Electrification Skills Network is tackling the big skills evolution

"The Warwickshire Skills Hub is thrilled to participate in meetings hosted by the Electrification Skills Network. This aligns perfectly with Warwickshire County Council's commitment to staying ahead of the curve on emerging technologies and ensuring our region has the skills to thrive in the electrified future."

The automotive sector, a major employer in Warwickshire, is one of many sectors of the economy faced with the task of decarbonisation over the coming years. Climate change and competition from overseas companies means UK firms must improve processes and product to meet future demand.

Key to this change is ensuring that firms and their employees have the right skills and there are common skills needs across industry which are required to deliver the electrification of products and processes in coming years. Coventry & Warwickshire is also home to Coventry & Warwick Giga Park, and Green Power Park, the home of the planned West Midlands battery cell gigafactory, and over the coming years will require a range of new advanced manufacturing skills for battery cell manufacture and related technologies.

Addressing this situation is the Electrification Skills Network (ESN), funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), born from the National Electrification Skills Framework and Forum. Its mission: To create a comprehensive framework for electrification skills in the UK. Key partners locally in this initiative include Coventry University, Enginuity, the University of Warwick, the Electric Revolution Skills Hub, and the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC). 

ESN aims to bridge the gap between employers, accrediting organisations, and skills providers. By crafting a dynamic electrification skills framework, ESN supports the development and implementation of best practices in industrial sectors. This collaborative approach ensures training programs are targeted, effective, and aligned with the current and future needs of employers.

Steven Convery, Business Skills Advisor at Warwickshire Skills Hub, said: "The Warwickshire Skills Hub is thrilled to participate in meetings hosted by the Electrification Skills Network. This aligns perfectly with Warwickshire County Council's commitment to staying ahead of the curve on emerging technologies and ensuring our region has the skills to thrive in the electrified future." 

Mandeep Sandhu, Sector Lead at Enginuity, said: “Enginuity is proud to partner with the Electrification Skills Network in a bold mission to tackle skills shortages head-on. By uniting industry and academia, ESN aims to create a dynamic framework for electrification skills. Together, we are fostering a collaborative community to empower and transform the industry.”

How ESN Supports Electrification Skills 

Promoting Collaboration Across Initiatives 

ESN actively supports various skills projects, working closely with UKBIC and other related initiatives. This collaboration enhances the visibility of these projects, ensuring stakeholders are informed about the latest developments and market opportunities. By working together, ESN accelerates support and impact for employers and national initiatives. 

Defining an Electrification Skills Framework 

ESN is committed to defining a comprehensive electrification skills framework that is accessible and understandable for all users, from employers to skills providers. This framework will help employers map out upskilling needs for current employees transitioning to new roles and for future employees as businesses grow and evolve. 

Influencing stakeholders nationwide. 

As a national initiative, ESN aims to influence skills and funding bodies across all four nations of the UK. By creating a unified approach, ESN ensures the electrification skills framework is relevant and impactful nationwide. 

Providing a National Forum for Electrification 

ESN hosts quarterly online national sessions on electrification, open to all interested parties. These sessions facilitate the exchange of ideas, raise awareness of new initiatives, and provide a platform for stakeholders to collaborate and share insights. 

Signposting Solutions and Identifying Gaps 

One of the key challenges in electrification skills is finding existing solutions and recognising their value. ESN addresses this by consolidating various initiatives within a unified framework, making it easier to identify and access relevant solutions. 

Call to Action 

Businesses are urged to engage with ESN to support the development of electrification skills and contribute to the future of the industry. Whether you are an employer, skills provider, or accrediting body in Warwickshire, your participation is crucial. Please join us in shaping the future of electrification skills in the UK. 

For more information, please visit Electrification Skills Network.