Investment In Skills For EV And Battery Technology

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and leaders from the North East Combined Authority are set to approve a huge skills investment aimed at developing a new generation of skilled workers in electric vehicle (EV) and battery technology.

MADE NE (Manufacturing, Automation, Digitalisation, Electrification North East), spearheaded by Nissan in collaboration with automotive sector partners, will establish world-class training facilities across two locations within the International Advanced Manufacturing Strategic Site (IAMSS) in Sunderland.

This £14.6 million initiative, for which a report to the Mayor and Cabinet suggests a £9.7 million investment from the Combined Authority, will offer open-access facilities for industry-specific skills training in the region’s advanced manufacturing sector, focusing on EV and battery technology.

The program will include skills development ranging from primary education to apprenticeships and in-work training. Additionally, the centre aims to support targeted industrial innovation projects through funding and equipment.

The proposal will be reviewed by the North East Combined Authority Cabinet on Tuesday, 30 July. MADE NE represents the first project within the region’s Investment Zone, a £160 million, 10-year initiative projected to create over 4,000 jobs and attract £3 billion in private sector investment.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “In my manifesto I promised to back our world-leading automotive industry. Now we are delivering. This investment will unlock a generation of skilled workers and create opportunities for local people and businesses.

“It cements our reputation as a global success story in advanced manufacturing and shows how we can lead the industries of the future. The investment shows how we can make the North East the home of real opportunity by backing local workers and businesses – so our area has good, well-paid, high-skilled jobs and training on the doorstep.“

Adam Pennick, Vice President, Manufacturing, at Nissan Sunderland Plant, said: “To build the cars of the future, you need the skills of the future. This fantastic new facility will help find the talent, nurture the technical skills and drive the spirit of innovation that will power advanced automotive manufacturing in the UK. 

“Nissan Sunderland is proud of its track record on skills development and we know that to deliver our EV36Zero vision we need to do more. 

“That’s why we are excited to be leading this collaborative long-term project to take skills development to the next level, for the benefit of the North East of England.”    

Cllr Michael Mordey, Cabinet member for Finance and Investment and Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “We are proud that Sunderland is the beating heart of the most important economic motor this region has, and that – in securing this investment – we can continue to drive its success with talented, highly-skilled people, trained in the city and able to contribute to the success of this whole region.  And indeed to ensure that the supply chain is developed with the availability of a world-class workforce. 

“Our location – at the heart of the region – means that we are well-positioned to support people right across the North East to access world-class training that will enable them to take up green jobs, as we transition to electrification.  It cements our position on a global stage – an internationally competitive, ambitious city that is leading the way in the race to a more sustainable future, at the heart of a region that can play a huge part in the success of UK Plc.”