National Battery Training and Skills Academy
Powering the future workforce in battery technology.
About the National Battery Training and Skills Academy
The North East of England is at the forefront of lithium-ion battery research, development and manufacturing - key to the UK’s drive towards electrification. As the region grows in this sector, so does the demand for a skilled workforce.
The National Battery Training and Skills Academy is leading the response to this demand, by:
- closing the skills gap in lithium-ion battery research, development, and manufacturing
- equipping operators and technicians with the skills they need today and for the future
- developing a workforce trained in manufacturing innovative technologies
The Academy is funded through the Faraday Battery Challenge.
Objectives
The objective for the National Battery Training and Skills Academy is to address the skilled workforce gap in lithium-ion battery research, development, and manufacturing.
We’ll address this by providing:
- facilities in the North East to develop the existing and new workforce in Level 2 and Level 3 battery manufacturing training
- scaled and flexible equipment for bootcamps, CPD, and degree apprenticeships
Battery manufacturing training
Our programmes, delivered by New College Durham, focus on Level 2 and Level 3 battery manufacturing training. They lay a solid foundation for future learning.
We encourage our learners to continue their development through:
- battery-related CPD courses
- degree apprenticeships, delivered right here in the region at Newcastle University
This creates a clear path for lifelong learning in this critical field.
We’ll deliver:
- hands-on experience on a scaled down manufacturing line
- classroom training
- the inclusion of immersive technologies to support learning
This approach will equip individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to be effective in their roles, helping to support homegrown talent.
Key milestones
We're committed to delivering comprehensive training by March 2025.
The Academy covers a range of topics through different experiences. We teach:
- industry-aligned technical skills
- theory and principles through hands-on practical sessions
- tools and equipment training using a scaled-down manufacturing line
Our programmes are strengthened by the thriving battery ecosystem in the North East of England and the expertise of our key partners, including:
- the UK's only gigafactory alongside Nissan's electric vehicle assembly plant
- Driving the Electric Revolution Industrialisation Centre North East (DER-IC)
- North East Battery Alliance (NEBA)
- The Faraday Institution North East (FINE)
- world-leading expertise in battery safety
Community engagement and outreach
To inspire and educate the next generation, the Academy is working with Newcastle’s Discovery Museum, to present the award-winning Steam to Green exhibition.
This two-year exhibit traces the North East’s journey from its key role in the industrial revolution to leading today’s drive towards electrification.
Steam to Green will reach over 120 000 school children and their families.
The exhibition includes:
- learning programmes
- workshops
- discovery events
- careers fairs
- community activities
Partners and funding
The National Battery Training and Skills Academy is a collaboration between Newcastle University and New College Durham. The Academy is funded through the Faraday Battery Challenge and Innovate UK.
This collaboration brings together:
- Newcastle University’s leading expertise in battery technologies
- New College Durham’s capacity to develop and deliver high-quality training
This enables us to provide top-tier training and ensure the workforce of tomorrow is ready for the challenges of battery innovation.
Contact us
For more information, or to get involved with the National Battery Training and Skills Academy, reach out to:
Lois Warne
Strategic Project Manager
Email: lois.warne@ncl.ac.uk