UCS College Group is set to accelerate its work with Agratas to develop the skills pipeline for the UK’s emerging battery industry, following a new award from the Battery Innovation Programme.
Delivered by Innovate UK on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, the programme has awarded UCS College Group £1.2 million to support the development of the UK’s battery manufacturing workforce and strengthen capability across the battery value chain.
Agratas, Tata’s global battery business, is building the UK’s first gigafactory for advanced battery manufacturing in Bridgwater, Somerset. As Agratas’ primary skills development and training partner, UCS College Group is co-designing industry-focused training to meet workforce needs and create routes into the sector for prospective employees, early-career talent and the wider community.
The programmes are designed to equip thousands of Agratas employees with the specialist skills and behaviours needed for safe, efficient and innovative battery production. They will also support pre-employment, early-career and progression opportunities, contributing to a training model with potential to support the wider UK battery workforce.
The funding will help the College Group accelerate its training provision as the industry grows. The partnership aims to create pathways into high-value technical careers, support regional prosperity across Somerset and the South West, and contribute to the long-term development of the UK’s green industrial economy.
“The Battery Innovation Programme award will enable UCS College Group to further accelerate the work with Agratas – building a skills pipeline for the UK’s emerging battery industry.
Together, we are developing bespoke training to equip thousands of people with the technical capabilities required for advanced manufacturing. This funding will act as a catalyst, supporting regional growth and helping secure the industry’s long-term future.”
Andy Berry CBE
CEO UCS College Group
“Battery manufacturing is a new and technically specialised field in the UK, with no established training pipeline for the sector. We are at the forefront of this development which will open career pathways and opportunities for our communities whilst contributing to the UK’s industrial strategy.”
Jason Gunningham
Principal, Bridgwater College