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New course is a 'pivotal moment' for EV sector

Ruth BradleySomerset politics reporter
News imageAgratas An aerial shot at sunset of the gigafactory steel frame on its construction site. There are houses and countryside in the distance. Agratas
The gigafactory being built in Somerset will be one of the largest in Europe

A brand-new college course is to be offered to hundreds of workers at the UK's biggest electric vehicle (EV) battery plant.

Agratas, part of the Tata Group - which also owns Jaguar Land Rover - is building the factory on a brownfield site near Bridgwater in Somerset, and says it will provide 4,000 jobs.

Skills England, part of the Department for Work and Pensions, said it developed the new battery manufacturing apprenticeship unit in three months following a "rapid" consultation with employers and sector experts.

"This represents a pivotal moment for the battery manufacturing sector in the UK," said Andy Berry MBE, Chief Executive at UCS College Group which will offer the course.

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News imageUCS A man in a blue suit and a woman in a black patterned dress, both smiling, holding up signed headed paper reading memorandum of understanding, standing in front of large glass windows with trees outsideUCS
Andy Berry from UCS College Group, and Becki Robertson, from Agratas, this week signed a memorandum of understanding

Skills England said it listened to industry feedback that the existing battery manufacturing operative apprenticeship was too long and broad in scope for the "imminent skills needs" at the gigafactory.

The new unit ranges between 30 and 140 hours and can be delivered over one to 16 weeks.

Bhavik Mistry, head of learning and development for Agratas, said the course will prioritise practical skills.

He said this "ensures learning is closely aligned to the realities of modern battery manufacturing, making sure it is high quality and closely matched to daily life in battery production".

News imageAgratas An artist's impression of the Somerset gigafactory building. There are hedges and a walkway. People are walking and some are on bikes.Agratas
Agratas has started recruiting for jobs at the factory

Meanwhile, Agratas, which plans to open the factory in 2027, has named UCS College Group as its designated training provider.

Berry said that was a "key milestone" and reinforced the college's commitment to "delivering innovative solutions" to develop the skills the industry needs.

Agratas has recently launched an online portal allowing local people to register their interest in jobs at the factory.

The company said this signalled the first phase of recruitment for about 1,600 jobs needed to start battery cell production.

Once fully operational, Agratas claims the facility will contribute more than £700 million in annual economic value to the West and South West.

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