The £800,000 Electrification Skills Network (ESN), funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and managed by Coventry University, is approaching a significant milestone. The project, which aims to establish the UK’s first comprehensive framework for electrification skills, is set to launch soon.
The ESN initiative, which has been in development through extensive research, workshops, and consultations, is gearing up to unveil a pioneering Framework designed to address the sector’s rapidly growing demands. This framework is expected to play a crucial role in creating over 100,000 jobs by 2025.
The ESN has engaged over 100 academic partners, training providers, accrediting bodies, and industry leaders, including major names like Aston Martin and Bentley. This collaboration has culminated in the development of an interactive website that will host the Framework, detailing a standardized set of skills required for high-quality electrification training and qualifications.
Deepak Farmah, Director of ERS Hub and C-ALPS at Coventry University, emphasized the need for such a framework. “Industries such as battery manufacturing, vehicle electrification, and energy infrastructure are advancing rapidly, creating a mismatch between demand and available skills,” he said. “Our goal with the ESN is to provide a comprehensive reference point to standardize qualifications and create clear pathways for employment.”
The Framework, supported by the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre, and Enginuity, will include detailed listings categorized by industry roles and specializations. These listings will reflect both current and anticipated skills requirements.
Where existing training and qualifications are lacking, the Framework will offer a standardized foundation for developing new training modules and qualifications. Paul Whiteside, ESN Head of Programme, noted, “We are excited to reach this first major milestone with the Framework launch scheduled for Autumn. We’re eager to give attendees at the Cenex Expo a preview of what’s to come.”
Whiteside highlighted that this launch is just the beginning. “Our vision is to create a dynamic, resilient workforce and a comprehensive skills ecosystem that evolves with the sector’s needs,” he added. “The ESN aims to be the cornerstone of a robust training roadmap for the electrification industry.”
The upcoming launch represents a critical step toward addressing the sector’s skills gap and supporting its continued growth and development.