerships Manager, Unifrog

John Hillis is the Employer Partnerships Manager at Unifrog, where he leverages his extensive experience in managing secondary schools and colleges in the UK to support careers education for young people. His role focuses on building and nurturing partnerships that help schools and employers connect, providing valuable resources and opportunities for students to explore their future career paths.  

Tom Blythe

Engineering Apprentice, Rotamec

Thomas started studying at Weston College in 2020 on the BTEC Level 3 Advanced Engineering Diploma course. Upon the completion of his course, he was promoted to a junior engineer role and spent 2 months in the repair and fault diagnostic department. As such was his passion and attitude for the job, he was offered a position in the rewind department where he is enhancing his skills. Whilst upskilling in rewinding he has further completed the AEMT EX course, being one of Rotamec’s youngest engineers to be put forward for the training. Such is his passion for this industry, Tom has helped train work experience, T-Level and apprenticeship students in the business. Tom is a true example of how the apprenticeship scheme has benefited this business and is an inspiration for all future engineers.

Megan Hale

Co-founder and CEO, team.repair

I want to see a world where everyone has the confidence to repair

Growing up I loved taking broken things apart, figuring out the science behind how they work, and fixing them. This experience inspired me to become an Engineer and live more sustainably by reducing my waste.

At Team Repair, we are instilling this same repair mindset into the next generation. By doing this, we want to solve two problems:

- The STEM skill shortage, that is costing UK businesses £1.5 billion a year
- The E-Waste crisis, which means 60 million tonnes of electronics are being thrown away every year.

We are a circular business that teaches children science using real products - either at school or at home.

Since starting on this journey 2 years ago, I have been interviewed by the BBC, named on the WISE100 2024 list, awarded as an inspirational woman in STEM at the House of Lords 2023, and as an Innovate UK Young Innovator 2022. Team Repair has also won multiple competitions such as Santander X Global, the Mayor's Entrepreneur Award and has been featured by the World Economic Forum, The Times and the BBC.

Phil McLaughlin

Regional Sales Manager, Acorn Industrial Services

With over 30 years of experience in the Power Transmission industry, Phil is an expert in delivering innovative solutions that save his customers time and money. His product knowledge and hands-on experience have driven numerous cost-saving initiatives, many of which showcase the advantages of alternative services like remanufacturing. Phil's portfolio includes a wide range of successful projects, all designed to enhance operational efficiency while also benefiting the environment and improving bottom-line performance.

Gavin Coull

UK & Ireland Aftermarket Sales Manager, SKF

With over 20 years of industry experience, Gavin Coull is a driving force behind sustainability initiatives in manufacturing. As part of SKF’s mission to integrate green solutions, Gavin works closely with customers to deliver cost-effective strategies that also benefit the environment. An award-winning leader in this field, he has been recognised for his contributions to sustainable practices.

Gary Wilde

Technical Services Officer, BPMA

Established in 1941, the BPMA is the UK Trade Association representing the interests of the UK manufacturers of liquid pumps.

Gary is responsible for all things technical within the organisation along with the management of a range of special projects.  These include but are not limited to the development of new training courses, and liaison with other trade bodies and academia.

He contributes to the effective operation of the BPMA’s Technical Committee which reports directly into the main Council and represents the BPMA within the Technical Commission of Europump, the European pump association, of which the BPMA is a founding member.

Having previously held several roles for Xylem in both the UK and Italy, Gary brings over 30 years of pump industry experience to this key position, including more than a decade serving on the BPMA’s Circulator Pumps Committee.

He combines in-depth technical knowledge with a range of sales and marketing skills, along with a strong understanding of key market sectors, including distributors, installers, system houses, and end-users.

On joining the BPMA in 2018 Gary commented: “I am delighted to be joining the BPMA, an organisation I have admired and had the pleasure of working alongside for many years. My role is to support the pump industry and ensure that its voice is heard on all and any technical matters. I am looking forward to liaising with the BPMA membership, many of whom are old friends and colleagues, and to help the sector forge ahead.”

Michael Herring

Regional Sales Manager for EMEA, Megger

Mike Herring has worked with Baker motor testing equipment for more than thirty years, working as a distributor, working for the factory under both SKF and Megger, and also providing paid-for on-site testing services for critical motor driven systems.   

Mike’s current role is to support the local Megger sales teams and their distributors in North Europe, Middle East and Southern Africa, providing technical training, data analysis, and support for exhibitions and seminars.  Mike’s presentations draw on his site service experiences in particular, using real life examples of how the various tests have been used to detect developing problems in critical motor-driven systems.

Jim Fowlie

Director, Sensorworks

Jim Fowlie:

– BSc in Electrical & Electronic Engineering & VAIII

 

Over 40 years of experience working in a global role covering Applications Engineering, Distribution Development, Training and Reliability Engineering. I have had the privilege to be involved in a wide range of industries such as Mining, Pulp & Paper, Power Stations, Renewables, Steel, Marine, Pharmaceutical, Manufacturing, Food & Beverage. In the last 15 years I have enjoyed responsibility for SKF Certified Programs, developing its requirements, standards, audit protocols, training and operating procedures. During this time, I visited and reviewed the processes and operations of over 150 repair workshops all over the world, and personally undertaken the audit for over fifty of them.

Karl Metcalfe

Lead Trainer & Technical Advisor, AEMT

Karl has worked within the rewind industry since 1987 developing a broad and deep knowledge of the sector. He is the AEMT’s lead lecturer and offers ongoing technical support to members. Starting his apprenticeship at York based service centre Eclipse Engineering, Karl trained as a time served electrical rewinder and fitter, where he worked extensively with low voltage machines, pumps and gearboxes. In 2011, he left Eclipse to move into sales then moved on to Featherston as workshop manager, where he gained experience in handling medium to high voltage equipment. He later became works manager of Kirkby Lindsey in 2015 where he was also the responsible person for signing off all Ex equipment.

Chris Corkan

Region Director for the Midlands & East of England, Make UK

Make UK (formerly known as EEF) is the largest voice supporting UK manufacturing employers. Chris’s role as Region Director for the Midlands & East of England is to engage Make UK’s members and to assist them in advancing their business. By providing bespoke introductions, industry insight, a programme of events & networking opportunities, promoting their business and ensuring their views are heard with government at both a local and national level. A key part of his role is to engage with stakeholders as the main industrial ambassador in the region for representing industry’s views. Including with the media, Local Enterprise Partnerships, Combined Authority Mayors and the Midlands Engine. Additionally, Chris is also responsible for Make UK’s Affiliate Partner network of sector-specific trade association and regional cluster networks across the country, ensuring all four corners of manufacturing are represented with the highest levels of UK government.

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Tom Blythe

Engineering Apprentice, Rotamec

Thomas started studying at Weston College in 2020 on the BTEC Level 3 Advanced Engineering Diploma course. Upon the completion of his course, he was promoted to a junior engineer role and spent 2 months in the repair and fault diagnostic department. As such was his passion and attitude for the job, he was offered a position in the rewind department where he is enhancing his skills. Whilst upskilling in rewinding he has further completed the AEMT EX course, being one of Rotamec’s youngest engineers to be put forward for the training. Such is his passion for this industry, Tom has helped train work experience, T-Level and apprenticeship students in the business. Tom is a true example of how the apprenticeship scheme has benefited this business and is an inspiration for all future engineers.

---

Gavin Coull

UK & Ireland Aftermarket Sales Manager, SKF

With over 20 years of industry experience, Gavin Coull is a driving force behind sustainability initiatives in manufacturing. As part of SKF’s mission to integrate green solutions, Gavin works closely with customers to deliver cost-effective strategies that also benefit the environment. An award-winning leader in this field, he has been recognised for his contributions to sustainable practices.

---

Jim Fowlie

Director, Sensorworks

Jim Fowlie:

– BSc in Electrical & Electronic Engineering & VAIII

 

Over 40 years of experience working in a global role covering Applications Engineering, Distribution Development, Training and Reliability Engineering. I have had the privilege to be involved in a wide range of industries such as Mining, Pulp & Paper, Power Stations, Renewables, Steel, Marine, Pharmaceutical, Manufacturing, Food & Beverage. In the last 15 years I have enjoyed responsibility for SKF Certified Programs, developing its requirements, standards, audit protocols, training and operating procedures. During this time, I visited and reviewed the processes and operations of over 150 repair workshops all over the world, and personally undertaken the audit for over fifty of them.

---

Megan Hale

Co-founder and CEO, team.repair

I want to see a world where everyone has the confidence to repair

Growing up I loved taking broken things apart, figuring out the science behind how they work, and fixing them. This experience inspired me to become an Engineer and live more sustainably by reducing my waste.

At Team Repair, we are instilling this same repair mindset into the next generation. By doing this, we want to solve two problems:

- The STEM skill shortage, that is costing UK businesses £1.5 billion a year
- The E-Waste crisis, which means 60 million tonnes of electronics are being thrown away every year.

We are a circular business that teaches children science using real products - either at school or at home.

Since starting on this journey 2 years ago, I have been interviewed by the BBC, named on the WISE100 2024 list, awarded as an inspirational woman in STEM at the House of Lords 2023, and as an Innovate UK Young Innovator 2022. Team Repair has also won multiple competitions such as Santander X Global, the Mayor's Entrepreneur Award and has been featured by the World Economic Forum, The Times and the BBC.

---

Ross Hawkins

Strategic Lead for Engineering, Automotive and Green Skills, Weston College

No bio provided

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Michael Herring

Regional Sales Manager for EMEA, Megger

Mike Herring has worked with Baker motor testing equipment for more than thirty years, working as a distributor, working for the factory under both SKF and Megger, and also providing paid-for on-site testing services for critical motor driven systems.   

Mike’s current role is to support the local Megger sales teams and their distributors in North Europe, Middle East and Southern Africa, providing technical training, data analysis, and support for exhibitions and seminars.  Mike’s presentations draw on his site service experiences in particular, using real life examples of how the various tests have been used to detect developing problems in critical motor-driven systems.

---

John Hillis

Employer Partnerships Manager, Unifrog

John Hillis is the Employer Partnerships Manager at Unifrog, where he leverages his extensive experience in managing secondary schools and colleges in the UK to support careers education for young people. His role focuses on building and nurturing partnerships that help schools and employers connect, providing valuable resources and opportunities for students to explore their future career paths.  

---

Paul Korb

Group H&S, Compliance and Sustainability Manager, Rotamec

Paul is responsible for the Groups Health & Safety, compliance and Sustainability, with years of experience and qualifications including a Cert Ed in teaching to match. Paul’s drive and enthusiasm to teaching the next generation of engineers makes him the perfect candidate for the bridge between the colleges and the business. Paul has been awarded and been a finalist for many business awards for training and the apprenticeship schemes within the industry and education sectors. Paul has also played a critical part in helping Rotamec be one of the first engineering business to trial out the T-Level Scheme for Weston College. He has help implement lesson plans and schemes of work to assist apprentices on their learning journey which has been endorsed by Weston College.

---

Thomas Marks

General Manager , AEMT

Thomas has worked for the AEMT since joining the organisation in 2013 as the marketing and events manager. He became the association’s secretary in 2017 and General Manager in 2021. He works directly with the Officers of the association and the Council to ensure the association remains current and relevant to today’s members.

Having acquired his Ex Theory and Hands-on certificates of assessment in 2013, Thomas also supports the lead lecturers on the Ex training courses.

Thomas is a passionate craftsman and finds great joy in handtool woodworking. He believes in the right-to-repair movement and through the with the electrification of things the rewind/repair industry has a bright future ahead of it.

Through his work with the AEMT Thomas champions the rewind/repair industry and is always looking for ways to promote the good work the industry does.

---

Phil McLaughlin

Regional Sales Manager, Acorn Industrial Services

With over 30 years of experience in the Power Transmission industry, Phil is an expert in delivering innovative solutions that save his customers time and money. His product knowledge and hands-on experience have driven numerous cost-saving initiatives, many of which showcase the advantages of alternative services like remanufacturing. Phil's portfolio includes a wide range of successful projects, all designed to enhance operational efficiency while also benefiting the environment and improving bottom-line performance.

---

Karl Metcalfe

Lead Trainer & Technical Advisor, AEMT

Karl has worked within the rewind industry since 1987 developing a broad and deep knowledge of the sector. He is the AEMT’s lead lecturer and offers ongoing technical support to members. Starting his apprenticeship at York based service centre Eclipse Engineering, Karl trained as a time served electrical rewinder and fitter, where he worked extensively with low voltage machines, pumps and gearboxes. In 2011, he left Eclipse to move into sales then moved on to Featherston as workshop manager, where he gained experience in handling medium to high voltage equipment. He later became works manager of Kirkby Lindsey in 2015 where he was also the responsible person for signing off all Ex equipment.

---

James Stevens

Honorary AEMT President, AEMT

No bio provided

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Gary Wilde

Technical Services Officer, BPMA

Established in 1941, the BPMA is the UK Trade Association representing the interests of the UK manufacturers of liquid pumps.

Gary is responsible for all things technical within the organisation along with the management of a range of special projects.  These include but are not limited to the development of new training courses, and liaison with other trade bodies and academia.

He contributes to the effective operation of the BPMA’s Technical Committee which reports directly into the main Council and represents the BPMA within the Technical Commission of Europump, the European pump association, of which the BPMA is a founding member.

Having previously held several roles for Xylem in both the UK and Italy, Gary brings over 30 years of pump industry experience to this key position, including more than a decade serving on the BPMA’s Circulator Pumps Committee.

He combines in-depth technical knowledge with a range of sales and marketing skills, along with a strong understanding of key market sectors, including distributors, installers, system houses, and end-users.

On joining the BPMA in 2018 Gary commented: “I am delighted to be joining the BPMA, an organisation I have admired and had the pleasure of working alongside for many years. My role is to support the pump industry and ensure that its voice is heard on all and any technical matters. I am looking forward to liaising with the BPMA membership, many of whom are old friends and colleagues, and to help the sector forge ahead.”

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