Emerging job roles and skillsets for the battery value chain – Green Skills Gap
The battery value chain consists of four main sectors: Raw materials and processing, battery cell and pack manufacturing, application and integration, and recycling and second life. According to a recent report from the EIT InnoEnergy Skills Institute, these four areas play a critical part in the move away from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources—but sourcing and training skilled workers to fill the emerging roles is the challenge the industry must overcome.
Raw materials and processing
In the initial stage of raw materials and processing, roles such as sourcing analysts, laboratory technicians, mining engineers, material handlers, research and development (R&D) engineers, and battery material engineers are essential. They are responsible for sourcing and processing raw materials that meet current industry requirements and identifying new materials to meet future market demands.
Battery production plays a pivotal role in the global energy transition to smart electrification, and depending on the role, these profiles may require knowledge and experience in working with electrode materials, chemical engineering, and safety, together with skills in extraction and refinement, and characterisation techniques.
Battery cell and pack manufacturing
In this second stage of the battery value chain, professionals like process engineers, battery design engineers, manufacturing engineers, quality and test engineers, production technicians, calibration technicians, and maintenance technicians are vital. They design, assemble, test, and ensure battery quality. Skills required for these profiles are extensive, and may include:
- Automation
- Battery cell design
- High-speed mechanical assembly
- Battery handling
- Electrical safety
- Electrochemistry
- Preventive and predictive maintenance
- Quality control
- Battery testing
- Failure mode
- Effect analysis
For procurement of cost-effective components according to demand, profiles such as purchasing analysts and logistics managers will be required. Presently, approximately one million individuals are employed in similar job profiles supporting the EV battery value chain, with China having the largest share.
Application and integration
The transition to green energy and Net Zero economies will necessitate battery manufacturing expansion globally to match growing integration and application demands for diverse battery technologies. This step of the value chain demands specialised skills for effectively integrating batteries into specific applications, such as EVs and behind-the-meter storage.
Recycling and second life
The final stage of the battery value chain concentrates on battery reuse and repurposing. In this scenario, proficiency in regulatory frameworks, safety standards, performance evaluation using data analysis, and refurbishment techniques will be crucial. The recycling phase requires a deep understanding of relevant regulatory frameworks, as well as expertise and sustainable practices in material recovery techniques to efficiently extract materials and minimise hazardous waste.
To learn more about training, reskilling, and upskilling for the battery value chain, download a full copy of the report
Powering the Transition to Net Zero Economies at https://www.niit.com/skillsinstitute/