August 12, 2025

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Birmingham

West Midlands

United Kingdom

Helping to bridge a national skills gap that is challenging manufacturers, Atlas Copco Tools and Industrial Assembly Solutions is actively supporting a brand-new training initiative for advanced battery manufacturing, which is the UK’s first fully accredited and industry-backed programme.

Launched by University College Birmingham, in partnership with City & Guilds and Innovate UK, the Battery Manufacturing Skills Pathway (B-MSP) is the first of its kind to be developed with direct involvement of industry, to tackle a critical skills deficit in UK battery manufacturing.

Setting a national benchmark for electrification skills and creating a talent pipeline that will sustain the nation’s battery supply chain, for SMEs and gigafactories alike, the programme aims to deliver a structured, workforce-ready pathway, that aligns with employer needs and the UK’s Net Zero ambitions.

Through advanced immersive learning using AR/VR, as well as real-world simulations and cutting-edge technology, supplied and co-designed by industry partners including Atlas Copco, the B-MSP provides a dynamic, comprehensive skills ecosystem, which has been developed to adapt and scale, in response to the evolving electrification transition.

From day one, B-MSP students interact with live production equipment used in gigafactories and the broader supply chain, building their capabilities, confidence and workforce readiness. This ‘learning factory’ model echoes the government's Industrial Strategy call for employer-driven technical provision that directly supports industrial scale-up.

The new programme is also closely aligned with the Electrification Skills Network (ESN), a UK-wide coalition of employers, training providers and sector leaders, working together to deliver the skills required for battery production, power electronics, motors and drives (PEMD).

Commenting on its involvement in the B-MSP programme, James McAllister, General Manager at Atlas Copco Tools and Industrial Assembly Solutions, said:

“By integrating emerging technologies and future market needs, the B-SMP is establishing itself as the benchmark standard for battery workforce development, which will help to reinforce the UK’s position as a leader in sustainable manufacturing. As a strategic partner to manufacturers across many sectors and a leader in advanced EV battery assembly solutions, Atlas Copco is privileged to lend its expertise and technology to this important project. Together with our Smart Factory Innovation Centre in Wolverhampton, our involvement with University College Birmingham underpins our commitment to supporting long-term manufacturing in the Midlands and rest of the UK.”

Commenting on the value of the programme, the Rt Hon Lord Hunt of Kings Heath OBE, Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero said:

“Every wind turbine we put up, every solar panel we install, every battery storage facility we construct helps protect families from future energy shocks. Storing energy is key to reaching clean power by 2030 and building an energy system that can bring down energy bills for good. The Birmingham Battery Manufacturing Skills Pathway is at the forefront of equipping the battery manufacturing workforce with the expertise needed to power a sustainable future.”

Speaking at the launch of the B-MSP, Deputy Mayor of the West Midlands, Sharon Thompson said:

“The West Midlands has always been proud of its place at the beating heart of the UK’s automotive industry. Programmes like the B-MSP offer a means to develop, attract and retain talent in this highly skilled, growth area. This pioneering skills pathway in battery manufacture fits perfectly with the West Midlands Combined Authority’s plan to achieve net zero carbon emissions through key strategies, including the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).”