Clemson University and MIT have partnered with leading industry stakeholders and professional organisations to launch a major initiative aimed at strengthening the battery workforce, with a focus on lithium battery manufacturing and recycling.
Funded by the National Science Foundation’s ExLENT programme, the project aims to address the growing skills gap in the battery workforce – in one of the fastest-expanding technology sectors in the United States. With battery demand expected to increase sixfold by 2030, researchers estimate over 120,000 skilled workers will be needed – while 20% of the current workforce is already over 55.
The initiative will begin with 240 learners in South Carolina and Michigan, targeting high school students in career and technical education (CTE) programmes, community college students, and technicians seeking to upskill. Participants will gain hands-on experience in battery safety, recycling, electrode preparation and cell assembly, supported by mentoring, industry tours, job shadowing and micro-internships.
Digital learning tools such as mini video lectures and virtual reality simulations using digital twins will be deployed, alongside stackable badges and a technician certification developed with SAE International and NAATBatt International.
Key collaborators include South Carolina technical colleges, READY SC and the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership. The project is led by Anand Gramopadhye of Clemson.
“This project expands the nation’s capacity for battery manufacturing and recycling by strengthening the workforce pipeline. Through collaboration and innovation, we are creating new pathways for students and technicians to enter a technology sector that is key to US competitiveness,” said Angie Leidinger of Clemson University.
Image: From left, Arvind Kolangarakath, Kapil Chalil Madathil and Jeff Bertrand demonstrate how virtual reality will be used to advance the battery workforce.
