Skills England has introduced a new battery manufacturing apprenticeship unit, developed through an accelerated process in collaboration with Agratas, other industry employers, and sector experts. The initiative aims to address the specific skills requirements of Agratas’ upcoming gigafactory near Bridgwater, Somerset, and to support the UK’s expanding battery sector.
The unit, launched on March 23, 2026, is part of the short courses available through the Growth and Skills Levy, which allow employers to direct training resources toward targeted, high-quality programs. Skills England’s fast-track approach completes apprenticeship updates and new unit development within three months to meet urgent skills needs for major infrastructure projects.
Industry feedback indicated that the existing battery manufacturing operative apprenticeship course was too broad and lengthy to serve the immediate demands of the gigafactory. In response, a design workshop was convened in early February with the Electrification Skills Network and representatives from the North East and West Midlands battery clusters. Further consultations with Agratas, additional employers, and academic specialists refined the new shorter course, which aligns with established employer-designed occupational standards.
Agratas’ Somerset facility is projected to generate approximately 4,000 jobs and contribute more than £700 million in annual economic value to the South West once fully operational. The factory will produce lithium-ion batteries to power electric vehicles and support the UK’s net-zero objectives by enhancing domestic manufacturing capacity and supply chain resilience.
Phil Smith, Chair of Skills England, noted that collaboration with sector experts had produced a solution that directly responds to employer needs. Bhavik Mistry, Head of Learning and Development at Agratas, emphasized the apprenticeship unit’s focus on practical skills, ensuring its relevance to modern battery production processes. Meanwhile, UCS College Group signed a memorandum of understanding with Agratas to lead the delivery of the training program. Andy Berry CBE, CEO of UCS College Group, highlighted the role of colleges in equipping the workforce for the evolving battery manufacturing industry.
This latest unit joins seven other courses under the Growth and Skills Levy, covering topics such as AI leadership, electric vehicle charging installation, and solar PV maintenance. These shorter training options, ranging from 30 to 140 hours, can be delivered over one to 16 weeks, providing employers with increased flexibility in workforce development.
Source: Gov.uk
