Male wear a virtual reality headset clicking on to a virtual screen.

ADVANCED HIGH VOLTAGE ASSEMBLY AND GIGAFACTORY OPERATIONS

Short course 

Course Level

Short course

Duration

5 FT days

Entry

September 2025 - Various available

Fees

View fees

Department of Engineering

The UK’s battery sector is projected to need 70,000 additional workers by 2040

Integrating emerging technologies like augmented and virtual reality into manufacturing training is the first accredited programme of its kind

Powering the future of electrification with industry-accredited training, the Birmingham Battery Manufacturing Skills Pathway (B-MSP) is the UK’s first accredited battery training programme, where hands-on training meets cutting-edge immersive learning. Bridging the skills gap in battery manufacturing, B-MSP provides a structured, workforce-ready pathway that aligns with employer needs, government targets and the UK’s Net Zero ambitions.

This programme builds on foundation knowledge to develop advanced skills in high voltage (HV) battery assembly and gigafactory operations. Designed for learners progressing from the foundation programme or with existing industry experience, it focuses on complex assembly techniques, automation, troubleshooting and large-scale manufacturing processes. 

Through blended learning, learners engage with immersive digital simulations and hands-on training, gaining the technical expertise, safety awareness and real-world competence required for specialist roles in battery production. Aligned with industry needs and developed in collaboration with leading employers, it prepares learners to contribute directly to the evolving electrification and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Why choose a Foundation in High Voltage Battery Assembly Objective programme?

  • ADVANCED AND IMMERSIVE LEARNING – B-MSP offers industry-aligned, hands-on training using real-world simulations, digital tools, and practical practice. Blending classroom, VR/AR and physical learning ensures strong understanding and lasting skills.
  • CERTIFIED AND INDUSTRY-POWERED – Accredited by City & Guilds and shaped with leaders like Microsoft, Jaguar Land Rover, and Rockwell Automation, B-MSP provides trusted, transferable skills aligned with real production needs.
  • WORKFORCE READY – B-MSP produces job-ready graduates with practical, workplace-based skills in battery manufacturing. Learners gain confidence and experience from day one, while employers get a skilled, productive workforce.
  • FLEXIBLE AND SCALABLE – Adaptable for both small teams and large companies, B-MSP integrates into in-house training. A structured core plus custom modules give employers scalable, tailored workforce solutions.

Our facilities

Students will develop their skills in our brand-new Battery-Manufacturing Skills Pathway Learning facility within the Centre for Sustainable Construction at the James Cond Building. This cutting-edge facility offers a blended learning experience, combining:

  • Immersive AV/VR technology – Advanced augmented and virtual reality simulations bring battery manufacturing concepts to life, allowing for risk-free, hands-on digital training.
  • Practical battery training workshop – A fully-equipped, real-world training space where students can apply their skills using industry-standard tools and equipment.

Replicating modern battery production environments, these facilities ensure trainees gain both the technical expertise and practical experience needed to thrive in the industry.

Course breakdown  

Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Battery Manufacturing Industry

This module introduces the battery industry, covering market growth driven by EVs and energy storage. Learners explore battery types, key applications, major manufacturers and supply chain stages, along with environmental challenges and opportunities.

Module 2: Health, Safety, and Environmental Regulations in Battery Manufacturing Part 1 and Part 2

This module prepares learners for safe practice in battery manufacturing. It covers key UK legislation (e.g., Health and Safety at Work Act, COSHH and DSEAR), PPE use, fire and electrical safety, risk assessments and emergency procedures. Environmental responsibilities, including waste management and pollution control, are also addressed.

Module 3: Overview of Battery Components and Materials

This module introduces key battery components including anode, cathode, separator, electrolyte and current collectors, explaining their roles in energy generation. Learners explore common materials, cell formats such as cylindrical, prismatic and pouch, and their applications through classroom and workshop activities.

Module 4: Introduction to Electrode Manufacturing

This module introduces the key stages of electrode production, including mixing active materials, coating, drying, calendering and slitting. Learners explore cleanroom environments, essential equipment and process flow through classroom, workshop and immersive VR experiences.

Module 5: Cell Assembly Techniques

This module covers key cell assembly methods, including winding for cylindrical cells and stacking for prismatic and pouch cells. Learners explore separator placement, electrolyte filling and sealing techniques, with a focus on safety. Practical activities using coin cell equipment provide hands-on experience.

Module 6: Introduction to Formation, Ageing and Testing

This module introduces post-assembly processes, including initial cell charging (formation), stabilisation (ageing), and performance testing. Learners explore capacity checks, voltage and leak tests, and safety evaluations to ensure cell quality and reliability.

Module 7: Module and Pack Assembly Processes (Classroom and Practical Activity) Part 1 and Part 2

This module covers how cells are connected into modules and packs, including wiring, cooling systems and enclosures. Learners explore high voltage safety, electrical isolation and hands-on assembly using industry components and smart tools, supported by classroom, VR and workshop activities.

Module 8: Quality Assurance and Control in Battery Manufacturing

This module covers quality standards, testing procedures and documentation practices in battery manufacturing. Learners explore how to identify and manage non-conformances, ensure traceability, and understand the importance of end-of-line testing and compliance with emerging regulations.

Module 9: Preventative Maintenance and Continuous Improvement

This module introduces routine maintenance practices to ensure equipment reliability, including checks, cleaning and fault reporting. Learners also explore continuous improvement methods like lean manufacturing, with hands-on group activities focused on efficiency and quality enhancement.

Module 10: Level 3 Assessment and Course Wrap-up

Learners complete a formal Level 3 assessment, including case studies, extended responses and practical observation of advanced skills. Final activities include Q&A, feedback and certification. The assessment reflects the applied nature of the Advanced HV Battery Assembly and Gigafactory Operations training.

Other modules available:

Process Control and Automation - Introduces the high-tech aspects of modern battery production, preparing technicians to work with automated lines and data-driven insights.

Advanced Battery Testing and Standards - Delves into the rigorous testing required to validate battery performance and safety under various battery cycle conditions.

Preventative Maintenance and Reliability - Focuses on optimising equipment uptime and reliability, crucial for high-volume manufacturing.

Sustainability, Optimisation - Addresses the environmental and economic imperatives of battery production and end-of-life management.

Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement

Battery Project / Advanced Problem Solving

The modules listed above for this course are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up to date and informed by industry as well as the latest teaching methods. On occasion, we may need to make unexpected changes to modules – if this occurs, we will contact all offer holders as soon as possible.

Key information

What are the entry requirements?

No formal entry requirements will be required.

How will this course be taught?

This programme is delivered through a blended learning model, combining flexible online study with hands-on, practical training. Learners will complete a set number of pre-learning hours through our interactive e-learning platform, which can be accessed at home or within the workplace. This ensures students build a strong theoretical foundation before applying their skills in a real-world training environment. We have a timetable for one full day on the first day of your course (usually a Monday) to complete this training.

Following the e-learning component, students will attend four full days (usually Tuesday - Friday) of immersive, practical training at our James Cond campus. Specific dates will be confirmed closer to the start of the programme. For larger employer groups, training dates can be tailored to business needs, providing a flexible and scalable learning solution that minimises disruption while ensuring workforce readiness.

Will I have any coursework/exams?

Portfolio of evidence throughout the course – manual and digital records

Multiple-choice quizzes and formal tests

Practical activities and group review

Individual observations and feedback

Group Q&A sessions

When is the course running?

Our next available course dates will be during November 2025.

If you would like to know exact start dates email batteryproject@ucb.ac.uk to find out more.

What do I need to do to prepare?

To prepare for the programme, learners must complete a set number of pre-learning hours through our interactive e-learning platform, which can be accessed at home or within the workplace. This ensures students build a strong theoretical foundation before attending the practical training sessions at our James Cond campus.

We have incorporated this training into the first day of your programme.

What is the fee for this programme, and how do I pay?

Costings for the programme are as follows:

Foundation and Advanced: £2,500

We offer discounts for large group bookings from industrial partners, please contact us directly to discuss tailored pricing options.

Updates on funded opportunities, including government or industry-supported schemes, will be listed here as they become available. 

Payment will be organised once you have enrolled on the course.

Email batteryproject@ucb.ac.uk to find out more. 

How can I find more information?

For any enquiries, please contact batteryproject@ucb.ac.uk for any further information.

Teaching and assessment

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Learning and Teaching Strategy 2025-2030.

Future support and progression

After completing the Advanced HV Battery Assembly programme, you may want to pursue a degree in Construction Management BSc (Hons), Construction Management Higher National Certificate,  Engineering Higher National Certificate or Electromechanical Engineering BEng.

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