Accelerating the supply of skills to the battery industry

A new battery industry is emerging in western Sweden. And it is moving at breakneck speed, not least when it comes to the technology itself. But this is giving rise to needs for new skills. A new training centre will be an important piece in solving the skills puzzle.

The automotive sector in western Sweden is undergoing a major transition to electrification and digitalisation with new products and new production methods. Meanwhile, new large-scale battery production plants are being built in Gothenburg and nearby in Mariestad. This will be a new industry with high automation. Production methods for cell manufacturing and battery assembly are opening up new business opportunities and a new job market.

But it also entails a challenge for the supply of skills. The education system must plan and prepare for new educational content at all levels from high schools to universities. And companies need to invest in the skills development of their employees.

Establishing a unique battery training centre

One of the biggest efforts being made in Gothenburg to meet the skills transition is a new training centre for the battery value chain. Together with existing learning environments, it will offer a comprehensive solution for skills supply linked to new production methods in the battery and automotive industry. It will involve both practical and theoretical training, and range from basic skills training to advanced programmes in industrial technology.

The centre will be located at Lindholmen in Gothenburg. It is designed for students and people who are working in the industry. It will also enable a broader collaboration for the entire value chain based on the battery life cycle.

“The centre will be unique in Europe’s battery ecosystem, partly because it will be open to everyone, but also because of the various training opportunities that will be offered, including in a simulated work environment,” says Anna-Lena Johansson, business strategist specialising in skills supply and competence at Business Region Göteborg.

Strengthening Sweden’s electromobility ecosystem

The first companies involved are Novo Energy, the Volvo Group and Volvo Cars, who will use the centre to train their employees. More companies are welcome.

Between 2024 and 2029, at least 7,000 people will be trained. It’s estimated that around 40% of the people will be already employed, while the remaining 60% will be students at various levels within the education system.

“Our region is very strong in automotive and electromobility. To maintain this position, we must constantly be at the forefront. The establishment of the two battery gigafactories and the new training centre, as well as the new mobility destination in Torslanda will further strengthen our position,” says Joel Görsch, investment advisor for mobility and the battery value chain at Business Region Göteborg.

Facts on the new battery training centre

It will start operating during the fourth quarter of 2024
It is financed by the City of Gothenburg and Region Västra Götaland.
It will be run by the Gothenburg Technical College (Göteborgs Tekniska college)
It is one of 12 collaborative initiatives that public actors in Gothenburg and the Västra Götaland County have in place to support the supply of skills within the battery value chain.

Did you know...

Novo Energy’s gigafactory factory in Gothenburg and the Volvo Group’s gigafactory in Mariestad will employ around 6,000 people in the region when fully operational.
20% of Sweden’s manufacturing workforce is in Gothenburg’s county, Västra Götaland. This is significantly more than any other county in Sweden.
Volvo Cars and the Volvo Group, both headquartered in Gothenburg, are Sweden’s two largest companies by turnover.
Companies invest more in R&D in Gothenburg’s county than anywhere else in Sweden.
Gothenburg has the highest concentration of natural scientists and engineers among Sweden's metropolitan regions.
Gothenburg has excellent infrastructure for attracting and retaining key skills and talent: International House Gothenburg and Move to Gothenburg

Read more

Contact us

Want to learn more about investment opportunities in Gothenburg’s battery industry? Contact Joel Görsch (details below).
Want to learn more about the new battery training centre and how the region is supporting the supply of skills to the battery industry? Contact Anna-Lena Johansson.