To ensure the UK is ready for the transition to EVs, a new skills framework has been created by Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), University of Warwick, The Faraday Institution, and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult.
The framework recommends the use of short and long courses, as well as continuing professional development, to deliver the competency sets to meet electrification goals across a range of sectors. The framework currently considers vehicle electrification as well as battery manufacture, power electronics, motors and drives, and learnings will next be extended to rail, aviation and utilities.
The collaboration added by re-skilling, up-skilling and providing routes through from education to enable new-skills, employees can progress, and companies provide a viable way of managing and developing the skills of workforces in line with business objectives.
For the UK to successfully transition to an electrified and net zero future it is essential that all aspects of industry and education collaborate, according to the partnership. The forum is working to provide an opportunity for not only different companies from multiple sectors to work together, but also for training providers across the UK to collaborate and crystallise the need for training, enabling the right courses to be offered at the point of need.
Overall, the forum aims to help create skills development opportunities, and make the electric shift as smooth and sustainable as possible.
Professor David Greenwood, CEO of WMG High Value Manufacturing Catapult at the University of Warwick, said: “Electrification of automotive and aerospace industries, as well as the establishment of UK battery production facilities (gigafactories) represents a considerable industrial opportunity for the UK and one where having a workforce with the required skills and capabilities will be essential for the nation to compete successfully on the European stage.
“As these sectors transform to fully electric products, we have a proposed national plan for electrification skills, through which we will define a framework to deliver a workforce with the required skills and capabilities to deliver the sectoral technology roadmaps. This focus will be essential for the sector to develop thrive in a highly competitive global industry.
“We are proud to launch this forum, through which the electrification skills framework will be shaped by the wisdom and direction of automotive technologists, educators, accrediting bodies and training providers. It will provide a framework for a national skills programme, delivering at a regional level according to industrial need.”
