Encapsulated power supply technology – a forgotten player in the green transition?

The large-scale electrification of Sweden will remain a pipe dream without updated power centres, switchgear and control cabinets.

– Our industry is an important player in the green transition. But unfortunately rather forgotten, says Linda Take, CEO of SKE, Svensk Kapslad Elteknik. She sees major challenges, especially on the skills side.

The industry organisation brings together some 40 producers, suppliers and consultants in the field of encapsulated electrical technology. Many of the member companies have their own stands at Elfack in May 2025.

– If we can make the industry more attractive to young girls, who are looking for an educational path to a future profession, much will be gained. Elfack is by far the most important meeting place for our members. This is where they meet their customers, do business and have the opportunity to network with all stakeholders in the industry, Linda Take says.

A crucial role

She feels that the part of the industry SKE works in does not always get the attention it deserves.

– Yet we have a key role in the green transition. We are there in the background, working very hard, but in the shadows, to some extent.

Linda is keen to emphasise the unique skills of the members.

– Delivering high quality products and services is not only important to meet customers’ expectations, but also to maintain and strengthen our reputation and brand in the market, she emphasises.

More pressure than ever

Right now, the industry is experiencing unprecedented pressure.

– The order books of our member companies are fuller than ever. They are very busy, in most business areas, Linda confirms.

A slight decline in the construction sector is offset by increased demand from the manufacturing and automation sectors.

– To meet this growing demand, our industry needs to evolve in how we work, in skills and processes. Our members have an increasing number of projects with many parties involved. The task is to ensure quality at every stage.

Started own training programme

This is why skills have emerged as the industry’s biggest challenge.
– The difficulty of finding skilled staff is worrying, given the growing demand. We see it as a key issue, Linda says.

To contribute to the skills supply, SKE has started its own assembly training programme. The courses are held twice a year, in spring and autumn. The training material, developed in consultation with member companies, is continuously updated as technology is modernised and automated.

– This way, we can be at the forefront of developments. We are also influential in areas such as regulations and standards, which are also updated over time.

Increased interest from women

Still, the skills cloud has a silver lining. At the latest SKE assembly course, which attracted 15 participants, ten were women.

– It’s great fun! There’s hardly a lot of women in this industry, so I see that as a huge success, Linda says.

– There’s much to be gained if we can make the industry more attractive to young girls, who are looking for an educational path to a future profession.

Elfack is Northern Europe’s largest trade fair for the entire electricity and energy industry. You can find out more about programmes and activities at elfack.com. The trade fair will take place from 6 to 9 May 2025 at the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre Gothia Towers in Gothenburg.