A new battery manufacturing apprenticeship unit has been developed following rapid consultation with employers and sector experts to support the UK’s growing battery sector.
The sector is expected to remove skills barriers in battery manufacturing in the UK by creating jobs in the South West and beyond.
The initiative was rapidly developed by Skills England’s new investment and infrastructure skills service, following consultation with global battery business Agratas, wider sector employers and other experts.
Bhavik Mistry, Head of Learning and Development at Agratas, said:
“This initiative is a huge boost for the sector, opening up new opportunities for career advancement and helping to future-proof the UK battery manufacturing industry.”
Why the UK needs a skilled battery manufacturing workforce
Batteries are becoming increasingly important across the economy, powering everything from phones and cars to national power grids, trains and defense.
Having the skills to manufacture batteries in the UK directly supports national resilience and provides access to jobs in a growing sector.
Phil Smith, Chairman of Skills England, said: “The new Battery Manufacturing Apprenticeship Unit is a valuable addition to the Growth and Skills Tax system. Working together, we are building the jobs of the future and keeping skills training at the cutting edge.”
Andy Berry CBE, UCS College Group CEO, added: “Apprenticeships like this will build the foundations of a resilient and skilled workforce that is essential for the UK battery manufacturing sector.”
Generates over £700m in revenue
Agratas is currently building a large-scale gigafactory near Bridgwater, Somerset, which it estimates will generate more than £700m of annual economic value for the south west and create 4,000 jobs once fully operational.
The partnership with Agratas comes at a pivotal time, as the UK looks to increase manufacturing capacity in response to growing demand for renewable energy solutions.
Adjust the current battery manufacturing training to be more effective
Skills England has listened to industry feedback that existing apprenticeships for battery manufacturing workers are too long and too broad for the immediate skills needs of gigafactories.
A special design workshop was held in early February with representatives from the Electrification Skills Network and the North East and West Midlands Battery Clusters, followed by further consultation with Agratas, wider employers and academics.
A new, shorter course, based on existing occupational standards developed by employers, has been developed as part of the recently launched apprenticeship unit.
The new gigafactory will produce sustainable lithium-ion batteries to power electric vehicles, accelerating the UK’s transition to net zero.
What new labs are available?
This is the latest apprenticeship scheme to be made available to employers through the Growth and Skills Levy, after the first seven were announced last week.
AI Leadership – AI Strategy Development Electric Vehicle Charging Point Installation and Maintenance Electrical Installation and Assembly Mechanical Equipment Installation and Assembly Permanent Modular Building Assembly Photovoltaic Installation and Maintenance Welding (Mechanization)
These short courses range from 30 to 140 hours and can be run over 1 to 16 weeks.
These have been developed in response to employers’ desire for greater flexibility in training, which is funded through the Growing Skills Levy.
“This new gigafactory will create thousands of jobs and apprenticeships in the South West and beyond, and I am proud of the work Skills England is working with to work with experts in their fields to find the right skills solutions for them,” Mr Smith concluded.
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