Funding announced to train 400 workers in battery manufacturing careers program

NextStar Energy exterior in Windsor, Ont. (Source: Stellantis)

Invest WindsorEssex is announcing over $3.8 million in funding to launch a specialized training program for over 400 participants.

The Battery Boost: Technical Training for Battery Manufacturing Careers program is funded through Upskill Canada, powered by Palette Skills with funding from the Government of Canada.

It is part of the first wave of partnership agreements that are taking an industry-oriented approach to supporting Canadian workers.

“The growing importance of the EV sector in Ontario is undeniable, and that means high demand for workers with the skills the industry needs most. Our partnership with Invest WindsorEssex will help workers, providing safe, practical, hands-on training to succeed in this growing sector now, and into the future,” said Rhonda Barnet, CEO of Palette Skills, which was chosen to run the Upskill Canada initiative.

The Battery Boost program is an innovative technical training initiative designed to equip individuals with skills for battery manufacturing careers.

Targeting laid-off workers or those seeking a career shift, this program provides an opportunity to transition into the growing battery manufacturing industry.

Through the use of Virtual Reality (VR) and advanced training simulators, participants gain hands-on, practical experience to ensure job-readiness.

The program will run from February 2025 to March 2026 and will provide training to over 400 participants.

Training will take place at the Invest WindsorEssex Automobility and Innovation Centre. The specialized curriculum with be created in collaboration with NextStar Energy who will leverage proprietary information essential to the battery manufacturing process.

“NextStar Energy is powered by local talent. As we continue to grow, we’re excited to collaborate with Invest WindsorEssex to launch initiatives like the Battery Boost program, which will help prepare our workforce for new opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of EV battery manufacturing,” saidEd Novacco, director of HR for NextStar Energy.

Program partner, Virtualware will develop and deliver immersive VR training modules in a new custom VR room designed for hands-on-training, all powered by their award-winning enterprise XR platform VIROO.

“Embracing Virtual Reality as a standard infrastructure for training is not just a leap into the future; it's a critical investment in our workforce's ability to adapt and excel in the evolving landscape of electric vehicle manufacturing. By integrating VR into upskilling programs, we ensure that our teams are equipped with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of new technologies efficiently and effectively,” said Michael Rosas, VP general manager at Virtualware.

 Participants who successfully complete the program will be eligible to move into specific roles at NextStar Energy. Those who are selected for the program but do not successfully complete the training will still be provided with additional upskilling opportunities and job placement assistance within the Windsor-Essex EV supply chain.

Individuals interested in learning more about the Battery Boost program, or who are interested in submitting an application, are encouraged to visit webatteryboost.com for detailed information and resources.