Battery manufacturing skills pathway powering up UK’s Net Zero ambitions
Ahead of Innovate UK ‘Cross-Sector Battery Showcase - Advancing Innovation Across Industries’, University College Birmingham has launched its very own fully accredited Battery Manufacturing Skills Pathway (B-MSP), the first of its kind in the UK.
Led and shaped by industry demands to fill the increasing skills gap in battery manufacturing, the B-MSP is a City & Guilds accredited programme designed to provide a flexible and scalable training solution for SMEs and gigafactories alike.
As the UK looks to drive momentum towards sustainable manufacturing and NetZero, the B-MSP has been developed to create a talent pipeline that will sustain the nation’s battery value chain across sectors such as automotive, marine, defence, portable electronics and construction.
Commenting on the value of the programme and its importance, the Rt Hon Lord Hunt of Kings Heath OBE, Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero said: “Every wind turbine we put up, every solar panel we install, every battery storage facility we construct helps protect families from future energy shocks.
“Storing energy is key to reaching clean power by 2030 and building an energy system that can bring down energy bills for good.
“The Birmingham Battery Manufacturing Skills Pathway is at the forefront of equipping the battery manufacturing workforce with the expertise needed to power a sustainable future.”
For employers, onboarding time is reduced as the workforce present with real-world competence and technical expertise that aligns with their production environment.
Training goes beyond theory alone, combining AR/VR simulations and virtual environments with hands-on experiences and industry-standard tools, to build practical competence.
Gary Tourell, chief engineer for propulsion prototype build at Jaguar Land Rover said: “Training and safety are paramount for us.
“Anyone working on our prototype batteries isn’t even allowed in the building without Level 1 entry training and this programme goes way beyond that.
“Having this level of training, where you can practice being around live battery work is absolutely critical to us.
“It’s really exciting seeing this programme evolve.”
For employees, the B-MSP programme offers structured, nationally recognised qualifications that employers trust.
Through practical experiences, trainees develop the confidence and qualification to effectively contribute from day one.
For the UK, the B-MSP represents an accessible pathway to skilled work in engineering and manufacturing, supporting career changers, new entrants and underrepresented groups, in an area where global competition in battery manufacturing is hotting up.
Deputy mayor of the West Midlands, Sharon Thompson said: “The West Midlands has always been proud of its place at the beating heart of the UK’s automotive industry.
“Programmes like the B-MSP offer a means to develop, attract and retain talent in this highly skilled, growth area. This pioneering skills pathway in battery manufacture fits perfectly with the West Midlands Combined Authority's plan to achieve net zero carbon emissions through key strategies, including the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
“It’s important that we work together to ensure that the necessary green skills are available to underpin this growth industry.”
Following three rigorous testing stages, the finished programme is ready to go live for online pre-learning course access in April.
Pritti Shoker, B-MSP project manager, explained: “Ensuring the training is fit for purpose involves testing and validation. We’re delighted to be introducing the programme today and look forward to welcoming the first trainees through the door later this year.
“Crucial to the success of this programme is the vital support we’ve received from our partners at Cranfield University, RAVMAC and WMG at the University of Warwick, with funding secured from UKRI’s Faraday Battery Challenge, delivered by Innovate UK.
“Their support, coupled with our facilities and expertise, means we can deliver this innovative training programme that seeks to bridge the skills gap and serve as a gateway to electrification careers across multiple industries.”
To find out more about the programme and to enquire about the courses, please visit the programme page, or email batteryproject@ucb.ac.uk
Pictured from left to right: University College Birmingham Dean for STEM and FE Principal Rosa Wells, and Deputy Mayor for the West Midlands, Sharon Thompson.