The launch of a new £3.7 million battery manufacturing skills initiative by Innovate UK has been welcomed by West Midlands manufacturer Brigham Pressings, with CEO Doug Allen calling for continued investment in industrial capability to strengthen Britain’s manufacturing base.
The new Battery Skills Initiatives programme, funded by the Department for Business and Trade and delivered by Innovate UK, will support regional training programmes aimed at addressing skills shortages across battery manufacturing and the wider electrification supply chain.
Up to £3.7m will be invested into projects focused on developing nationally accredited qualifications and commercially sustainable training provision spanning skills levels two to five.
Doug Allen, CEO of Brigham Pressings, said the initiative represents the kind of long-term industrial thinking needed to secure the UK’s place in advanced manufacturing sectors.
“Battery technology, electrification and advanced manufacturing are all areas where the UK has enormous potential, but growth only happens if we invest in people and skills alongside innovation,” he said.
“UK SMEs like HT Brigham offer a sovereign manufacturing capability and agility which could drive forward battery technology if only we tap into it. With decades of automotive expertise for deep drawn pressings, engineering innovation using presswork know-how, tooling and project management, HT Brigham is ready to support this technology.
“We need more programmes like this that back our home industries and give manufacturers the confidence to invest in Britain for the long term. Skills development is absolutely critical if the UK is serious about competing globally in next-generation manufacturing.”
The Battery Skills Initiatives programme includes two funding strands: ‘Establish’, aimed at creating new regional training initiatives for skills levels two to three, and ‘Scale’, which will expand existing battery skills provision up to level five qualifications.
Projects will focus on supporting sectors including automotive, aerospace, energy storage, maritime and off-highway industries, helping address growing demand for specialist technical skills as electrification accelerates.
Allen said manufacturing businesses across the supply chain are increasingly dependent on access to skilled workers capable of supporting advanced production technologies.
“UK manufacturers are ready to innovate, but we need a pipeline of engineering and technical talent coming through. Initiatives like this help create opportunities for young people while supporting the industries that underpin economic growth, exports and national resilience,” he added.
“At Brigham Pressings, we see first-hand how important engineering skills are to maintaining a competitive manufacturing sector. Government and industry must continue working together to ensure Britain remains a world-class place to design, make and invest.”
Dr Valentina Gentili, programme director for the Battery Innovation Programme at Innovate UK, said the initiative was designed to help remove barriers to growth within the battery sector.
“As the UK battery sector accelerates, the Battery Innovation Programme recognises that gaps in specialist skills still hold back growth,” she said.
“With our expanded remit across automotive, aerospace, off-highway, energy storage and maritime, we aim to back projects that develop the skilled people industry needs across the entire value chain.”
The competition is now open to academic institutions, research and technology organisations, charities, not-for-profits and public sector organisations looking to establish or expand regional battery manufacturing skills programmes across the UK.