• NextStar Energy collaborates with WindsorEssex to create curriculum for Battery Boost Program that develops skilled workforce for EV battery manufacturing.
• Battery Boost program trains workers in skills necessary for careers in EV battery manufacturing with VR training and industry partnerships.

As the global EV market grows, so too does the demand for high-quality batteries. As a result, NextStar Energy was created as a joint venture between LG Energy Solution and Stellantis. Based in Windsor, Canada, NextStar Energy is Canada’s first EV battery manufacturing plant and will accelerate innovation in the North American EV industry. As the company scales up operations, its commitment to Canada has resulted in local job creation and skilled workforce development through dedicated training programs.

As part of these efforts, on December 11, 2024, Invest WindsorEssex¹ announced funding exceeding USD 3.8 million to establish the ‘Battery Boost: Technical Training for Battery Manufacturing Careers’ program (hereafter referred to as ‘Battery Boost’). Supported by Upskill Canada² and powered by Palette Skills³ with funding from the Government of Canada, the first phase of these regional partnership agreements leverages an industry-driven approach to assist Canadian workers. The program’s tailored curriculum will be developed together with NextStar Energy, providing valuable proprietary insights into the battery manufacturing process.

The Battery Boost program is a groundbreaking training initiative designed to equip individuals with the skills needed for a career in battery manufacturing. It aims to attract workers who have been laid off or are looking to switch careers, offering the opportunity to pursue a profession in the expanding battery manufacturing sector. By utilizing Virtual Reality (VR) and cutting-edge training simulators, participants receive practical, hands-on experience that translates directly to real-world success in the workforce.

NextStar Energy’s participation, as Canada’s first EV battery manufacturer, ensures that the program provides essential skills and knowledge needed for careers in the battery manufacturing field. With NextStar Energy’s cutting-edge methods and extensive industry expertise, the curriculum is closely aligned with the practical demands of technician roles.

The program is set to run from February 2025 to March 2026 at the Invest WindsorEssex Automobility and Innovation Centre and aims to train over 400 participants. As a program partner, Virtualware will deliver immersive VR training in a newly designed custom VR room using its award-winning VIROO platform for hands-on learning.

Selected participants will receive paid training specifically designed for roles in the Windsor-Essex battery manufacturing industry. Participants will gain the skills needed for roles such as product and process technicians, and those who complete the program successfully will be eligible for positions at NextStar Energy. Even if participants do not complete the training, they will still receive additional upskilling opportunities and job placement support within the Windsor-Essex EV supply chain.

“NextStar Energy thrives on local talent. As we continue to expand, we look forward to partnering with Invest WindsorEssex on initiatives like the Battery Boost program, which will help prepare our workforce for emerging opportunities in the fast-growing EV battery manufacturing industry,” said Ed Novacco, Director of HR at NextStar Energy.

“The investment we made in the NextStar Energy battery plant is the most significant one our community has ever seen. Now, we’re focused on making a historic investment in training to ensure that workers of all backgrounds have the chance to work in Canada’s first-ever battery plant. This is a game changer for workers and families hoping to build their future in Windsor-Essex,” said Irek Kusmierczyk, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion and Member of Parliament for Windsor–Tecumseh.

Individuals eager to take advantage of the exciting opportunities provided by the Battery Boost program are encouraged to visit webatteryboost.com for more information and resources. Once selected, participants will be grouped into cohorts for training, offering a collaborative and structured learning environment to prepare them for roles in the Windsor-Essex battery manufacturing sector.

[1] Invest WindsorEssex is the leading economic development agency in the Windsor-Essex region. The focus of the organization is to develop and execute strategies to retain, expand, attract, and start up new businesses in Windsor-Essex. Invest WindsorEssex is led by a board of distinguished community leaders.

[2] Upskill Canada 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.

[3] Funded by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), Palette Upskills subsidizes training costs for laid-off workers or those seeking a career shift to help them transition into new career paths.

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