Awarding organisation EAL, in collaboration with the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre in Coventry, is planning to attract thousands of new entrants to the sector and reskill those who make the switch from combustion powered vehicles.
New Level 2 Qualification to Support Workforce Growth
The level 2 qualification is designed for individuals aged 16 and above, serving as an introductory point for those new to the industry. Higher-level qualifications are planned to be introduced later this year. By 2040 nearly 500,000 people will be required by the sector in the UK.
UK Battery Industrialisation Centre Drives Skills and Manufacturing Scale-up
UKBIC, (the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre), is the national manufacturing development facility providing battery manufacturing scale-up and skills to support the transition to an ‘electrified future.’ The £200m facility, services some of the biggest brand names in the World, was opened in July 2021 by the then Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Some of the most famous brand names, in the auto, transport, energy storage, and other sectors, use the facility to scaleup their battery technologies into production, under the most intense security to avoid prying eyes.
Industry Statistics Highlight Gigafactory and Workforce Demand
Batteries will be on the frontline of the battle for growth, enhanced productivity and the race to NetZero. The stats are mindboggling: (Faraday Report – UK Gigafactory Outlook 2024) The UK requires 4 new ‘gigafactories’ by 2030 – they take a minimum of 18 months to build and a further 15 months to reach full production – so not a second to lose. A gigafactory is usually defined as a battery production operation producing a billion – watt hours – they are usually associated with EV makers.
By 2040; more than 170,000 people will be needed in EV production in the UK alone, with 35,000 employed in UK gigafactories and 65,000 employed in the UK supply chain. The new Level 2 qualification is pitched to be the ‘perfect level’ to ‘energise’ young people (and those upskilling) to enter the sector. EAL envisages thousands of learners will be qualified by the end of the decade.
EAL Leadership on Electrification and Skills Development
Al Parkes, Managing Director of EAL, said: “This collaboration is electrifying. The electrification of the World through brilliant battery innovation and industrialisation, is being led right here in the UK. EAL’s initiative, to develop and introduce this brand-new qualification, will help ensure that industry and the nation as a whole, reaps the rewards. Thousands of young people will be required to enter the sector in the next ten years a, and we will help start them on their route to a rewarding and valued career. Those already working in automotive may well need to upskill to work in the ever-evolving EV production.” EAL, part of the Enginuity Group, ploughs the entirety of its profits, into skilling the sectors that it serves – engineering, manufacturing and construction.
UKBIC Experts Highlight Industry-Driven Curriculum
Jonty Deeley-Williamson, Head of Learning & Development at UKBIC, added: “We’re delighted to have helped develop this important qualification for the battery industry. The content, put together using real life experiences at UKBIC and curated by experts in battery manufacturing, was created in response to the growing demand for skilled workers. This new qualification will provide a structured curriculum, enabling trainees to confidently step into battery manufacturing roles with industry-approved skills and experience.”
Minister for Nature, Coventry East MP, Mary Creagh CBE, will be in attendance.
