Electric opportunities
As the transport industry undergoes rapid electrification and decarbonisation, a parallel challenge has emerged: the urgent need to upskill the engineering workforce
Recent UK initiatives – spanning battery manufacturing, electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and renewable energy integration – highlight a shift toward more agile, industry-aligned training models designed to address immediate skills gaps while supporting long-term growth.
ACCELERATING SKILLS FOR GIGAFACTORY-SCALE PRODUCTION
One of the most significant recent developments is linked to the new gigafactory being developed by Agratas in Somerset. The facility, part of the Tata Group ecosystem, is expected to create 4,000 jobs and play a central role in the UK’s EV battery supply chain.
To support this scale, a new battery manufacturing apprenticeship unit has been developed in collaboration with Skills England and UCS College Group. Notably, the programme was created in just three months following rapid consultation with industry stakeholders. Andy Berry MBE, CEO at UCS College Group, described the initiative as a turning point: “This represents a pivotal moment for the battery manufacturing sector in the UK.”
Unlike traditional apprenticeships, which can span several years, the new training unit is designed to be delivered over one to 16 weeks, with a duration of 30 to 140 hours. This modular approach reflects a broader trend toward compressed, targeted training that aligns closely with immediate operational requirements.
From an engineering perspective, the emphasis is firmly on practical, production-relevant skills. Bhavik Mistry, head of learning and development at Agratas, explained that the course, “ensures learning is closely aligned to the realities of modern battery manufacturing, making sure it is high quality and closely matched to daily life in battery production”.
This focus on hands-on capability is critical in a gigafactory environment, where process consistency, quality control, and safety are paramount. Engineers entering such facilities must be proficient not only in electrochemical fundamentals but also in automated manufacturing systems, quality assurance protocols, and high-throughput production processes.
APPRENTICESHIPS FOR EMERGING INFRASTRUCTURE
Complementing the battery manufacturing initiative is a broader government-led reform of its own apprenticeship system. Backed by £1 billion in funding, the programme aims to create 200,000 new jobs and training opportunities, with a particular focus on sectors central to the energy transition.
Among the most relevant additions for transport engineers are new apprenticeship units in:
- EV charging point installation and maintenance
- Solar photovoltaic (PV) installation and maintenance
These roles are essential to the expansion of EV infrastructure and the integration of renewable energy into transport systems. The introduction of short-form apprenticeship units reflects recognition that traditional training pathways are often too slow to meet rapidly evolving industry needs.
The UK government has framed this as the most significant overhaul of apprenticeships in a decade. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasised the strategic importance of the initiative, stating: “Backing young people is one of the most important investments we can make in this country’s future. We are determined to tackle the rise in youth unemployment by expanding practical routes into work, boosting apprenticeships, and giving employers the clarity they need. These reforms underpin our ambition to create an economy that works for everyone, closing the skills gap and supporting more young people into meaningful employment.”
ENGINEERING IMPLICATIONS
These developments highlight several important shifts in workforce development through the EV transport sector. The move toward shorter, focused training units enables faster deployment of skilled workers into critical roles. This is particularly relevant in fast-scaling sectors such as battery manufacturing and EV infrastructure, where demand for skilled labour is outpacing supply.
Programmes are increasingly being designed in direct consultation with employers, ensuring that training reflects real-world operational requirements. Modern transport systems require expertise across multiple domains, including electrical engineering, software systems, materials science, and energy management. Training programmes are beginning to reflect this interdisciplinarity, particularly in areas such as EV charging and solar integration.
ADDRESSING LONG-TERM SKILLS CHALLENGES
While these initiatives represent a significant step forward, they also underscore the scale of the challenge facing the transport sector. Electrification, digitalisation, and sustainability are transforming engineering roles at a pace that traditional education systems have struggled to match.
KEY CHALLENGES REMAIN, INCLUDING:
- Ensuring consistent training standards across providers
- Scaling programmes to meet national demand
- Integrating emerging technologies such as AI and digital twins into curricula
- Retaining skilled workers in a competitive labour market
