Invest WindsorEssex, the lead economic development agency for the Windsor-Essex region in Ontario, Canada, has announced over $3.8 million in funding to launch the Battery Boost: Technical Training for Battery Manufacturing Careers program.
The technical training initiative targets laid-off workers or those seeking a career change, and is designed to equip them with skills for careers in battery manufacturing.
The program will run from February 2025 to March 2026 at the Invest WindsorEssex Automobility and Innovation Centre and will provide training to more than 400 participants.
The curriculum will be created in collaboration with NextStar Energy, a battery joint venture between South Korea’s LG Energy Solution and automaker Stellantis, which will leverage proprietary information about the battery manufacturing process. Participants will gain hands-on, practical experience by using virtual reality (VR) and advanced training simulators to ensure job-readiness. Program partner Virtualware will develop and deliver immersive VR training modules in a new custom VR room.
Participants who complete the program will be eligible to move into specific roles at NextStar Energy. Those who are selected for the program but do not complete the training will still be provided with additional upskilling opportunities and job placement assistance within the Windsor-Essex EV supply chain.
“Upskilling ensures we bridge the skills gap, training top talent for the jobs of tomorrow. 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,” said Rhonda Barnet, CEO of Palette Skills. “Our partnership with Invest WindsorEssex will help workers, providing safe, practical, hands-on training to succeed in this growing sector.”
Source: Invest WindsorEssex
