Successful participants in the Battery Boost program may be eligible for employment at the NextStar battery manufacturing plant in Windsor

Windsor is investing $3.8-million from Upskill Canada to launch a new battery program to feed talent hungry, local employers.

Invest WindsorEssex is now accepting applications for Battery Boost: Technical Training for Battery Manufacturing Careers. The program will train over 400 applicants between February 2025 and March 2026 at the Automobility and Innovation Centre.

“The specialized curriculum will be created in collaboration with NextStar Energy who will leverage proprietary information essential to the battery manufacturing process,” reads the program announcement.

“Program partner, Virtualware will develop and deliver immersive VR training modules in a new custom VR room designed for hands-on-training.”

NextStar Energy is a joint venture company between Stellantis and LG Energy Solution, established in 2022.

It is in the end stages of building a $5 billion factory in Windsor that will manufacture EV battery cells. Last month the factory began assembling battery modules — the first phase of its operational plans.

It expects to start producing battery cells by July 2025.

Creating a talent pipeline

NextStar is anticipating being a major employer in the Windsor-Essex region with at least 2,500 manufacturing jobs. So far, around 400 positions are filled, but many more specialty workers will be needed — and soon.

Enter the Battery Boost program.

“This initiative not only empowers individuals with meaningful career opportunities but also strengthens our region’s position as a leader in the electrification revolution,” says Joe Goncalves, interim CEO and vice president of Investment Attraction & Strategic Initiatives for Invest WindsorEssex.

“[W]e are equipping Windsor-Essex workers with the skills they need to thrive in the growing battery manufacturing sector.”

The Battery Boost program will train a maximum of 550 participants. It is specifically targeting laid off workers or those seeking a career change.

Participants will receive hourly wages during their training. Eligibility criteria includes three years previous working experience, approval to work in Canada and a proficiency in English.

Participants who successfully complete the training may be eligible for specific roles at NextStar’s plant. Those that do not complete the training “will still be provided with additional upskilling opportunities and job placement assistance within the Windsor-Essex EV supply chain.”

Simulating real world conditions

The Battery Boost program combines NextStar’s proprietary information about battery manufacturing with virtual reality training systems.

This will allow program participants to gain practical experience in battery manufacturing even if they aren’t stepping into a factory. Job training the program specifically targets includes product and process technicians.

“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,” says Michael Rosas, vice president and general manager at Virtualware.

“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. 

Applications to the Battery Boost program are now open. Successful candidates will be contacted in mid-January.