14 May 2025

Quartzelec and SUEZ Join Forces to Support Graduate Engineering Development

Two-day event designed to encourage cross-discipline collaboration and industry insight

Quartzelec, a leading independent engineering service provider with a long-standing reputation for innovation and excellence in rotating electrical machines, recently welcomed a group of graduates from SUEZ recycling and recovery UK (SUEZ) to its Rugby headquarters.

The two-day event, held as part of SUEZ’s Accredited Graduate Scheme, which sees new graduate engineers joining SUEZ on a two-year placement, was designed to give graduates working in key Energy from Waste (EfW) disciplines a broader understanding of engineering technologies, while encouraging cross-discipline collaboration and industry networking. 

As a trusted maintenance partner to SUEZ, Quartzelec hosted the event and shared real-world insight into its operations. Eager to support the initiative, Quartzelec recognised the value of introducing emerging engineering talent to the practical realities of their profession and how different areas of expertise intersect in live industrial settings.

The event took place in early March and saw a visiting cohort of young engineers specialising in key areas such as Biological Systems, Controls & Instrumentation, Mechanical Engineering, Rotating Machines, and Information Systems gain valuable first-hand exposure to Large Rotating Machine Manufacturing & Maintenance and the vital ongoing role these solutions play in today’s evolving energy infrastructure, both traditional and renewable.

The agenda featured a mix of technical sessions and knowledge-sharing presentations. The SUEZ team delivered insightful talks on the challenges and operational demands of steam turbine generators, followed by sessions led by Quartzelec experts. Mel Brown, Leadership & Development Partner, introduced the Quartzelec organisation, while Dr Philip Hargreaves, Lead Engineer, delivered in-depth presentations on fault diagnostics, condition monitoring, and testing methodologies used throughout the industry. 

The visit concluded with a guided tour of Quartzelec’s Rugby factory, giving the graduates a behind-the-scenes look at its engineering capabilities and day-to-day operations.

“We were really pleased to be asked to support this initiative,” said Mel Brown. “It’s vital for engineering graduates to understand how theory translates into practice and how their disciplines contribute to the wider industry. The feedback we received from the SUEZ team was fantastic.”

Christopher McDonough, Technical Plant Engineer at SUEZ, added: “Thanks to everyone involved in making the two-day programme happen. The feedback from our graduates has been overwhelmingly positive, with several describing it as ‘the best one yet.’”

Quartzelec remains committed to developing the next generation of engineers through its own well-established apprenticeship programme, which spans a wide range of disciplines—from mechanical fitting and electrical engineering to project management and administration. Working closely with training partners across the UK, Quartzelec continues to invest in the skills that will shape the future of the industry.

“Our sector faces a well-known skills shortage,” Mel Brown concluded. “By supporting programmes like this and opening our doors to the next generation, we’re helping to build a stronger, more sustainable engineering workforce.”

#UnparalleledInEngineeringServices

Follow us on Facebook, X & LinkedIn