UCS College Group looks to France to help prepare Somerset’s future battery workforce
UCS College Group is exploring how it can help prepare Somerset’s workforce for the growing battery industry following an international visit to northern France.
Staff from UCS College Group, joined UK and Swedish partners to see how employers, colleges and training providers are working together to develop the skills needed for careers in battery manufacturing and electric mobility.
Organised through the Electrification Skills Network as part of the Electro’Mob project, the visit included Renault Group’s vehicle assembly plant in Douai, AESC France’s battery manufacturing facility and several local training providers and employment organisations.
The group saw how the region is preparing people for new jobs, including how training is developed alongside industry, how people are supported into employment and how employers and education providers work together to meet skills needs.
The visit comes at an important time for Somerset, with the development of Agratas’ battery manufacturing facility expected to create significant opportunities for local people. Learning from a region already developing its battery industry will help UCS College Group understand how best to prepare students and local residents for the jobs and skills that will be needed.
It was a really useful opportunity to see how the battery industry is developing in France and how employers, colleges and training providers are working together to prepare people for these jobs.
There is plenty we can learn from their approach, particularly when it comes to making sure training meets the needs of employers and giving people the skills to take up new opportunities. As Agratas moves towards increased recruitment, this experience will help inform how we prepare and upskill the workforce here in Somerset.”
Vinnie Maisey
Assistant Principal for Engineering and Automotive, Bridgwater College
The visit also gave the group the chance to share experiences with colleagues from across the UK and Europe, build relationships and discuss how organisations can work together to support the growing electrification sector.
The learning will help inform UCS College Group’s approach to automotive and engineering training, ensuring its courses continue to reflect the needs of employers and the opportunities emerging across Somerset.
The visit also supports the College Group’s wider Strategy 2035 ambitions, particularly its focus on collaboration and developing the skills that will benefit local people and businesses.
By working closely with employers and partners, UCS College Group aims to help more people access the training they need to take advantage of new opportunities and support Somerset’s future economic growth.
For more information, please contact the Communications team at UCS College Group the communicationsteam@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk or on 01278 441216.
For more information, please contact the UCS College Group Communications team via thecommunicationsteam@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk or on 01278 441349.