National Battery Training & Skills Academy

The National Battery Training & Skills Academy (NBTSA) is a collaboration project between Newcastle University and New College Durham, North East Institution of Technology (NE IoT) lead. NE IoT and this partnership is aligned to deliver identified training and skills development targeted at L2 and L3 which can be integrated within the growing regional electrification ecosystem and can function as a gateway to CPD, Degree Apprenticeships, and accreditation up to L8\.

Our innovative approach to education and skills training is based on:

* Established industry networks and knowledge of skills requirements
* Existing expertise in skills and training delivery
* Maximising regional assets: existing and planned
* A modern 'Hub and Spoke' model, hosted regionally and potentially nationally
* Being an integral part of a wider electrification campus

Continuing UK Gigafactory investment in the NE region and associated supply chain development creates an acute need for workforce training, reskilling, and continuing professional development. Depending on product, chemistry, energy density, manufacturing automation levels and other variables a 10GWh battery manufacturing plant requires a minimum estimate of 800 to 1,000 skilled staff. With 2GWh existing and 12GWh planned manufacturing capacity in the region, it is impossible that existing educational provision and facilities in any region of the UK can meet the current and projected demand.

Newcastle University host the North East Battery Alliance (NEBA) enabling industrial alignment and communication with educational providers, local authorities, and other connected organisations. The university has commissioned independent research, engaged with key regional industrial partners, catapults and national organisations. This project has been designed as a response to the challenge of supporting regional workforce development in battery manufacturing and battery technology research.

This project will augment existing electrification education, skills and research initiatives such as Power Electronics Machines and Drives (PEMD) through the Institute of Electrification and Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing (IESAM), manufacturing process development, through Driving the Electric Revolution Industrialisation Centre (DER-IC), and the overarching Electrification Process Innovation Centre (EPIC). The inclusion of the NBTSA as part of this suite of education, training and research de-risks the project and enables it to leverage other regional/university investment and assets.