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.
It is seen as a big boon for the entire UK-based battery supply chain in its bid to earn the nation billions in servicing existing and winning new contracts and the quest to build numerous new gigafactories to power productivity and 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.
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, which 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 scale up their battery technologies into production, under the most intense security
to avoid prying eyes.
Batteries will be on the frontline of the battle for growth, enhanced productivity and the race to net zero.
The stats are mindboggling: According to “Faraday Report – UK Gigafactory Outlook 2024”, the UK requires four new ‘gigafactories’ by 2030. These take a minimum of 18 months to build and a further 15 months to reach full production, so there’s not a second to lose.
By 2040; more than 170,000 people will be needed in EV production in the UK alone: 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.
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, reap the rewards.
“Thousands of young people will be required to enter the sector in the next 10 years, 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.
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.”