The US Department of Energy (DOE) and multinational automaker Stellantis introduce the Battery Workforce Challenge.
The press release noted that the program will present the following activities: “a three-year collegiate engineering competition; vocational training; youth education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM); and career and technical education.”
Purpose
The DOE aims to contribute to solving the climate crisis and achieve its net-zero emission targets by 2050.
That said, advanced EV battery development and EV professional training are important to make that target feasible. The US needs skilled employees with expertise in the EV battery sector.
“American leadership in the global battery supply chain will be based not only on our innovation, but also on our skilled workforce of engineers, designers, scientists, production workers, and technicians.”
Michael Berube, DEO’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Sustainable Transportation and Fuels
Meeting the growing demand for domestic EV and battery workforce
The Argonne National Laboratory under the DOE will supervise the program, which is co-funded by Stellantis.
This program will undoubtedly produce highly competent and skilled engineers, technicians, and workers to meet the current demand for EV and battery workforce in the US.
“This comprehensive workforce program will build an educational ecosystem delivering training and education for high school graduates, and vocational and transitional workers, fostering a diverse talent pipeline of trained engineers, workers and technicians who can charge North America’s battery industry forward.”
Michael Berube, DEO’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Sustainable Transportation and Fuels
Battery Workforce Challenge
The Battery Workforce Challenge will launch in the fall of 2023. According to the report, the program will hold a student competition about advanced battery design and development. The participants across North America will be tasked to develop, build, test, and incorporate advanced battery tech into a future Stellantis EV.
“With our Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, Stellantis is taking a leadership role in decarbonization that will drive us to become an industry champion in the fight against climate change, reaching carbon net zero emissions by 2038.
The Battery Workforce Challenge will help train the engineers of tomorrow and is a win-win for Stellantis and the entire battery industry as we address our nation’s toughest energy and mobility challenges by helping to build a highly skilled and productive future workforce.”
Mark Stewart, Stellantis North America COO
See Also:
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Apart from the student competition, the program will also launch workforce and educational activities. It includes a nationwide Career-Connected Learning Management System to enable accessible and adaptable training for all learners.
“We’re excited to welcome 11 teams to participate in the Battery Workforce Challenge, which is a great opportunity for college and vocational students to experience high-impact collaborations. We are pleased to manage this competition, which supports both advanced battery innovations and the development of the next generation of battery researchers and professionals.”
Paul Kearns, Argonne National Laboratory director
Further details about the program can be accessed here.
