WINDSOR-ESSEX, ONT. (Dec. 11, 2024) – Today, Invest WindsorEssex is announcing over $3.8 million in funding to launch the Battery Boost: Technical Training for Battery Manufacturing Careers program. This regional program is funded through Upskill Canada, powered by Palette Skills with funding from the Government of Canada, and is part of the first wave of partnership agreements that are taking an industry-oriented approach to supporting Canadian workers.
The Battery Boost program is an innovative technical training initiative designed to equip individuals with skills for battery manufacturing careers. Targeting laid-off workers or those seeking a career shift, this program provides an opportunity to transition into the growing battery manufacturing industry. Through the use of Virtual Reality (VR) and advanced training simulators, participants gain hands-on, practical experience to ensure job-readiness.
The program will run from February 2025 to March 2026 and will provide training to over 400 participants. Training will take place at the Invest WindsorEssex Automobility and Innovation Centre. The specialized curriculum with be created in collaboration with NextStar Energy who will leverage proprietary information essential to the battery manufacturing process. Program partner, Virtualware will develop and deliver immersive VR training modules in a new custom VR room designed for hands-on-training, all powered by their award-winning enterprise XR platform VIROO.
Participants who successfully complete the program will be eligible to move into specific roles at NextStar Energy. Those who are selected for the program but do not successfully complete the training will still be provided with additional upskilling opportunities and job placement assistance within the Windsor-Essex EV supply chain.
Individuals interested in taking advantage of the excellent opportunities offered by the Battery Boost program, or who are interested in submitting an application, are encouraged to visit webatteryboost.com for detailed information and resources.
Quotes
“Upskilling ensures we bridge the skills gap, training top talent for the jobs of tomorrow. The growing importance of the EV sector in Ontario is undeniable, and that means high demand for workers with the skills the industry needs most. Our partnership with Invest WindsorEssex will help workers, providing safe, practical, hands-on training to succeed in this growing sector now, and into the future.”
– Rhonda Barnet, CEO of Palette Skills, which was chosen by ISED to run the Upskill Canada initiative
“Our government has attracted significant, historic manufacturing investments announcements for electric vehicles, batteries, and hybrids. Through the Upskilling for Industry Initiative, Palette Skills is providing a new training initiative to equip more Canadian workers with the skills they need for battery manufacturing careers. This is an important step to support our domestic electric vehicle and battery supply chains.”
– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
“In the Next Star Energy battery plant we delivered the single most important investment in the history of our community, and now our focus turns to delivering a historic training investment that will help make sure local workers of all ages and all backgrounds get their shot at working in Canada’s first ever battery plant. This is a gamechanger for workers and families looking to build their future here in Windsor-Essex.”
– Irek Kusmierczyk, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion and Member of Parliament for Windsor–Tecumseh
“The Battery Boost program exemplifies the transformative potential of collaboration and innovation in workforce development. By combining cutting-edge VR training technology with tailored industry expertise, we are equipping Windsor-Essex workers with the skills they need to thrive in the growing battery manufacturing sector. This initiative not only empowers individuals with meaningful career opportunities but also strengthens our region’s position as a leader in the electrification revolution. Thank you to our partners at Upskill Canada, Palette Skills and the Government of Canada for providing the resources to help strengthen and grow the Windsor-Essex workforce.”
– Joe Goncalves, Interim CEO and Vice President Investment Attraction & Strategic Initiatives, Invest WindsorEssex
“NextStar Energy is powered by local talent. As we continue to grow, we’re excited to collaborate with Invest WindsorEssex to launch initiatives like the Battery Boost program, which will help prepare our workforce for new opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of EV battery manufacturing.”
– Ed Novacco, Director of HR, NextStar Energy
“Embracing Virtual Reality as a standard infrastructure for training is not just a leap into the future; it’s a critical investment in our workforce’s ability to adapt and excel in the evolving landscape of electric vehicle manufacturing. By integrating VR into upskilling programs, we ensure that our teams are equipped with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of new technologies efficiently and effectively. This commitment to innovation by Virtualware and its partners not only enhances productivity, allowing the training of workers in safe virtual environments before facilities are operational, but also empowers our Canadian workforce to lead the charge in sustainable transportation solutions globally”
– Michael Rosas, VP General Manager at Virtualware
ABOUT UPSKILL CANADA
Rehausser vos Compétences is a national talent platform that helps fast-growing companies access the talent they need to compete and succeed globally while creating new career pathways for workers to rapidly transition into high-demand roles. Upskill Canada will target all regions of the country and support Canadian-based employers, with a particular focus on small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It will focus on strengthening key growth sectors, including digital technology, cybersecurity, agricultural technology, advanced manufacturing, clean technology and biomanufacturing.
To learn more, visit paletteskills.org
ABOUT INVEST WINDSORESSEX
Invest WindsorEssex is the lead economic development agency for the Windsor-Essex region. The focus of the organization is to develop and execute strategies to retain, expand, attract and help new businesses start-up in Windsor-Essex. Invest WindsorEssex is led by a board of distinguished community leaders. A team of professional staff will assist you with all your location and investment decisions by working one-on-one with businesses, to facilitate the process of starting, growing or locating in Windsor-Essex. investwindsoressex.com
