Battery skills manufacturing programme launched | News

March 2025

University College Birmingham launches UK's first accredited battery manufacturing skills programme

By Claire Huggins

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In the face of Net Zero aims and the increasing demand for renewable energy, University College Birmingham has launched the Battery Manufacturing Skills Pathway (B-MSP), the first fully accredited programme in the UK.

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.

From the classroom to the factory, the B-MSP offers an accessible pathway into battery technology roles, opening doors to career returners, career changers and those from non-STEM backgrounds. This structured programme equips trainees with nationally recognised qualifications that employers trust and through practical and immersive experiences, they’ll develop the confidence and qualification to effectively contribute from day one.

L-R: Pritti Shoker (University College Birmingham B-MSP Project Manager), Mark McNally (MD and Owner of RAVMAC), Rosa Wells (University College Birmingham Dean for STEM and FE Principal), Rt. Hon Lord Hunt of Kings Heath OBE (Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero), Neil Davies (University College Birmingham Head of Engineering) and Michael Harkin (University College Birmingham Vice-Chancellor and Principal).

For businesses, the B-MSP represents training that has been led and shaped by industry to fill the increasing skills gap in battery manufacturing. This City & Guilds accredited programme has been designed to provide a flexible and scalable training solution for organisations of any size.

Gary Tourell, Chief Engineer for Propulsion Prototype build at Jaguar Land Rover said: “You can’t go for long without reading something in the press about electrification, what’s gone wrong with it and mistakes that were made.

“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.”

Following three rigorous testing stages, the finished programme is ready to go live for online pre-learning course access in April.

Pritti Shoker, the University’s B-MSP Project Manager, explained: “Ensuring the training is fit for purpose involves testing and validation. We’re delighted to be launching the programme now 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.”

Attending the launch lunch, 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.”

The B-MSP sets University College Birmingham apart as an authority voice in battery manufacturing -collaborating with industry, setting the benchmark for electrification skills and helping reinforce the UK’s position as a leader in sustainable manufacturing.

On his visit to the facility, 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.”

Find out more about the B-MSP and the battery courses we offer to upskill, reskill and grow your workforce.

"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"

Rt. Hon Lord Hunt of Kings Heath Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero