University College Birmingham (UCB) is strengthening the UK’s push towards large‑scale battery production, with its Birmingham Battery Manufacturing Skills Pathway (B‑MSP) marking a major milestone for the sector.
The momentum reflects the urgency highlighted by Lord Hutton of Furness, who states: “Batteries are no longer just a tech issue or an energy issue – they are a national strategic imperative. The UK cannot afford to remain dependent on foreign supply chains for such a vital component of our economic and energy future.”
The UK Gigafactory Commission’s Britain’s Battery Future report notes that ‘the United Kingdom is at a critical stage in its pursuit of global leadership in automotive and battery manufacturing’. Against this backdrop, UCB has delivered the country’s first fully accredited Advanced High Voltage Battery Assembly and Gigafactory Operations course. Held over five days at the university’s specialist training centre, participants from Jaguar Land Rover, Atlas Copco and Autocraft completed the programme in December.
The course provides hands‑on, production‑focused learning, including ‘Powder to Pack’ training, safe working systems and the behaviours required for modern battery and cell manufacturing. Developed with major employers such as Jaguar Land Rover, Microsoft, Rockwell Automation, Pi‑Kem, Delta Cosworth and Yazaki, the B‑MSP aims to build a workforce ready for the UK’s expanding electrification landscape.
Professor Rosa Wells emphasises the dual benefit: “These courses offer a win-win situation for employers and employees alike.” Learners gain City & Guilds qualifications and practical confidence, while companies reduce onboarding time and retain skilled talent.
Industry voices echo this value. Atlas Copco’s James McAllister highlights the alignment with SMART manufacturing, and graduates praise the real‑world insight and cross‑industry collaboration.
With demand projected to reach 1.4 million EVs by 2040 and 70,000 additional workers needed, according to data analysis from The Faraday Institution, applications for B‑MSP courses are now open.
Image Credit: UCB
